Mercedes-Benz ML Coupe To Take On X6 In 2015

Mercedes-Benz has given the green light to one of its more unusual crossovers, the ML Coupe, a combination of a coupe and an SUV expected to go on sale in 2015. The new model is expected to borrow heavily from the fairly divisive Concept Coupe SUV design, which the company showed off back in April.

Then, Mercedes was coy about production plans for the unusual design hybrid, which combines elements of the ML SUV, the S-Class coupe, and other recent models.

However, given the sales success of crossovers like BMW's X6, itself refreshed back in June after strong demand for the first-generation version, it's hardly surprising that Mercedes-Benz might be looking to wade into the category.

Although not true off-roaders – the concept car, despite its 22-inch wheels, high wheel arches, and air suspension, was more suited to cruising than wading muddy fields – the luxury crossover has nonetheless struck a chord with drivers who like the rugged appearance and higher driving position.

Americans are buying more SUVs, Daimler AG chairman Dieter Zetsche said of the plans, Autoblog reports, as he announced that the new model would be built at its Tuscaloosa, AL plant. The same facility is responsible for producing the latest C-Class sedan.

The path from concept to road car is likely to see some of the more striking elements toned down, though Mercedes isn't sharing any final details. Even the name is subject to change, with Zetsche pointing out that it may not launch as the ML Coupe when it turns up in showrooms next year.

VIA Autoblog