Skip to main content

Mercedes-Benz previews future BMW X6 rival in Concept Coupe SUV form ahead of Beijing

mercedes benz previews future bmw x6 rival concept coupe suv form ahead beijing motor show
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When BMW began rolling out crossover coupe variants of every one of its SUVs, like the 2015 BMW X4, we knew Mercedes-Benz and Audi would have to respond eventually – as much as it pained us.

And although the hideous, hunchbacked BMW X6 has been cruising the planet for six years without challenge, Mercedes is finally taking a swing at the hulking beast with its forthcoming 2015 MLC model.

mercedes concept suv 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Previewed above in Concept Coupe form, slated to debut at the Beijing Motor Show on April 20th, it’s clear Mercedes designers haven’t disguised their X6-fighting intentions, as, well, the thing looks just like an X6 with an embiggened GLA grille.

Recommended Videos

When the thing goes into production, it’ll be based upon the ML-Class chassis and include much of the same off-roady bits as its full-roofed brother. Just like the ML, the MLC will also be built in Alabama. This means that the majority of sales should come from the U.S. and China.

What do you think of the looks of the new Mercedes Concept Coupe? Tell us in the comments below.

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Tesla and Elon Musk sued over use of AI image at Cybercab event
tesla and spacex CEO elon musk stylized image

Tesla’s recent We, Robot presentation has run into trouble, with one of the production companies behind Blade Runner 2049 suing Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, for alleged copyright infringement.

Tesla used the glitzy October 10 event to unveil its Cybercab and Robovan, and also to showcase the latest version of its Optimus humanoid robot.

Read more
Qualcomm wants to power your next car with the Snapdragon Cockpit and Ride Elite platforms
Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Elite and Ride Elite automotive platforms

It’s been a big year for Qualcomm. Alongside its massive launch into laptop chips through the Snapdragon X Elite series, Qualcomm is now entering the automotive space. The company has announced the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Elite and Snapdragon Ride Elite platforms at its annual Snapdragon Summit, which it flew me out to attend.

The two platforms are designed for different purposes, and can be used togetheror separately. The Snapdragon Cockpit Elite is built for in-vehicle infotainment systems and services, while the Snapdragon Ride Elite is built to power autonomous vehicle systems, including all the cameras and sensors that go into those systems.

Read more
Scout Traveler and Scout Terra forge a new path for EVs
Scout Traveler and Scout Terra.

Electric vehicles are inseparable from newness, whether it’s new tech, new designs, or new companies like Rivian, Lucid, and Tesla. But the Volkswagen Group’s new EV-only brand also relies heavily on the past.

Unveiled Thursday, the Scout Traveler electric SUV and Scout Terra electric pickup truck are modern interpretations of the classic International Harvester Scout. Manufactured from 1961 to 1980, the original Scout helped popularize the idea of the rugged, off-road-capable utility vehicle, setting the stage for modern SUVs.

Read more