Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it will be building an entirely new model at its Alabama plant in four years from now, and all the evidence is pointing at a rival for the BMW X6.
While the motoring world was quick to point fingers at the Beemer for being rather pointless, it has proven surprisingly popular and as happened when Mercedes launched its CLS, rivals are planning their answers - the prime contenders here being an Audi Q6 and the aforementioned Mercedes, said to be called the MLC.
While it's perhaps too soon to start speculating on the styling of the MLC, it is likely to be influenced by the M-Class on which it'll be based - with the M-Class design sketch in the accompanying picture perhaps a good indication of the more muscular style that it's likely to have. A coupe-like roofline is a given and it's also likely that Mercedes-Benz will choose a four-seat layout.
The engine range will no doubt pick up on most of Merc's modern V6 and V8 petrols and diesels and you can also bet on AMG blessing it with its latest 5.5-litre force-fed V8.