Reports have come in that Mercedes-Benz is planning to further extend its SUV line-up with a BMW X6 competitor called the GLS. This is according to sources within Mercedes and not yet confirmed publicly.

2014 is the scheduled for launch year for the new four-seater SUV which will share the same uni-body platform that underpins the third-generation M-class and the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee.

“After closely monitoring sales trends, we’ve concluded there is potential for an additional off-road model with a more sporting emphasis than the new M-class,” an insider revealed last week.

Part of a new wave of models due in the next five years, the GLS will forgo the practicality of the five-seat M-class for a more sporting four-seat interior, with a sportier roofline and styling cues from the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

The obvious competitor is the BMW X6, which has been a huge success worldwide with 120,000 sold since 2009 The new Mercedes SUV will also face competition from a new Audi Q6, planned for 2016 as well as a new Range Rover Sport that will be on sale in 2013.

Source: ZerCustoms