Mercedes-Benz is building an army to do battle with BMW’s ‘X’ division, and it all started with the GLE Coupe.
The swoopy, chunky hodgepodge debuted at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show to face off with the X6, and at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, Mercedes has the X4 in its sights.
The brand’s latest champion is called the Concept GLC Coupe, a “near-production-standard study” that closely previews an upcomingt road-going version.
Like the larger GLE, the GLC flaunts coupe-ish SUV styling in a more compact package, highlighted by its twin-blade radiator grille, 21-inch wheels, striking LED headlamps, and distinct four-pipe exhaust system.
The vehicle is based on the upcoming GLC-Class, which will replace the GLK moniker to strengthen ties with the C-Class. The regular, non-coupe GLC is rumored to debut in June.
“With its modern and sensual design idiom, the Concept GLC Coupe gives a foretaste of future SUV models from Mercedes-Benz,” said Gorden Wagener, the Head of Design at Daimler AG. “At the same time, it embraces the typical values of tradition-steeped Mercedes-Benz coupes.”
Under its ‘powerdome’ hood, the Concept equips a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 sourced from AMG Sport that produces 367 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Though Mercedes didn’t mention it in its press release, a full-fledged AMG version is expected to show up down the road with a 4.0-liter biturbo V8. The GLC’s engine is mated to a ‘9G-TRONIC’ nine-speed auto and also features 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
The Shanghai Auto Show runs from April 22nd to the 29th, with press days commencing April 20th.
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