Benz gears up for MLS

Three-pointed star locks into 2015 start date for X6 rival

discount new cars  » Get the best price on a new Mercedes-Benz

Like it or loathe it, BMW’s polarizing X6 has had the sporty coupe-esque SUV market to itself since it was born.

Mercedes-Benz isn’t the sort of company to leave rich profit sources to its rivals, though, and sources have confirmed it is planning to build its own swoopy, coupe-esque SUV, based on the upcoming M-Class.

It is likely to be dubbed either the MLC or the MLS, because it has so many philosophical similarities to the CLS, and will run mainly the larger, more powerful engines in the M-Class family.

Like the CLS, the MLS will be based heavily around existing chassis, engine and suspension technology, but with a sportier body and an all-new interior to attract a different clientele. Benz is still said to be mulling over whether to follow the CLS down one more road by making it a strict four-seater as well.

With production slated for 2015, expect the MLS to be the fifth model line at its North American assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (which will receive a US$2 billion overhaul), alongside its non-identical M-Class twin (pictured), the unloved R-Class, the GL and the next generation C-Class, itself parachuted in to North America to offset the weak US dollar.

With its key rival, the X6, also built in the US (Spartanburg, South Carolina), it marks an even greater shift to offshore production for Daimler.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...