Mercedes-Benz reveals coupe SUV concept

Not content with revealing either a coupe or an SUV concept, Mercedes-Benz has decided to up the ante by releasing a combination of the two.

The manufacturer has unveiled its muscular, sporty and ‘sensual’ model in a series of new images. Quite how a car can be sensual is up for debate, but the latest concept does exhibit bold smooth lines and an interesting blend of SUV and coupe style.

It is a four-door, all-wheel-drive machine, presented with broad shoulders and flared wheel arches to give it that extra sense of power.

However, it’s not the tallest of models, as the low roof demonstrates the coupe side of the vehicle, extending in one flowing line all the way to the rear of the car.

The tail-end is something else. It seems to have very few defining features. The red rear strip-light and dual-exhaust don’t really offer much in the way of bold styling. Honestly, it appears that Mercedes has run out of ideas when it comes to how to finish the model off.

What is left is a bulbous, unpleasant finish that lacks any real character. They can change this in future designs, right?

The manufacturer claims it takes ‘obvious elements’ from the S-Class Coupe. While this might be true, it just doesn’t look like it fits on a machine of this stature.

“The Concept Coupe SUV stands out thanks to its extreme proportions and in doing so interprets our hallmark Mercedes coupé design idiom perfectly,” Gordon Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz, said.

“With its superior sportiness it conveys a sense of modern luxury and aesthetic aspirations of sensual clarity.”

According to the manufacturer, it has taken cues from other recent “sturdy” vehicles by presenting itself in the “Alu Beam” paint finish. It is supposed to evoke memories of the Silver Arrows the brand delivered in the 1930s and 50s.

Around the front of the car is a sports grille, finished with three-dimensionally designed all-LED multibeam headlamps.

Essentially, it evokes the same styling we are used to seeing on Mercedes-Benz cars, but with a little extra flair and brawn.

Under the bonnet is a V6 engine with four valves per cylinder, direct petrol injection and two turbochargers. It is capable of producing 333 hp at 5,500 rpm and 480 Nm of torque between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm.

This suggests it is definitely an excellent performer, efficiently combining the characteristics of both an SUV and sports coupe.

Of course, it comes equipped with the latest technology too, including 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, the active curve system to enhance roll stabilisation, and anti-lock brakes.

Currently it is set for five distinct transmission modes, known as comfort, slippery, sport, sport+ and individual, with the latter perhaps a customisable setting. However, as this is a concept, these could perhaps change before full production.

There are good and bad features about the latest Mercedes-Benz concept, which is perhaps why it’s difficult to really warm to it. The mixture of coupe and SUV is pretty uncomfortable anyway and this latest creation is still a little bit too mixed up to be truly desirable.

What do you think?