2017-09-28 11:30
Another piece in Mercedes’ SUV puzzle is slowly falling into place: the next-generation GLE. The new BMW X5 rival has been caught on camera by our spy photographers, and our exclusive images preview how it could look. It’s set to arrive in 2018 with a possible debut at next year’s LA Motor Show.
The GLE will be an important model for Mercedes; the brand shifted 712,100 SUVs in total last year, with the ageing current car playing an important role. Over the next two years it’ll be joined by a new GLA, rugged GLB, a fresh GLS, an SUV entry under the Maybach brand and even a new G-Class.
The existing GLE can trace its roots back to 2011, when it was launched as the Mk3 M-Class. A 2015 facelift refreshed the looks and introduced the GLE badge, bringing it into Mercedes’ updated naming structure, but an all-new model is planned for 2018.
This brand new look will be the most obvious change, however. While the car in our spy shots is still heavily camouflaged, it’s possible to make out the styling influences that the new GLE will pick up from its newer, smaller GLC sibling.
A rounder shoulder line running from the headlights to the tail-lamps will define the new car’s profile, while up front it will gain Mercedes’ next-generation face. Around the back, the tailgate will be completely overhauled, benefiting from new horizontal lights in line with the brand’s current design language.
Mercedes is expected to continue offering the GLE as a BMW X6 rival with a coupé-bodied version of the SUV that will make its debut in 2019, a year after the core car is unveiled.
A snapshot in the cabin leaves little to the imagination. A dual widescreen infotainment set-up as seen on the E-Class and S-Class will be offered, while the four placeholder vents positioned on the top of the centre console all but confirm that the dashboard design will mimic that of Mercedes’ two latest saloons.
It’s anticipated that the new GLE will make use of a new scalable platform and will be offered with a selection of fresh engines. The new 2.0-litre diesel found in the E-Class will form one of the base powertrain options, while the latest straight-six petrol and diesel units offered in the brand’s refreshed S-Class will also be utilised.
The new platform will support full plug-in hybrid technology, too, and a four-cylinder petrol hooked up to a small lithium-ion battery is expected to arrive at some point in the next GLE’s lifespan.
At the sharp end of the range, the next AMG-fettled GLE 63 will also arrive, with the current car’s 5.5-litre engine set to be replaced by the company’s 4.0-litre biturbo V8. We expect this to produce around 500bhp, with a more potent GLE 63 S model packing nearly 600bhp hitting the market at the same time. As with the regular model, the GLE 63 has also been spied being put through its paces.
Alongside the new looks, platform and engines, fresh driver assistance technology will be a key part of the package.
What do you think of the Mercedes GLE’s potential new look? Tell us in the comments area below!
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