The BMW X6 belongs to a very niche segment and the vehicle doesn’t have any real competition except the Range Rover Evoque. Now BMW needs to be warned against the new Mercedes Concept Coupe SUV that has just been showcased at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show. The design language of this concept from Mercedes is very similar to the X6 and we won’t be surprised if anyone mistakes the side profile of the Merc for the Bimmer. The styling is a bit quirky when viewed from the front quarter angle but nothing that you can call ugly. The front bumper looks amazingly designed though and even the 22-inch alloys look lip-smacking.
The Mercedes Concept Coupe measures almost 5-metres in length and it is strictly a 4-seater, 4-door coupe. It comes with frameless side windows. Powering the vehicle is a 3.0-litre V6 engine which produces 333 HP of power and 480 Nm of torque, mated to a 9G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with torque converter lock-up. The gearbox features DIRECT SELECT gearshift and ECO Start-Stop. The Concept Coupe SUV gets a permanent all-wheel-drive system with ASR, ESP and 4ETS. There is a double wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link at the rear. This air suspension comes with selective air damping, ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM and active roll stabilisation.
For stopping power, Mercedes has equipped the concept with a ceramic composite braking system with ABS and BAS PLUS PRE-SAFE. The 9-speed transmission comes with a variety of modes to choose from depending on the driving style – COMFORT (for better ride quality), SLIPPERY (while driving through areas where there is less traction), SPORT (when you want to have some fun), SPORT+ (when you want to have some more fun) and INDIVIDUAL (according to the driver’s needs). The production model will be unveiled later in the year with sales commencing next year.
