2019 Mercedes GLE: Most Revealing Photos Give Us Our Best Look Yet

A production-spec version of the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE has been photographed (and filmed) wearing a thin disguise that reveals many new details, including a better look at the front and a nearly unobstructed view of the rear and profile.

It sort of looks a lot like a GLC, doesn’t it?

We can’t shake this feeling of how much this prototype reminds us of the smaller GLC crossover. It’s a little more elegant, yes, but the overall shape is similar, as is the tailgate and even the taillight design. At the same time, the GLE’s rear lights seem to be less bulky with pointier endings than the GLC.

The sharper front fascia incorporates a mixture of GLC and all-new CLS styling cues with extra large openings on the bumper, while on the sides, the new C-pillar of the Mercedes-Benz GLE looks very similar to the current generation.

Below you also find two other prototypes (in red) that we’ve spied recently with light camo overalls. While at first they may seem identical, a closer look immediately points to them being different specs. The prototype with the twin bars flanking the Mercedes-Benz logo could be an entry-level spec, like an Avantgarde, whereas the other one appears to be wearing an AMG styling package.

The latter also has a beefier front bumper with what could be larger air intakes. Overall, since neither car is heavily camouflaged, we can also admire the 2019 GLE’s fresh styling, which is clearly inspired by the automaker’s new take on exterior aesthetics, dubbed Sensual Purity, with fewer design lines.

The GLE will welcome its most elegant cabin yet

These interior shots aren’t new. In fact, they’re from over a year ago, yet it’s the closest we’ve come to seeing that the all-new GLE’s interior will look like.

It will feature the automaker’s fancy dual-screen setup, four rectangular air vents (instead of round ones), a floating console design and the same steering wheel as in the new G-Class. Altogether, we expect the GLE to edge out the G-Wagen when it comes to plush materials, and only lose out to the all-new GLS in that department, if at all.

When it comes to tech, the new GLE should, aside from the wide-screen displays, also feature adjustable ambient lighting and the new MBUX infotainment system, which is Linux based, has an Nvidia GPU and 8 GB of RAM. Last but not least are the driver assistance systems, which should mirror those found on the facelifted S-Class.

Power will come via a range of diesel and petrol units, possibly including the new in-line six-cylinder engine from the new CLS 450, where it produces 370 PS (362 HP) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, plus an additional 22 PS (21 HP) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) courtesy of the EQ Boost function.

Meanwhile, the flagship GLE 63 version is expected to use the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 as other Mercedes-AMG cars, with 571 PS (563 HP) for the base spec, and 612 PS (603 HP) for the S variant. Eventually, more efficient electrified models should also join the range.

Round and round we go

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE could be unveiled as early as this year’s Paris Motor Show in October, as a 2019 model. Once in showrooms, it will continue its never-ending battle against the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90, VW Touareg, Lexus RX and Range Rover Sport.

*Article has been updated with new details, spy shots and a video