Following the CLS and CLA, Mercedes-Benz has now taken a similar approach in adapting the coupé theme to the large SUV segment, something explored for the first time by BMW with its X6.
The Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV presented at the Beijing Show showcases the typical proportions of this particular segment.
The dimensions are generous, with an overall length of almost five meters, a width of two meters and aheight of around 1.75 metres.
This imposing volume is balanced by the large wheel arches, 22-inch wheels, high beltline and generous ground clearance.
The surface treatment and design language are typical of the brand, with a sculpted look, flowing side lines, the trademark radiator grille with the central chrome louvre and the Mercedes-Benz star in prominent position and a distinctive rear end that introduces a new lighting signature, with an uninterrupted horizontal element.
Additional details include the recessed door handles, frameless side windows and some off-road oriented elements.
Like all recent Mercedes-Benz concept cars, the Concept Coupé SUV is painted in the “ALU-BEAM” finish, which is also inspired by the Silver Arrows of the 1930s and 1950s.
Among the technical highlights are the air suspension system and the variable dynamic control system “Dynamic Select Control” which provides four transmission modes and an individually programmable setup.
Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, commented: “The Concept Coupé SUV stands out thanks to its extreme proportions and in doing so interprets our hallmark Mercedes coupé design idiom perfectly. With its superior sportiness it conveys a sense of modern luxury and aesthetic aspirations of sensual clarity”.
Below we report additional design details from the official press release.
From the official Press Release:
The upright sports grille with single louvre, framed by the three-dimensionally designed modern, all-LED Multibeam headlamps, is the major feature of the front end with its short, stylish overhang.
Soft cubes dominate the grille insert, and the forward-sloping bonnet with its typical Mercedes power domes underlines the membership of the Concept Coupé SUV in the line-up of particularly sporty Mercedes-Benz models.
A discreet reference to the SUV genes of this study is provided by the harmoniously integrated, illuminated side sills, which are reminiscent of the running boards found on classic SUVs or off-roaders.
Indicators have always pointed the way in the best sense of the word, however in the Concept Coupé SUV they take on a new form. The direction indicators operate with a moving digital light band whose lighting elements light up sequentially from inside to outside, indicating the change in direction in two ways.
The coupé-like nature of the Concept Coupé SUV is also emphasised by the design of the rear end with its obvious elements of the design line first presented with the S-Class Coupé, which will be followed by all coupé models from Mercedes-Benz in future.
The styling characteristics of this include the slim band of rear lights with their ruby-like, three-dimensional look and the registration plate now incorporated into the rear bumper.
Another feature that has for generations distinguished the large coupé models from Mercedes-Benz is the typical shape of the rear window which is rounded off at the top.
A discreet SUV reference is made by the simulated underguard into which the tailpipes of the dual-flow exhaust system are integrated. Polished aluminium predominates here, as on the integral door handles, the side sills, the front air intakes and the edging of the greenhouse.
Wide, flush-fitted 22-inch wheels with tyres in size 305/45 R 22 make the vehicle sit squarely on the road.
(Source: Mercedes-Benz)
Am I the only one getting sick of these rediculous sketches with the grossly huge, neg-cambered wheels, fading to white at the bottom??
Come on people, this is SUCH an irritating cliche. Grow UP and stop being such juveniles.
I think a Mercedes shoud not look like that