Mercedes-Benz gives glimpse of next GLE
Renewed German large SUV to get a sportier face and AMG's twin-turbo V8Mercedes-Benz has teased the first image of its next-generation GLE-Class large SUV.
Along with a short video on Merc's social media channels, our first glimpse of the new Audi Q7 and BMW X5 rival suggests the new GLE will feature sportier styling than the SUV it replaces.
Hence the presence of a pair of large lower air-intakes that wouldn't look out of place on a fast sports sedan.
Other details revealed in the new promo film include the new GLE's distinctive LED daytime running lights, single-bar grill and huge Mercedes badge.
The German car-maker hasn't released any more details, but motoring.com.au spy snappers have already caught the 2019 GLE testing in Germany.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE will once again be offered as both a traditional five-door wagon and -- to challenge cars like the BMW X6 -- a less practical, more design-focussed 'coupe', which is also under development.
Based on Benz's MRA platform, the 2019 GLE will come with a longer wheelbase compared to the current model, liberating more space inside the cabin.
The new architecture is also significantly lighter and stiffer compared to the previous platform, benefitting handling, fuel economy, emissions and performance.
Already spotted testing, the AMG version comes equipped with more butch styling, squared-off quad tailpipes and larger well-filling wheels.
Set to be powered by the biturbo AMG 4.0-litre V8, the next GLE 63 AMG is likely to hit 100km/h in comfortably less than five seconds, thanks to a generous 450kW of peak power and 850Nm of torque.
From launch, a less powerful GLE 53 AMG will also be offered, with the large SUV set to come with the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder that's boosted by mild-hybrid tech to produce around 325kW.
Once again, a range of less powerful petrol and diesel engines will also be offered, as well as a plug-in hybrid version.
In some markets, it's thought a rear-drive GLE might also be available but all versions sold Down Under are almost certain to come standard with all-wheel drive and the bigger, more powerful engines.
Mercedes is expected to release more teasers of the replacement for its sixth best selling model in the lead up to its world debut at this October's Paris motor show.
On sale in Europe in early 2019, the GLE will trail the all-new BMW X5 that arrives in Australia this November.
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