Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV points to a larger crossover lineup

Unveiled at the Beijing auto show, the Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV indicates that the German automaker is looking to expand its lineup of crossover SUVs with a sporty 4-door designed to rival the similarly conceived BMW X6. The concept blends a 4-door coupe greenhouse similar to that found on its CLS sedan atop an M-sized SUV lower.

Riding on 22-inch wheels, the Concept Coupe SUV rides on a 114.8-inch wheelbase and measures 194.3 inches overall. But its low, flowing roofline gives it an overall height of just 68.5 inches, which is not that tall considering the profile of the tires. 

V6 Power

The concept is powered by a 333-horsepower, twin turbo V6 engine with direct injection mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Output is sent to all four corners of the vehicle via Mercedes’ 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive. The 4Matic system has four drive modes, Comfort, Slippery for inclimate weather, Sport and Sport+. There is also an individual feature that allows the system to be configured to default to a particular mode every time the vehicle is started.

The suspension beneath the Concept Coupe SUV features an independent double wishbone setup in the front and a multi-link independent rear with selective damping, Mercedes’ innovated active curve system that actually leans the vehicles in cornering, as well as active roll stabilization.

Pilot Project for Future SUVs

Like the recently introduced GLA which is designed primarily for on-road use, the Concept Coupe SUV illustrates the possibilities of a full-line of on-road sporty crossovers to complement the off-road-inspired GLK, M, GL and G-Class models.

Described as "sensual as a coupe, visionary as an SUV" by Mercedes design chief Gordon Wagener, the concept sports a grille with a single louver flanked by all LED multibeam headlamps. Traditional Mercedes styling cues like the grille-mounted three-pointed star and twin power domes on the hood are complemented by new elements like the slim band of LED lights that comprise the taillamps, a look introduced recently on the all-new S-Class Coupe. 

"The Concept Coupe SUV stands out thanks to its extreme proportions and in doing so intepresents our hallmark Mercedes coupe design idiom perfectly," observed Wagener. "With its superior sportiness it conveys a sense of modern luxury and aesthetic aspirations of sensual clarity."

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