Mercedes-Benz will launch its rival for the BMW X6 – the GLE – at the Detroit show in January. It will enter production at Daimler’s US plant in Alabama from 2015.

The automaker announced the model last June. It will effectively take the place of the R-Class – discontinued during 2013 – which did not sell as expected.

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The GLE is the first on Daimler’s new MHA architecture, a rear- and all-wheel drive platform for large SUVs and crossovers.

The GLE Coupe was previewed by the Concept Coupé which was exhibited at April 2014’s Beijing motor show. Daimler said that concept was 4,935mm long, 2,208mm wide (with mirrors), 1,739mm high on a wheelbase of 2,916mm.

Initial versions will be GLE 350 d 4MATIC (190kW/258hp & 620Nm diesel), GLE 400 4MATIC (245kW/333hp & 480Nm biturbo petrol V6) and GLE 450 AMG Coupé (270kW/367hp & 520Nm biturbo petrol V6).

PLDB (subscribers only) entry for GLE

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