The Mercedes-Benz MLC (GLB) AMG has been spied testing yet again.

The performance version of the mini SUV model, previously thought to be named the MLC but soon to be called the GLB or other GL nomenclature, was spotted at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. Features of the AMG SUV include large alloy wheels and aggressive front end as well as a quad exhaust setup that was photographed in earlier spy shots.

Mercedes-AMG MLC SUV Spied

For the first time however, we are able to get a look at the interior of the GLE AMG, in the photos, you can see the cabin configuration with large infotainment display on the center console.

Expect the standard model to be launched in the third quarter of 2015, and the MLC63 (GLE63) AMG to follow a few months later.

The two photos depicting its interior were taken by one of the spy photographers we collaborate with somewhere near Stuttgart, where the pre-production prototype was caught resting its highly camouflaged body.

Mercedes-Benz MLC

Via: AutoEvolution

The Mercedes-Benz MLC prototype has been spied for the first time, only a few days after  Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Concept Coupe SUV at the Beijing Motor Show. The prototype testing signals that Mercedes is readying a production model that will confront the  second-generation BMW X6. Despite the heavy camouflage being worn, we can clearly  see the MLC’s shape.

The part crossover / part coupe MLC will likely sit on the M-Class’ platform meaning it will likely carry over the M-Class engine lineup along with the concept’s V6 3.0-liter twin-turbo delivering 333 PS (245 kW) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft). There could possibly be a range-topping AMG version as well since BMW is already cooking up a second-gen X6 M.

Look for the Mercedes-Benz MLC to be introduced early next year in January at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Photos via: WCF

First confirmed in October of 2011, the first spy photos of a Mercedes-Benz MLC chassis testing mule have made their way onto the web, and our good friends at GMotors have them.  The MLC Chassis mule was spied testing in Europe against a BMW X6.

The MLC will use a modified ML platform, and if you look a bit closer you can see that the rear axle of the ML mules has been broadened, and that the rear wheel cases have been modified as well.

Still in the early stages of development, we will likely not see full body prototypes of the MLC for some time.

In order for Mercedes to keep up with the competition from the BMW X6, the Infinity FX and Audi’s reported SUV Coupe dubbed the Q6, the MLC will be a redesigned ML with a coupe styled roofline.

When it goes to market, engine options are expected to be very similar to the ML-Class, including the top of the range AMG model, which will use a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 with up to 550bhp.  The MLC is expected to arrive sometimes in 2014 and will be produced in Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa plant.

Update: A few days ago we told you that Mercedes-Benz was planning an expansion program for the U.S. plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in preparation for a new model that would go up against the BMW X6.  Now, thanks to a photo post on twitter, we have confirmation of the crossover, currently dubbed the MLC.

Daimler today announced that they will further expand the Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant in 2015 to include an entirely new Mercedes-Benz model. The new vehicle to roll off the production line in Tuscaloosa will be the fifth product produced. The plant has been the traditional production site of the brand’s M-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class SUV’s and will also build the Mercedes C-Class for the North American market beginning 2014. For the production of the new model, Daimler will additionally invest 350 million dollars, and will create around 400 jobs at the plant.

According to previous rumors, we are likely to see a small MLC SUV roll off the line. It would take its styling from the M-Class and would go head to head with the BMW X6.

Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “This new model from the Tuscaloosa plant is an important element of our growth strategy. It is one of the ten additional models which we will introduce within the next four years alone across all segments.” Referring to the Tuscaloosa plant’s role within the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Zetsche added: “At the same time, we are systematically broadening our manufacturing footprint in the NAFTA region.”

Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama: “Since the time Mercedes-Benz chose Tuscaloosa County for its first US assembly plant 18 years ago, the company has proven to be an outstanding partner for the state. We join MBUSI in celebrating this milestone, and welcome the hundreds of jobs this announcement brings to Alabama.”

Just earlier this year, on the occasion of the Job #1 ceremony of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class in July, Daimler had announced the decision to invest more than US$2 billion in the Tuscaloosa plant (Mercedes-Benz U.S. International – MBUSI). In total, investment in the plant between 2010 and 2014 will thus amount to US$2.4 billion, while the number of newly created jobs will add up to 1,400.

Markus Schaefer, President and CEO of MBUSI, commented on these decisions: “The entire MBUSI team is proud of its role in the success of the models made in Tuscaloosa. We are looking forward to making further important contributions to the product offensive of Mercedes-Benz.”