Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe to be dino-mite in Jurassic World

The first Mercedes-Benzosaurus prototype was hand-made for the movie 18 months before its planned market launch, and impressively (thanks to high-security measures and despite the best efforts of photographers) the GLE450 AMG managed to go un-spied as it tackled the tropical landscapes of Hawaii, as well as NASA terrain in New Orleans during filming.

Both the car and the movie are due to be released in mid-2015.

Mercedes-Benz, Universal Pictures and the Jurassic Park franchise go back a long way. The M-Class was introduced in 1997's sequel The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

Mercedes-Benz head of marketing communications Dr Jens Thiemer said the partnership was a good fit for the brand.

“We are delighted to have been able to support this epic action-adventure with our vehicles," Thiemer said. "Our wide range of SUVs in particular fit perfectly with Jurassic World's various requirements, with the focus on our new trendsetter, the GLE Coupe.”

Producer Frank Marshall said the GLE was the perfect car for the film.

“Unveiling the new GLE Coupe in Jurassic World was a natural fit as we continue our relationship with Mercedes. Audiences will find that the vehicles featured in the film lend themselves perfectly as the transportation of choice in the fully functioning international theme park we have created at Jurassic World.”

Jurassic World will be released in 3D by Universal Pictures on June 12, while the GLE Coupe made its international debut at this week's Detroit motor show and will go on sale in Australia in August.

The GLE Coupe is an all-new body style for Mercedes-Benz, based on the existing ML-Class, and will compete with the likes of the BMW X6.

The German car maker is in the process of rolling out a new naming convention, with the existing ML-Class to be rebadged as the GLE-Class when the updated SUV is officially launched this year.