The 2019 Mercedes GLE is expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and now we’re getting our best look at the redesigned crossover.
Snapped wearing minimal camouflage, the all-new GLE sports a redesigned front fascia with a single bar grille featuring a diamond mesh insert. The grille is flanked by new headlights which have distinctive LED daytime running lights. While the air intakes are hidden beneath bulky camouflage, previous spy photos have shown they will be massive and connected via the small opening underneath the grille.
Moving further back, we can see evolutionary styling as well as vents on the outside edges of the front bumper. While the changes aren’t drastic, the model has sleeker bodywork and a flatter beltline.
Continuing to the rear, the GLE has a tailgate-mounted spoiler and blacked out D-pillars which give the rear glass a wraparound appearance. Further below, there’s a sculpted tailgate and slender taillights that are connected by a thin strip of chrome trim. Other notable styling features include a ventilated rear bumper and a dual exhaust system.
Spy photographers didn’t snap interior photos this time around, but previous pictures have shown the crossover will have a significantly improved cabin with higher quality materials. Drivers will sit behind a new three-spoke steering wheel and find themselves facing a massive digital display that appears to float in front of a chrome lined background.
The model also has a new center console with grab handles as well as wood trim and metallic accents. Other new additions include stylish switchgear, a modern infotainment system and a more luxurious rear passenger compartment which will be available power second-row seats.
Under the hood, we can expect an assortment of familiar engines. Options haven’t been confirmed, but choices could include a 3.0-liter straight-six that produces 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The engine should also have an EQ Boost function which can deliver an additional 22 hp (16 kW / 22 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque for short periods of time.
On the diesel side, there could be a 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit with two different outputs. The GLE 350 d should have 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, while the GLE 400 d would bring those numbers up to 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.
There will also be a handful of AMG variants including a GLE 53 with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six that produces 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 383 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque. It will be backed up an electric motor which can contribute an additional 22 hp (16 kW / 22 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque.
We can also expect other engines including a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 which will reside in the GLE 63 and GLE 63 S. The former should be rated at 563 hp (419 kW / 571 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque, while the latter should have 603 hp (450 kW / 612 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque.