SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML Coupé a.k.a. MLC (C 292) spotted in the U.S.

In January 2015, Mercedes-Benz will launch its first Sports Utility Coupé (SUC). The new ML Coupé, which was previously known as the MLC, will showcase on the stage of the NAIAS Detroit. The radical design is inspired by the Concept Coupé SUV, which Mercedes-Benz highlighted in April at Auto China 2014 in Beijing.

Although this fact is yet to be confirmed, Mercedes-Benz has decided to drop the proposal for the ”MLC” name and will eventually go instead for the title ”ML Coupé” which is intended to better link the car to the popular M-Class in addition to highlighting the special coupé quality it has through the homonymous particle. This naming strategy obeys the latest rules of the brand, which is the same for the C-, E- and S-Class two-door models.

The future C 292 series is described by the characteristical roofline, which drops towards the rear end in an even manner, just like on a standard Mercedes-Benz two-door or four-door coupe. The stylish architecture is doubled by the impressive dimensions the ML Coupé has. The muscular wheel arches, the high ground clearance, the massive tail area with its gate-integrated spoiler and the aggressive fascia make up the ID card of this fashionable new Mercedes-Benz family member.

The front end is particularly interesting, as it heralds the introduction of a new design identity strictly reserved for the SUV the Stuttgart-based constructor builds. The radiator grille with its large Mercedes-Benz star located in the centre displays a grey-fence pattern, while the single louvre fuses to the three-pointed symbol and embraces it in a circular way. This styling motif will also be introduced on the upcoming M-Class and GL-Class facelift models.

The new ML Coupé will boast the new MULTIBEAM LED intelligent light system which was premiered on the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Facelift lineup. Apart from that, the SUC will also benefit from the addition of the INTELLIGENT DRIVE technologies, as well as of the new generation COMAND Online with Touchpad and Head Up Display. The ACTIVE CURVE system from the GL and the Active Tilting function that debuted on the all new S-Class Coupé are also possible equipments.

Mercedes-Benz will position its ML Coupé as a high-end, niche model, placed between the M-Class and the GL-Class. Thus it will mate the new vehicle with range-topping powering units. All the engines will come fitted with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard. The entry-level variant will be the ML 400 Coupé with 333 hp, followed up closely by the ML 450 Coupé with 367 hp. The ML 500 Coupé could feature the peak-output version of the 4.7-litre V8 BITURBO which delivers 455 hp. Mercedes-AMG will also stick its hands onto the new C 292 generation. Following the introduction of the standard ML Coupé in January 2015, during summer of next year the Affalterbach labs will release two mindblowing creations. The first is the ML 63 AMG Coupé powered by the 5.5-litre V8 BITURBO producing 557 hp and 585 hp as an S-Model. The latter, which is the icing on the cake, is the rumored ML 65 AMG Coupé which will the M279 12-cylinder biturbocharged unit with 630 hp.

Image Credits: Motor Authority

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