Mercedes SUV Coupe Concept Headed for Beijing

TURIN – Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche gives stockholders an exclusive preview of a new SUV with a sleek fastback design.

The sneak peek comes as the executive announces an unprecedented product offensive against Mercedes-Benz’s strongest competitors.

The image shown at the automaker’s annual meeting today in Stuttgart, Germany, provides no clear indicator as to the new model’s size, but the understanding is the vehicle will fit at the top end of the segment and compete against the Audi Q7 and upcoming BMW X7.

“We see a great potential for a Mercedes that combines the features of a coupe with those of a SUV,” Zetsche tells shareholders.

Mercedes is expected to unveil a concept version of the new SUV at the Beijing auto show April 20.

Zetsche says the upcoming product offensive will strengthen the automaker’s core business sectors but won’t be limited to existing model series, with 12 completely new vehicles planned for introduction by 2020.

“We are also seeking to gain new customers by entering new segments for Mercedes-Benz,” he says.