Shanghai show: Mercedes sketches GLC Coupe

MERCEDES-BENZ is continuing to follow arch-rival BMW into niche market segments, revealing its intention this week to build a coupe version of its forthcoming GLK-replacing GLC mid-size SUV.

To be unveiled in near-production concept form at the Shanghai motor show on April 20, the new model line will take on the BMW X4 and is the second coupe-style SUV from Mercedes after the X6-rivalling GLE Coupe.

Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche revealed a sketch of the GLC Coupe Concept at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting in Berlin this week, with accompanying material describing the vehicle as “a near-production-standard study which transforms the successful GLE Coupe formula into a more compact segment”.

“The dynamically expressive show car combines typical coupe stylistic features with the sensual and pure design idiom of forthcoming Mercedes SUVs,” the company said.

The production version is expected to launch in Europe late next year or early in 2017.

The more conventional GLC on which it is based is due to arrive in Australia in December this year, marking the first mid-size SUV from Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific given the GLK was only produced in left-hand drive.

The engine line-up for the coupe version is expected to mirror that of the regular wagon, with petrol and diesel units likely to be joined by at least one plug-in hybrid powertrain in due course.

AMG variants are also expected.