Report: Mercedes-Benz Debuting SUV Coupe Concept

Mercedes-Benz will show a concept previewing a future SUV coupe model, according to an Automotive News report which says that concept vehicle is headed for the Beijing auto show. This Mercedes-Benz ML-based SUV would seemingly compete with the BMW X6 when the production version debuts sometime in 2015.

We’ve previously reported that a Mercedes-Benz MLC crossover is headed to our shores, citing Mercedes-Benz’s announcement way back in 2011 that it would invest $350 million to produce a fifth model at its Alabama production facility. The plant currently produces ML and GL models, along with the export-only R-Class and the redesigned 2015 C-Class which will be produced in Alabama for the first time starting this year.

This new Mercedes-Benz SUV model is likely to carry swoopier styling than the more conventional ML (pictured), with a racier roofline, sporty styling cues, and, presumably, a much less practical interior. Expect the ML’s range of V-6, V-8, and diesel engines to migrate over to the MLC without much change, with an AMG variant likely to compete with the ridiculous BMW X6 M.

Mercedes-Benz understands that the new model will be important for both the U.S. market and the burgeoning Chinese market, hence the reasoning behind unveiling the SUV coupe concept in Beijing. Look for more news about this Mercedes-Benz SUV concept when it debuts in a few weeks in China.