Mercedes-Benz has announced details of the GLE Coupe which is to be launched next year.

The GLE Coupe is effectively the latest version of the ML and will be a rival to the BMW X6 coupe SUV.  Mercedes describes the new car as having the sporty nature of a coupe combined with the characteristics of an SUV, so it will retain the raised driving position and dominant view, but behave like a more performance-pitched model.

When launched the car will be offered with at least with three engine options – the V6 diesel of 254bhp in the GLE 350 d, a V6 petrol unit with 328bhp in the GLE 400 and a range-topping V6 petrol engine in the GLE 450 AMG and will have 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive which in the GLE 450 AMG will be more biased towards the rear for performance gains.  This range-topper will also be the first of the new Mercedes line-up of AMG Sport models to include 9G-Tronic nine-speed auto transmission.

All GLE Coupe models will come with a Dynamic Select system allowing the choice of five driving modes ranging from Comfort to Sport+, setting suspension, steering, drivetrain and even the engine note according to the driver’s requirements.

The GLE Coupe is expected in showrooms in June and the expanding line-up of Mercedes SUVs is also expected to include a smaller sister to the GLE by the end of 2015, dubbed the GLC and as its name suggests based on the C-Class.