German newspapers recently released reports that Mercedes gives Renault a chance to build a premium vehicles within the scope of alliance of the two companies. Back in April last year, Daimler which owns Mercedes-Benz signed a pact with Renault to form a broad spectrum partnership that might give way for the carmakers to share engines and also make vehicles together.

According to Zetsche, the partnership is really feasible as long as it is commercially sound for the two brands. Mercedes is to open its doors to Renault so they can explore the premium segment together.

The topman of sales and marketing of Renault shared that the car manufacturer is already working on making their own premium vehicles to add to their current line up just like the Espace minvan which is expected to come out by 2014.

The team up with Renault will also benefit Mercedes-Benz especially in learning from the latter how to build smaller cars to expand their line up of compact cars in the luxury segment of the market. Renault on the other hand will learn a lot about the premium segment vehicles from Mercedes and also use the gained knowledge for their sibling brands Infiniti and Nissan.

The front face of the car, however, is pretty much identical to that sedan. However, the headlamps, shaped like a rhombus, are more incisive, especially where the contours are concerned.

The car’s silhouette is wonderfully rakish and the inside is no less luxurious. The seats are trimmed in leather, the back rests are high, and the car has an “easy entry” type of function, making it much easier to get in and out.

“The upgraded and powerful engine, added to a five-speed automatic transmission, has an impressive 690 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque. The Brabus G V12 S Biturbo accelerates at 62 mph in only 4.3 seconds.”

That’s 700 horses pulling you to 100km/h in close to 4 seconds. That’s Porsche Turbo-territory, for a box-shaped SUV. I’m freaking impressed!