Next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLE global to unveil this October

The next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLE will share its cues with the first-gen ML-class SUV. The new GLE with the codename W167 is likely to make the debut at the Paris Motor show this October. 

Regard of the styling details, the latest spy shots revealed that the GLE has been designed ground up and still carries styling cues of its predecessors which is the first-gen ML-class SUV. The predecessor of the new Mercedes GLE is the model W166 which made its public debut in 2012 as the M-class. It was received a facelift and the new GLE moniker in 2015. 

The GLE has been designed ground up

As for the exterior, the front side features a wider grille housing with slightly smaller headlamps that blend in smoothly. Compared to its predecessor, the new front bumper is chunkier which gives the SUV a muscular appearance. Mercedes is expected to offer more than one type of grille design on the GLE, with the high-performance GLE 63 likely to get the vertically slotted Panamericana grille seen on the newer Mercedes models. 

Besides, the large wheel arches have the typical Mercedes SUV look which carried forward with some styling tweaks. The rear look offers a slimmer appearance with longer wraparound tail-lamps and subtle use of chrome on the tailgate. 

The rear look offers a slimmer appearance

Inside, the new GLE offers two 12.3-inch digital displays as standard. The steering wheel is one of the new multifunction which features 18 controls, including two touch-sensitive pads within the horizontal spokes and a larger touchpad in the centre console that replaces the rotary dial of the outgoing GLE.

In addition, the gear selection is delivered via a stalk on the steering column rather than a traditional gear lever, which frees up space for two large cup holders. The next-gen GLE is expected to bring about a slightly larger footprint than its predecessor. This implies that there will be extra second-row passengers and the legroom for the front.

The automaker Mercedes will deliver a range of power plants on the upcoming GLE, including four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The plug-in hybrid versions of the SUV is expected to launch at some markets. The high-performance AMG GLE 63 is likely to come with the new twin-turbocharged V8 engine that could churn out an output as high as 611hp – identical to the current Mercedes-AMG E 63 S sedan. Mercedes is expected to bring the new GLE to India sometime next year.

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