The redesigned GLE-Class SUV is about to arrive, so check out these spy photos for an inside scoop.
The GLE is getting a bit dated. What used to be called the M-Class by Mercedes hasn’t seen a significant redesign since it was still called the M-Class way back in 2011. Now, finally, Mercedes is giving their GLE mid-size crossover (or compact SUV, depending on who you ask) a makeover that it so richly deserves.
This week’s array of spy photos (via Autoblog) show two versions of the GLE that seem almost production worthy. The first is the regular GLE 500, which bears a resemblance to the outgoing car in the broadest of strokes but look a little closer you’ll see that much of this car is brand new. The biggest changes are in the front, where the fascia has almost completely been replaced by the new design.
To start, the logo is a little lower down on the grille between the two slats bisecting it. What was previously air intakes in front of the wheels looks to be also vastly redesigned, and possibly missing altogether if they turn out to be daytime running lights. Headlights are redesigned, as is the new front bumper and probably even the hood, although it’s a little too covered in vinyl to tell for sure.
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The side door panels have smoothed out and lost the boxy grooves from the outgoing model. There’s also new side mirrors as well as black wheel arch fenders.
In the back, we see a similar scene with the rear of the car getting a total redo. Smaller rear lights, a redesigned rear bumper, and a different rear windshield are the obvious changes here.
The AMG Model follows much the same track as the regular GLE. The front fascia has been completely redesigned except for the Mercedes logo in the middle of the grille. The grille seems overall larger, likely to make up for the lack of side air intakes in front of the wheel arches. A new front bumper mirrors that same changes that happened on the regular GLE.
Interior-wise, the new GLE is still a bit mysterious due to the encumbrance of plastic, but we can spot a few details. Twin touchscreens replace the instrument panel and infotainment, while the GLE retains the square vents unique to the class.
What powers this beast is anybody’s guess, but we think it likely to get the same power options as the E-Class, with a turbo four-banger and a twin-turbo V6 for the AMG.