GLE [Spyshots] 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

[Levi68]

What is the MLC? X6 rival? Will it have 4 seats? ML interior or rather something like S Class?

 

[Wolfgang]

^ Suspect the ML Coupe seats four, and might move in the direction of the GL Coupe?


The GL-Class Coupe (C 166??) is scheduled to arrive sometime in 2016 and it will display a sporty attitude and a more dramatic styling than the normal X 166 model. We think this model will be intended as an S-Class SUV, so expect a luxury atmosphere inside, garnished with tones of technology, refined trimming materials and state-of-the-art equipments to ensure the maximum level of comfort.

http://mercedes-benz-blog.blogspot.com/2013/07/report-mercedes-benz-mulling-future-gl.html

 

[Sovereign]

Mercedes-Benz confirms BMW X6 competitor - report

To be based on the ML

Two sources within Mercedes-Benz have told Car & Driver a BMW X6 competitor is in the works.

Ever since 2011 we have been hearing rumors about an X6 rival called MLC coming from Mercedes-Benz and now two high-level execs said such a model has been green-lighted for production. It will ride on the ML-Class platform and will be available with an array of six- and eight-cylinder gasoline engines for the U.S. market, while Europe will probably get some diesels as well. As you would imagine, there will also be a range-topping AMG version.

The reasoning behind this decision is to meet an "ample demand", according to one of the sources cited by C&D. In addition, the engineering costs will be low since it will be essentially a ML with a different body style, and as a result the profit margins will be high.
Note: Render not official


Source: blog.caranddriver.com via http://www.worldcarfans.com/113100864009/mercedes-benz-confirms-bmw-x6-competitor---report

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I hope it looks "special". I would hate to just see an M-class with half of it's back side cut off.

 

[Wolfgang]

https://www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzMLC

 

[DjordjeC63]

LOL

 

[Merc1]

It can't look like that, the next X6 will eat it alive. This is Mercedes' chance to make something bold and off the charts. This vehicle can look like a concept car and shame the ML because it will be too compromised to sell in big enough number to threaten the ML, but it would still be a hot item.

M

 

[Wolfgang]

The latest from Jalopnik.

Turns Out No One Wants A Crossover Coupe Anymore
How big is the market for a jacked-up car-based that has a steeper, less practical shape? Not very, apparently.

Sales of what Automotive News and others call "crossover coupes" have fallen off of a cliff. These are models such as the unfortunate looking BMW X6, hideous Honda Crosstour and completely unsellable Acura ZDX, among others. Part of the problem might be looks of these hatchbacks with massive tires and cladding. The other problems might come from the fact few can see the purpose of these crossovers over things that really look like SUVs.

http://jalopnik.com/turns-out-no-one-wants-a-crossover-coupe-anymore-1441985970

 

[Amat46]

Relax people it's just a sketch by some artist. S,GLA, S coupe to an extend CLA and of course A, what else do you need to restore faith in MB designs.

 

[EnI]

The latest from Jalopnik.


Turns Out No One Wants A Crossover Coupe Anymore
How big is the market for a jacked-up car-based that has a steeper, less practical shape? Not very, apparently.

Sales of what Automotive News and others call "crossover coupes" have fallen off of a cliff. These are models such as the unfortunate looking BMW X6, hideous Honda Crosstour and completely unsellable Acura ZDX, among others. Part of the problem might be looks of these hatchbacks with massive tires and cladding. The other problems might come from the fact few can see the purpose of these crossovers over things that really look like SUVs.

http://jalopnik.com/turns-out-no-one-wants-a-crossover-coupe-anymore-1441985970

Very superficial & very US-centric article. It's not a secret in US status is obviously shown via large sedans, large SUVs or via supercars. While in many place around the globe exotic Chimeras like X6 SAC (with proper premium badge on the nose; Acura who?) are primarily a status symbol - and therefore hot sellers. Just like eg. 5er GT is - especially in China.

While the US public opinion is very hostile towards such crossovers - calling them a fail, pointless, useless etc - nobody is seeing what's happening with a roadster market. Not only in US but also elsewhere. Roadsters are about to extinct if the declining sales trend continues. Since they aren't cheap spin-offs of core mass models (like SUVs or sedans) but specially developed & design - therefore being expensive to develop & not really profitable compared to crossovers.

This Zac dude is another so-called "journalist" with insight & comprehension capability of a gold fish. This article of his is not even worth of reading.

 

[Merc1]

nobody is seeing what's happening with a roadster market. Not only in US but also elsewhere. Roadsters are about to extinct if the declining sales trend continues. Since they aren't cheap spin-offs of core mass models (like SUVs or sedans) but specially developed & design - therefore being expensive to develop & not really profitable compared to crossovers.

Not true, there are articles on that too. I have said this numerous times. Nobody is buying them, at least not like they used to.

Why write about the global market when cars like the Acura aren't even sold anywhere else?

M

 

[Amat46]

^^Not atleast in Europe and Asia where crossovers are a massive hit

 

[Merc1]

"Crossovers" are a massive hit in the U.S. It is these coupe like models that are a flop. Difference.

M

 

[Wolfgang]

Agree. Here's a hit and a flop.

 

[Amat46]

It also about how you design it and what goes underneath.

 

[EnI]

RX is not a crossover, it's an SAV. At least from European point of view. And even within crossovers there are mainstream ones (like eg. Nissan Qashqai or Juke), and there are niche ones like eg. BMW GTs etc.

That Honda / Acura thing is a joke, btw.

Btw, I guess American have troubles with the concept of big impractical cars - since the expect from big cars to be utterly practical. So making a big car not practical seem a non-sense to them. But then again what are big coupes, cabrios & roadster good for? Yes, for showing-off. For image. And for communicating status. And that's why in some other markets some sorts of other big impractical cars (like SACs etc) have exactly the same role as big coupes, cabrios & roadsters in US. It's a cultural issue, I guess.

 

[SCOTT27]

BMW X6 has sold three times over its initial projections. Nearly every second X6 heads to China. The largest markets for BMW X6M over any other M car are China , Russia , Brazil and the Middle East. The US is actually the fifth largest market for BMW X6 but it remains a high profit vehicle likewise the next generation BMW X6. But with X6 BMW have also identified a market for even an X8, so the potential is there and could be developed from the forthcoming luxury X7 model including high luxury exclusive V12 model.

Crossovers have almost decimated typical segments in Europe that it is no surprise that mainstream manufacturers are turning their attention to them now.

 

[Merc1]

RX is not a crossover, it's an SAV. At least from European point of view. And even within crossovers there are mainstream ones (like eg. Nissan Qashqai or Juke), and there are niche ones like eg. BMW GTs etc.

What? What is the difference between a SUV and a SAV and a Crossover? Due tell.

M

 

[Wolfgang]

Some X6 stats from wiki. As expected only few remain in the USA. Will the M-Class Coupe be more popular in the US?
Suspect it may not, as MB already offers more alternatives at the top of the range, like GL and G.

BMW had planned to build 40,000 X6s a year for global demand, with the United States being the volume leader. Last year, BMW sold 6,749 units in the United States. http://www.autonews.com/article/20131007/OEM03/310079955/sporty-crossover-coupes:-a-niche-going-nowhere#ixzz2hASRlJAW

 

[EnI]

So, BMW production & sales plans regarding X6 were met (or even exceeded) - yet not in the point that US market would be the biggest market for X6.

What? What is the difference between a SUV and a SAV and a Crossover? Due tell.

SAV itself is a crossover - an SUV with wagon/van elements.

Today most of "SUVs" are actually SAVs. Crossover is a hybrid between two or more conventional established shapes (SAV now being one of them). Eg.: SAV + van; SAV + coupe; coupe + sedan; coupe + wagon; sedan + SAV/wagon + coupe; SAV + cabrio; van + cabrio; sports car + SAV; sedan + cabrio etc.