It seems as if Mercedes-Benz is trying to cram a decade worth of SUV development into just one year. They have been on fire lately, launching the new GLE Coupe, the new GLE (M-Class replacement) and now the Mercedes GLC Coupe, unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Mercedes GLC Coupe is a real coupe version of the GLE Coupe which is called a coupe but isn’t one. The GLC Coupe is also called a coupe but it’s not a real coupe because it has four doors. So it’s all a bit confusing to be honest, but we can see why Mercedes needed such a car. They had just come up with the GLE Coupe to rival the X6 when BMW released the smaller, more charming X4. The GLC is set to rival that car.

The main styling highlights of the Mercedes GLC Coupe, apart from its sleek coupe-like body style, include a new twin-blade radiator grille, powerdomes on the bonnet and a four-pipe exhaust system. Giving the car a rugged, off-roady sort of look are a set of 21-inch wheels plus front and rear underbody protection, increased ground clearance and side running boards. Size-wise the car is 4.73-metres long which puts it directly in the X4’s line of fire.

The concept version of Mercedes GLC Coupe unveiled in Shanghai is powered by a conventional 370 horsepower V6 engine mated to a 9G-tronic automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. This conventionality is the conclusive proof that this ‘concept’ is indeed a production model set to be released in a few years’ time. An AMG version of this model with a big V8 is something worth looking forward to.