Mercedes-Benz building a crossover competitor for BMW X6
According to the German magazine Auto Zeitung, Stuttgart-based automaker, Mercedes-Benz is working on a new model aimed at the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe.
The coupe-crossover dubbed GLC is due to launch sometimes in 2014.
The GLC won’t be a high-end model but rather a stylish and relatively affordable coupe-crossover based on the same compact car platform that will underpin the next-generation B-Class. While not confirmed, the assumptions are that the GLC will likely employ a transversely-mounted four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels in standard form. An all-wheel drive system will most likely be offered as well.
Details are scarce at the moment, but a possible engine could include the 1.8 liter four-cylinder outputting 204 horsepower, as well as the more powerful turbodiesel, 2.2 liter with 250 ponnies.
The idea behind the Mercedes-Benz GLC is to offer a smaller car than its competitors, avoiding the competition in the crossover segment with a smaller niche product. In the past, there have also been rumors around BMW’s plans to build a smaller Sports Activity Coupe, X4 that will be positioned below the X6.
Range Rover will also launch a similar product next year when the LRX is due to be unveiled.
[Source: Auto Zeitung via MotorAuthority ]
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/07/01/merce ... or-bmw-x6/