MLC Chassis Testing Mule Spied
01-08-2013, 10:55 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
MLC Chassis Testing Mule Spied
Skip straight to photos and article.
First confirmed in October of 2011, the first spy photos of Mercedes-Benz MLC chassis testing mule have made their way on the web and our good friends at GMotors have them. The MLC Chassis mule was spied testing in Europe against a BMW X6.
The MLC will use a modified ML platform and if you look a bit closer you can see that the rear axle of the ML mules has been broadened and the rear wheel cases are modified as well.
Still in the early stages of development, we will likely not see full body prototypes of the MLC for some time.
q3In order for Mercedes to keep up with the competition from the BMW X6, the Infinity FX and Audi's reported SUV Coupe dubbed the Q6, the MLC will be a redesigned ML with a coupe styled roofline.
When it goes to market, engine options are expected to be very similar to the ML-Class, including the top of the range AMG model, which will use a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 with up to 550bhp. The MLC is expected to arrive sometimes in 2014 and will be produced in Mercedes' Tuscaloosa plant.
More photos here.
First confirmed in October of 2011, the first spy photos of Mercedes-Benz MLC chassis testing mule have made their way on the web and our good friends at GMotors have them. The MLC Chassis mule was spied testing in Europe against a BMW X6.
The MLC will use a modified ML platform and if you look a bit closer you can see that the rear axle of the ML mules has been broadened and the rear wheel cases are modified as well.
Still in the early stages of development, we will likely not see full body prototypes of the MLC for some time.
q3In order for Mercedes to keep up with the competition from the BMW X6, the Infinity FX and Audi's reported SUV Coupe dubbed the Q6, the MLC will be a redesigned ML with a coupe styled roofline.
When it goes to market, engine options are expected to be very similar to the ML-Class, including the top of the range AMG model, which will use a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 with up to 550bhp. The MLC is expected to arrive sometimes in 2014 and will be produced in Mercedes' Tuscaloosa plant.
More photos here.
01-09-2013, 01:57 AM
#2
Junior Member
I've just seen this, must have been asleep for last 12 months as its the first i've heard of it. So, I went looking on internet and found this article from Nov 2011:
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...-X6-crossover/
It interesting as it talks about a facelifted ML due out in Spring 2014 "The MLC is due to go on sale in the summer of 2014, only weeks before the faclifted M-class becomes available." Now granted this article is over 13 months old, this seems too early for an ML facelift....surely?
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...-X6-crossover/
It interesting as it talks about a facelifted ML due out in Spring 2014 "The MLC is due to go on sale in the summer of 2014, only weeks before the faclifted M-class becomes available." Now granted this article is over 13 months old, this seems too early for an ML facelift....surely?
01-09-2013, 02:30 AM
#3
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X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
Pardon my ignorance, but how does this MLC compare or differ from the R class ?
01-09-2013, 03:52 AM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
MLC will be, basically, an ML with a sloped roof line. Just like the X6 is an X5 with a sloped roof line and only seats 4. It's currently unknown if the MLC will seat 4 or 5.
The MLC/ML is much shorter and taller (an SUV) compared to the R which was a 3 row 6 or 7 seater that is much longer and shorter than the ML.
01-10-2013, 08:47 PM
#5
Junior Member
I agree Ian, looks a lot like an updated R class in this image. Thats the problem with artists impressions. Need to see the real thing.
