Squashed crossover coupes that try to look like SUVs are officially a thing. From the Land Rover Evoque to the BMW X6, the impractical mash-up between sports coupe and sport utility vehicle has slowly infiltrated the car market.
I don’t know why, exactly, because they don’t sell very well. In fact, the Acura ZDX came and went faster than a Lyrid meteor. Very few ever left dealership lots, probably because the ZDX looked like a duck that had been hit by a car.
Mercedes-Benz wants to take a shot at the crossover coupe and has introduced the Concept Coupe SUV, which the head of design at MB called, “Sensual as a coupe – visionary as an SUV.”
What he should have said is,
“Sensual as a coupe, visionary as an SUV, copy of a BMW.”
The overall design is all Benz, with a familiar face and graceful lines. The shape, though, looks exactly like the X6. EXACTLY. So much so, in fact, that I have to wonder if Mercedes-Benz designers grabbed an X6 and re-badged it.
I realize that automakers copy each other all the time, especially with successful models, but to blatantly copy a marginally popular car reeks of pure desperation.
This could, of course, be pure coincidence. It’s possible that designers created an identical shape by chance; there are only so many ways to create a squashy looking coupe crossover.
I will say that given the choice between the Mercedes and the X6, I’ll take the Mercedes, because that company did a better job taking an ugly form and making it at least somewhat attractive.
Did Mercedes-Benz copy the shape of the BMW X6?
-tgriffith
Yes I feel the same way I lived in Europe for 8 years when I was in the military . I was fortunate to have owned four BMW’s and was able to drive them on the Autobahn. after this experience I wanted no other car. Having said that Mercedes is not the real culprit it’s Hyundai.. all their cars look like BMWs. And that really upsets me
That just goes to show that Bavarian motor works is the true cutting edge car manufacturer and truly the ultimate driving machine!!!! They dont need to steal designs from others. I love that there are german competitirs but damn design your own cars guys and compete enginuity…This actually upsets me to see them doing this! I am a very very proud bmw owner. M6 Conv,750li,X5 twin turbo,2 motor cycles and even their bicycle all baring those beautiful badges!!!! I love the compotition but damn be original guys!
Hi over the years Mercedes Benz have copied BMW shapes shamelessly. Starting from BMW kidney shaped 3series Mercedes picked the shapes and came up with their Empressors, continually kept following BMW shapes then finally stole the X6 shape. It is noticeable that for most cars to sell the designers must steal a little of BMW shape. Be it the side or rear . I have watched Land Rovers evolve into BMW shapes. I have watched Range Rovers evolve into olve into BMW shapes. Same for Jaguers machines. We now wait for Porches to follow suit. The simple conclusion is for success other car designers just copy BMW shapes and that’s it. Sales roar