XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum
 
TireRack





Go Back   XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum > BMW X6 Forums > General BMW X6 and X6M Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-09-2011, 09:42 AM   #1
1230vani
Colonel
1230vani's Avatar
No_Country
637
Rep
2,686
Posts

Drives: G05 40i LCI
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: N/A

iTrader: (0)

Mercedes MLC (2014) - it's Merc's X6 crossover!

As seen on CAR website



"Mercedes is going chasing after the cult success of the BMW X6 with a new, sleeker (read less practical) M-class. Dubbed informally the MLC, we'll see this new sporty SUV in 2014.

Project C166 - the codename for the 2014 Merc MLC - was approved at a Daimler board meeting in July 2011. This is no mere fantasy: it has been assigned to the Alabama plant in the US with a firm start-of-production date of March 2014.

Why is Mercedes building the MLC sporty SUV?
The real driving force behind the five-door M-class coupe was of course the BMW X6. Initially ridiculed because of its compromised packaging and villainous stance, the widebody lowrider BMW SUV turned out to be a surprise smash hit which still sells between 40,000 and 60,000 units a year.

After the confirmed Audi Q6 and Porsche Cajun and tentative Jaguar crossover, the Mercedes MLC is already the fourth premium model that targets the same niche as the X6.

Like its rivals, C166 gets a bespoke body which shares no exterior panels with the M-class donor vehicle. Those who have seen the final proposal describe it as sporty and quite aggressive with CLC and T-model estate car overtones.

So will the Merc MLC just be an impractical 4x4 coupe?
Although it is quantifiably lower than the M-class, the MLC does not compromise rear leg- and headroom like the X6, according to CAR's sources. Means to this end include sufficiently wide rear doors, a less radical roofline, adjustable rear seats and a full-length console.

The luggage compartment may struggle to haul tall XXL cubes like refrigerators, but it is commendably flexible, easy to load thanks to a low lip and available with a clever divide-and–tie–down system.

Launching in 2014: MLC and a facelifted M-class
The MLC is due to go on sale in the summer of 2014, only weeks before the faclifted M-class becomes available. It therefore incorporates all the upgrades under preparation for the sister model, like the latest in infotainment, lighting and driver aids.

Characteristic styling elements include bespoke headlights, taillights and indicators; a meaner-looking and more upright trademark grille with enough holes to accommodate additional cameras and sensors required to monitor the road, traffic and the parking environment; and a sportier interior with additional comfort features.

What you cannot specify for the on-road-biased M coupe are the off-road package, a BMW-style active steering and a humble four-cylinder engine. Instead, Mercedes is promoting the so-called Active Curve System which is quite similar to the Dynamic Drive option offered on the X6. The Airmatic air suspension and adaptive damping are standard.

Engines in the Merc MLC
Enginewise, the MLC wants to be sportier and more upmarket than the M-class which is more of an all-rounder. The range starts with a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 which develops 333bhp and 354lb ft. One step up, we find the blown 5.4-litre V8 which is good for 435bhp and 516lb ft. The brawny AMG edition, complete with bespoke bad boy make-up, is rated at 544bhp and 590lb ft.

The only diesel is a 3.0-litre V6 which musters 265bhp and 460lb ft. Also on the cards is a plug-in hybrid which combines either 3.0-litre V6 (diesel or petrol) with a 50bhp electric motor and a 8kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The MLC price premium over the base model is expected to be in the region of €4000."
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      11-09-2011, 11:29 AM   #2
NYCGP
WTF are you looking at?
NYCGP's Avatar
228
Rep
1,560
Posts

Drives: Bandwagon
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Jungle

iTrader: (0)

Where are all those people saying the X6 was and always will be a failure?

What's that old saying, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery..."
__________________
"It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not."
-André Gide
Appreciate 0
      11-09-2011, 12:32 PM   #3
1230vani
Colonel
1230vani's Avatar
No_Country
637
Rep
2,686
Posts

Drives: G05 40i LCI
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: N/A

iTrader: (0)

I like the looks of the x6, always have, but its biggest advantage isactually how it drives and others may not do such a good job at it.
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2011, 06:32 AM   #4
GoodGuyAvi
Captain
GoodGuyAvi's Avatar
1494
Rep
841
Posts

Drives: G80
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Private Island

iTrader: (0)

Interesting......but x6 looks damn hot any where
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2011, 09:52 AM   #5
Mike van D
Major
Mike van D's Avatar
Germany
18
Rep
1,112
Posts

Drives: SG X6 35i; MW e92 M3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Interesting article, thanks for passing it on. Can't see Merc having the same success with sales of M-class and this MLC as BMW does with both the X5 and X6.

Time will tell though...
__________________
...just enjoying life.
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2011, 01:08 PM   #6
dmlgc
Lieutenant Colonel
dmlgc's Avatar
United_States
89
Rep
1,882
Posts

Drives: 2022 BMW X6MC - 335D
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Carlsbad, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Croatian View Post
I like the looks of the x6, always have, but its biggest advantage isactually how it drives and others may not do such a good job at it.

Agree 100% , I have always said the most amazing thing about the X6 is the way it drives and handles.
Appreciate 0
      11-25-2011, 02:31 AM   #7
bahamars
New Member
United Kingdom
0
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: X6 35d
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: UK SE

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 X6 35d  [0.00]
The MLC is an awesome looking motorcar (if it turns out like this). I said it before here, I was a Mercedes owner up to the purchase of my X6. I like the X6 styling but i am not so happy with the overall BMW package, especially inside. The Mercedes I had seemed much better technically and ergonomically (and that was an old model).

I realise now that I am a Mercedes man and I am waiting on the new M class in 2012 in UK so that I can jump ship again. I think that 2014 will be too late for me - but I sure am tempted with the MLC prospect (especially in the red!!)

Last edited by bahamars; 11-25-2011 at 02:40 AM..
Appreciate 0
      11-25-2011, 06:25 PM   #8
doug_999
Brigadier General
doug_999's Avatar
2539
Rep
3,967
Posts

Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

That doesn't look like a X6

It looks like a Toyota Venza?
Attached Images
 
__________________
2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio
2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual
2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
Appreciate 0
      11-25-2011, 07:47 PM   #9
crunchingnumbers
Private First Class
crunchingnumbers's Avatar
16
Rep
106
Posts

Drives: 2022 X6M, 2018 RRS
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

I agree - German Toyota Venza

Well that's that - it's officially branded!
Appreciate 0
      11-26-2011, 05:09 AM   #10
bahamars
New Member
United Kingdom
0
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: X6 35d
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: UK SE

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 X6 35d  [0.00]
The only similarity is the colour - we are talking class! )
Appreciate 0
      11-26-2011, 09:00 AM   #11
crunchingnumbers
Private First Class
crunchingnumbers's Avatar
16
Rep
106
Posts

Drives: 2022 X6M, 2018 RRS
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

Touché - some well missed British humour
Appreciate 0
      11-26-2011, 02:21 PM   #12
doug_999
Brigadier General
doug_999's Avatar
2539
Rep
3,967
Posts

Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bahamars View Post
The only similarity is the colour - we are talking class! )
Take a close look. Note the windows on the Venza and the body lines.. Now look at the X6..
Attached Images
 
__________________
2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio
2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual
2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist

Last edited by doug_999; 11-26-2011 at 02:23 PM.. Reason: added pic
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:48 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST