Mercedes Concept SUV - more details

Queasy after the Easter chocolate overload? More on Merc's X6 rival won't help you feel any better

Well at least the AMG should be pretty good, right? That's about the only solace that can be gleaned from a PH perspective on the new Mercedes Concept SUV. And you thought the X6 tarnished BMW's line-up; now it's contaminating the Mercedes range with its popularity!

At 2m wide you won't be doing this often

"Sensual as a coupe - visionary as an SUV" is how the Concept Coupe (CC?) is described by Mercedes' Head of Design Gordon Wagener. Well we certainly haven't seen much else like it as an SUV before; 4,935mm long, 2,044mm wide but a relatively low 1,739mm high, Wagener describes it as "having extreme proportions". Indeed, though extreme can be good as well as bad... And how can 22-inch wheels on 305-section tyres be made to look so tiny?

On those extreme proportions sit some fairly familiar Mercedes styling cues. The rear is redolent of the new S-Class coupe in an attempt to quite forcefully ram the coupe aspect of the CC home. But because it must be an SUV too, there is a 'simulated underguard' in polished aluminium. Mmm.

The LED headlights at the front with a single-louvre create a familiar Mercedes face, albeit bigger. A relatively short front overhang could actually be a boon for off-roading. Imagine green-laning in it.

It's the S-Class coupe's ugly sister!

Under the bonnet of the Concept Coupe is Mercedes' 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, allied to its latest 9G-Tronic auto 'box. When it makes production (if is probably a little hopeful), expect the range to include the Bluetec diesels and a hybrid or two. Plus the AMG, of course.

We may scoff at the prospect of another crossover SUV, but Mercedes is confident of the Concept Coupe's future. It talks of how the CLS created a new class of vehicle and found numerous imitators (Audi A7, BMW 6 Series GC) and likes to think this SUV coupe will do the same. Let's see.

Anyway, at least the PH contingent can be relied on for the enthusiasts perspective. "Words fail me. Truly repulsive"was a good response to the first picture, and "I gave it 1/10 because it's not quite as hideous as the Bentley(which made my eyes bleed)" elicited a chuckle. Best comment though? "Yet another butt-ugly and no doubt grossly overpriced piece of automotive tat from M-B" posted by Nick Wilcock. Guess he's not coming to Mercedes-Benz World this weekend for Sunday Service then.