GLE [Spyshots] 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

[HighestOfHigh]

Mercedes-Benz can be seen here in catch-up mode, with the automaker from Stuttgart starting the first public tests of a vehicle to rival the BMW X6 coupe crossover. Audi, too, is in a similar position to Mercedes, though development of its own coupe crossover started almost two years ago.

This may look like an ordinary M Class but underneath the SUV body is likely to be the chassis of Mercedes’ new coupe crossover, which is expected to be called the GLS Class.

The only giveaway that this is a chassis test mule for the GLS are the widened wheel arches at the rear of the vehicle. Of course, there's also the fact that a pair of BMW X6 models can be seen in one of the shots being benchmarked against the Mercedes test mule.

The widened wheel arches suggest that the GLS will have a wider and sportier stance than the M Class with which it will share a platform and engines.

The GLS name, rather than MLC, which was also tipped at one point, is in line with Mercedes’ naming practice to have all its SUV and crossover model names start with the letter g. The GL in GLS also denotes the vehicle’s expected premium positioning.

Production of the new GLS Class will take place at Mercedes’ plant in Alabama in 2015, likely making this a 2016 model. We know that’s when production will start due to a previous teaser image revealing the production start date as well as the vehicle’s silhouette.

The teaser showed what appeared to be a tall-riding vehicle with a coupe-like profile very similar to the designs of the BMW X6 and, to a lesser extent, the soon-to-be discontinued Acura ZDX.

The GLS will be targeted primarily at customers in China and the U.S. and feature the same engine lineup as found in the M Class. An AMG version complete with a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 will also be launched, along with a possible hybrid model.

- Mercedes-Benz’s X6 Rival May Be Called An M-Class Coupe

 

[HighestOfHigh]

First confirmed in October of 2011, the first spy photos of Mercedes-Benz MLC chassis testing mule have made their way on the web and our good friends at GMotors have them. The MLC Chassis mule was spied testing in Europe against a BMW X6. The MLC will use a modified ML platform and if you look a bit closer you can see that the rear axle of the ML mules has been broadened and the rear wheel cases are modified as well. Still in the early stages of development, we will likely not see full body prototypes of the MLC for some time. In order for Mercedes to keep up with the competition from the BMW X6, the Infinity FX and Audi’s reported SUV Coupe dubbed the Q6, the MLC will be a redesigned ML with a coupe styled roofline. When it goes to market, engine options are expected to be very similar to the ML-Class, including the top of the range AMG model, which will use a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 with up to 550bhp. The MLC is expected to arrive sometimes in 2014 and will be produced in Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa plant.

- Spy Photos: Mercedes-Benz MLC Chassis Testing Mule | eMercedesBenz

 

[Merc1]

I keep forgetting about this thing. Not sure if Mercedes needs this, they probably don't. Typical German see, German do going on here. I like MLC better than GLS. GLS sounds like a Hyundai or something really cheap.

M

 

[Wolfgang]

The GLS will be targeted primarily at customers in China and the U.S.

Why for the U.S. where the X6 is not popular?



View attachment a800d87bc07df38f629ec4bdf3cfa37b.jpeg

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Wolf, do we know how the ML and X5 sales compared after the launch of the new model?

 

[Tumbo]

Why for the U.S. where the X6 is not popular?



View attachment a800d87bc07df38f629ec4bdf3cfa37b.jpeg

And where is the Q5?

 

[Ultimate Car Guy]

And where is the Q5?

Read the title of the table.

Cars such as the X3, XC60 and Q5 etc. are recognised under a different category.

 

[K-A]

That hideously lifeless ass RX. I don't know why American's adore that thing so much. Honestly after all this time I don't even recall how it looks, the only one that springs to mind is the first version that came out in the 90's.

Considering how much it sells and how addicted I am to cars, that's pretty telling in terms of its lack of any notable presence or design or "spirit".

 

[Tumbo]

Read the title of the table, Einstein.

Cars such as the X3, XC60 and Q5 etc. are recognised under a different category.

If the Infiniti FX is udner a different category then the Q5, then something is wrong.

 

[Ultimate Car Guy]

Einstein? Exuse me mr Smartass. If the Infiniti FX is udner a different category then the Q5, then something is wrong.

One would:

1. Look at the table heading and read "Midsize Luxury SUVs",
2. Notice that the Q7 is on the list (this would be easy to spot if you were looking for Q5),
3. Would note that the Q5 is of a smaller size, and
4. Would deduce that the Q5 would be under the ..... "Small Size Luxury SUVs" (or words to that effect)

 

[Tumbo]

One would:

1. Look at the table heading and read "Midsize Luxury SUVs",
2. Notice that the Q7 is on the list (this would be easy to spot if you were looking for Q5),
3. Would note that the Q5 is of a smaller size, and
4. Would deduce that the Q5 would be under the ..... "Small Size Luxury SUVs" (or words to that effect)

Still, I looked at the Infiniti FX. And if that car is there, then the Q5, X3 and the XC60 is there. No matter how many points you try to write, it will not justify the fact that the FX does not fit in that list.

 

[Ultimate Car Guy]

Still, I looked at the Infiniti FX. And if that car is there, then the Q5, X3 and the XC60 is there. No matter how many points you try to write, it will not justify the fact that the FX does not fit in that list. Period. Now go and save your Einstein word somewhere else before u piss me off.

Let's look at these figures. It's the length of each the vehicles:

Audi Q5:182.6 in

Infinity FX: 191.3 in
Infinity EX: 182.3 in

One would notice the following:

1. The FX is almost 10 inches longer than the Q5 - which can be considered a full size or segment larger
2. The Q5 is closer in length to the EX - by 0.3 inches

Lets go back to the beginning:

One would:

1. Look at the table heading and read "Midsize Luxury SUVs",
2. Notice that FX is on the list,
3. Would note that the Q5 is of a smaller size (by a significant 10 inches), and
4. Would deduce that the Q5 would be under the ..... "Small Size Luxury SUVs" (or words to that effect)

 

[martinbo]

Yes, naturally the EX is the direct rival to the Q5-X3-XC60 class.

But more importantly guys, please, can't we be civil toward each other? Tumbo asked an innocent question: "...and where is the Q5?"
All that need to be stated are the facts. Please leave your history, contempt or whatever it is out of the response UCG. Einstein is not needed here nor is Mr Smartass.

Sheesh people.

 

[martinbo]

Folks, enough - I've had my say on this.

 

[Wolfgang]

Wolf, do we know how the ML and X5 sales compared after the launch of the new model?

Here are the 2011 numbers. The new M-Class was launched in the summer of 2011. Mind Mercedes restricts the ML sales in the USA, and my dealer for example doesn't have any MLs in stock at present. Although the folks in Alabama have been working 24 hours a day in three shifts. The majority are shipped overseas. I've started to like the RX. ​

View attachment cbc596e58672b0c71080fb422b3a9af2.jpeg

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Here are the 2011 numbers. The new M-Class was launched in the summer of 2011. Mind Mercedes restricts the ML sales in the USA, and my dealer for example doesn't have any MLs in stock at present. Although the folks in Alabama have been working 24 hours a day in three shifts. The majority are shipped overseas. I've started to like the RX. ​

That's REALLY interesting. I doubt any of us were aware that Mercedes actually restricts the sales of the ML in the US. Is it to protect the overall model mix and brand image?

 

[Wolfgang]

MB didn't reveal a reason. It may have to do with higher profitability in some other markets. MBUSA for example estimates the demand for the ML and the GL was about 10,000 units higher last year in the USA than actual sales. Folks shouldn't buy one, unless one really can't live without. One should also consider all the other great choices out there!!!

 

[Merc1]

Wolf, where did you get that from? Why would they restrict one of their most profitable models? Now that you mention it, the 2 dealers I frequent don't have any MLs in stock either and only a handfull of GLs????

M

 

[Wolfgang]

Saw it in the papers a while back, Merc1.


Pent-up demand for its Alabama-built models should help Mercedes-Benz reach another U.S. sales record this year, the German automaker's top U.S. executive told Reuters. Stephen Cannon, president of Mercedes-Benz USA, said other models, including the redesigned S-Class sedan and the new CLA compact four-door coupe, will fuel the projected high.

He added that capacity at the Tuscaloosa County factory constrained last year's sales of the Alabama-built M-Class and GL-Class SUVs. The company set a U.S. sales record anyway, selling more than 274,000 Mercedes brand models during 2012. Sales of the M-Class rose 6 percent over the previous year, while sales of the GL-Class increased 3.6 percent.

"We also could have sold 10,000 more MLs and GLs together had we gotten that extra production... we've got huge pent-up demand for both the ML and GL-Class," Cannon said.

http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2013/01/mercedes-benz_aims_for_new_sal.html

 

[K-A]

Saw it in the papers a while back, Merc1.

You better watch out or he's gonna ask you for a link and a delivery of exact said paper right to his doorstep.

If M-B are short of ML stock, no doubt it must be just supply issues. If it was their choice they'd have an ML at every street corner, MBUSA is far away from "protecting brand image" by way of "controlled exclusivity" at this point, especially on a mass family Truck like an ML.