BMW’s X6 hasn’t exactly lit the sales charts on fire – the Blue Roundel typically moves more X5s in two months than it does X6s in a full year – and the polarizing model’s lone imitator thus far, the Acura ZDX, is getting the axe after selling just 775 examples last year.

Despite all that, Mercedes-Benz apparently sees enough potential in the crossover-coupe segment to launch a competitor to the X6, with several company executives revealing  that such an offering is in the works.

For Mercedes, the X6 rival will likely represent a low-risk, high-reward-type situation. Because it will share a platform and powertrain options with the M-Class, development costs won’t be exorbitant, and the high pricetag the model will command – and the fat profits it will garner – also make it an attractive proposition to Mercedes.

Furthermore, the near-universal appeal of crossovers means the as-yet-unnamed ‘ute could do well in a variety of markets ranging from the U.S. and Europe to Russia and China.

Just when Mercedes’s new crossover will make its debut is currently unknown.

Mercedes isn’t alone in plotting a crossover-coupe answer to the X6 – Audi announced back in 2011 that it’s readying a sleek, sporty SUV known as the Q6 that will be positioned between the Q5 and Q7.

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