Mercedes-Benz is thinking about splitting its SUV lineup in two categories, one for SUVs that are developed for the road and another for those that target customers who want off-road capability as well – which is the reason one would need an SUV in the first place…
According to a report from AutoNews, Mercedes-Benz will start applying the new philosophy following the launch of the production version of the Concept Coupe SUV that debuted at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this month. The concept shows a rival for the BMW X6 and will be built at Mercedes’ U.S. plant in Alabama starting next year.
“The Concept Coupe SUV previews a four-door, coupe-styled model that will appeal to customers who want a sportily designed vehicle with a high seating position,” said Thomas Weber, the Mercedes-Benz’s R&D head. Mercedes’ X6 rival will signal the debut of a new model line of “on-road” SUVs that could also include a coupe-styled version of the GLA, Weber added.
However, he didn’t say when the production version of the Concept Coupe SUV will be launched. Mercedes-Benz hasn’t announced how the SUV will be named either, but according to previous reports, it could receive the MLC nameplate as a reference to its M-Class underpinnings.
By Dan Mihalascu
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