Mercedes Benz working on X6 competitor

[LeMansX5]

From Autocar:
Merc 'CLS' SUV aims at X6

Mercedes-Benz is set to extend its line-up of dedicated SUVs with a new BMW X6-rivalling model called the GLS, according to highly placed sources at the German car maker.

Scheduled for launch in 2014, the new four-seater has been conceived around the same new unibody platform that underpins the third-generation M-class and the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee.

“After closely monitoring sales trends, we’ve concluded there is potential for an additional off-road model with a more sporting emphasis than the new M-class,” an insider revealed last week.

Part of a new wave of models due in the next five years, the GLS will forgo the practicality of the five-seat M-class for a more sporting four-seat interior, with a racier roofline and styling cues from the CLS saloon.

The obvious competitor is the BMW X6, which has been a surprise success with 120,000 sold worldwide since 2009, but it will also face competition in the shape of a new Audi Q6, planned for 2016. And a new Range Rover Sport will be on sale in 2013.

Further details are scarce, but powertrains should include turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 and 4.6 V8 petrols, plus a 3.0 V6 diesel.

Also planned is a diesel-electric hybrid that will share components with an E300 Hybrid that is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt show in September.

Crowning the new line-up will be a BMW X6 M-rivalling model from AMG with a turbocharged 5.5-litre V8.

Assembly will be alongside the M-class at the company’s North American factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

[X5Sport]

Odd how everyone laughed at BMW for producing the X6 saying it would never sell, yet now the sales are starting to rack up they all want a slice of the action. First Audi, now Mercedes. Methinks there may be other 'X6' clones to come yet...

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by X5Sport

Odd how everyone laughed at BMW for producing the X6 saying it would never sell, yet now the sales are starting to rack up they all want a slice of the action. First Audi, now Mercedes. Methinks there may be other 'X6' clones to come yet...

Exactly!
Range Rover is also working on something.

[aimtimes100]

Originally Posted by X5Sport

Odd how everyone laughed at BMW for producing the X6 saying it would never sell, yet now the sales are starting to rack up they all want a slice of the action. First Audi, now Mercedes. Methinks there may be other 'X6' clones to come yet...

has the X6 really been selling?and didnt acuraz ZDX come out before the X6(in the u.s.).as for mercedes does this disaster plan to be finished before or after mercedes teams up with infiniti?

[LeMansX5]

Mercedes plans BMW X6 rival - Autocar.co.uk

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/merc...ant-82781.html

[LeMansX5]

Official pic from MB USA factory.

[LeMansX5]

What It Is: A redesigned ML with a very low roofline and a few design cues from the CLS. It will have a big rear hatch and folding back seats. The MLC’s low greenhouse corresponds to the body’s diminished ground clearance.

Why It Matters: Following the unexpected global success of the BMW X6, Mercedes would like to profit from the trend toward “SUV coupes” in Asia, the Middle East, and North America. It’s an expression of  Dieter Zetsche’s desire to make the brand cooler.

Platform: Based on the new ML’s, but about 200 pounds lighter. It will get the ML’s suspension with the next-gen GL’s air springs. An off-road package will not be available.

Powertrain: The MLC will offer a choice of two engines: a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 making roughly 335 horsepower and a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 518 horses (550 with the AMG Performance package). We doubt there’ll be a diesel engine, as the MLC will have limited appeal in Europe.

Competition: BMW X6, Infiniti FX.

What Might Go Wrong: Because of growing competition in the SUV-coupe arena, Mercedes might not sell as many MLCs as expected: The segment’s only good for about 60,000 cars worldwide right now. If China comes up with new regulations against monster SUVs for megacities, sales would crumble there.

Estimated Arrival and Price: Summer 2014. Prices should be about $6000 higher than an equivalent ML.

Source

[alistairg]

...and don't forget that Acura horror!

[LeMansX5]

According to a report by Auto Bild in Germany, Mercedes-Benz has seen this segment of vehicle is a popular choice for buyers, with successful sales being reported of the BMW X6 and high sales expected of the new Range Rover Evoque.

As far as we know, the Mercedes-Benz MLC will be based on the M-Class four-wheel drive, although the style is said to take on more of an elegant coupe-like form, showcasing design trends seen on the new CLS.

If the MLC-Class does eventually hit the showrooms – predicted to take place some time in 2013/2014 – it is likely to be powered by the same petrol and diesel engine options available on the M-Class. Trim levels would also be shared, as well as a possible AMG version later down the track.

[Packdaddy]

Agree with you too! Had some friends comment, 'it's only got 4 seats!"....
If I wanted a people hauler, I would have kept my Escalade!