An SUV That Combines Luxury and Beauty

The Mercedes-Benz "Concept Coupe SUV" mixes the elegant form of a coupe with the performance of an SUV. This is also a declaration of war against its rival, the BMW "X6." Alternatively, it is likely eyeing the Porsche "Cayenne" as a rival, a model that has achieved success worldwide, particularly in North America, as a sporty SUV.



From the SUV category and the three-dimensional design of the front grille and headlights, one might get an impression similar to the "GLA-Class", but the "Concept Coupe SUV" has a length of 4,935mm, a width of 2,044mm, and a height of 1,739mm, approaching the length of the "S-Class Coupe". When viewed with the keyword "coupe," the design of the front grille is indeed one that would be convincing if said to be inherited from the S-Class Coupe.

While it has a powerful and imposing stance with 22-inch wheels, the rear reveals a flowing form that truly evokes a coupe. The complex surface treatment on the body sides is a characteristic element of recent Mercedes-Benz designs, and the flashy decorations, such as the chrome-plated front grille and side steps, which are abundant as befits a concept car, effectively express the model's sportiness.

Coupe Styling Based on the M-Class

The base is the Mercedes-Benz mid-size SUV, the "M-Class", as indicated by its 2,916mm (domestic specification) wheelbase. The method of giving it a coupe-like body to create a sporty SUV is the same as the relationship between BMW's "X5" and "X6."

The rear window is steeply raked, and the rear gate has a large body area to match the level of the side windows. It is also equipped with a fixed rear spoiler. Although the interior is not disclosed and cannot be confirmed, it is difficult to say that rear visibility is secured in its current state. Therefore, it may be best to consider this as a design study with show-specific embellishments.



As mentioned earlier, the interior was not disclosed at the auto show, but according to official materials, the cabin is a four-seater, and the door windows are frameless, meaning that when the window glass is lowered, the doors open up to create a sense of spaciousness, like a coupe. This is likely a strategy to gradually reveal more details as the production model approaches.

Targeting Those Seeking a Stylish and Practical Model

The engine mounted in the Concept Coupe SUV is a 3-liter V6 twin-turbo, a new engine based on the downsizing concept, producing a maximum output of 245kW (333ps) and a maximum torque of 480Nm (48.9kgm). This is a next-generation power unit that is said to be sequentially installed in the "SL-Class", and it is combined with a new 9-speed AT equipped with an ECO start/stop function. While it is rear-wheel drive in the SL-Class, this concept coupe SUV naturally drives all four wheels.

The suspension features a double-wishbone front and four-link rear, inherited from the M-Class base. In addition, it is equipped with a new air suspension system featuring an active curve system and selective damping system. The wheels have a five-spoke design emphasizing strength and are 22 inches in size, as already mentioned. The front has a rim width of 10J and the rear 11J, with 305/45R22 tires fitted to each.



Although we cannot say for sure without seeing the undisclosed interior, the Concept Coupe SUV is likely to appeal to urban users who are not satisfied with rugged SUVs. While the concept of merging SUV and coupe styles is not new due to BMW's pioneering efforts, this model is expected to attract attention not only from SUV enthusiasts but also from those seeking a stylish and practical vehicle.

It is rumored that this model will already be sold in Europe and North America under the name "MLC," so Mercedes' future moves are worth watching.