The technical collaboration between Daimler and Infiniti goes beyond engine sharing, it seems. According to international news agency Bloomberg, the two companies are in the midst of developing a brand new platform together, which will spawn four models – the first of which will enter production as soon as 2017.

Head of Infiniti, Johan de Nysschen, said that one of the four new models will be a crossover. While he didn't divulge any more details, rumours are abound that this new shared platform will succeed Mercedes' current front-wheel drive MFA architecture, while also providing a base to build a production version of the Infiniti Q30.

Also a possibility is a jointly-developed new premium platform for the next Mercedes-Benz ML-Class and Infiniti QX70 (previously the FX) SUVs. Pictured here in their current forms, both models would be due for replacements come 2017. Being relatively low volume models, a shared development would make a lot of sense for both parties.

Click here for full galleries of the Mercedes-Benz ML 350 and Infiniti FX37.