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Jul 10, 2017 / Exploiting brand’s progress. The current generation of Merc’s mid-size luxury SUV hit the roads in 2011, dubbed at the time as M-Class. The year of 2015 brought the contemporary name, along with a facelift and esthetically challenged “coupe” version, while now new changes are on the verge in the form of 2019 Mercedes GLE-Class, probably destined to emerge during next year. Good for Stuttgart, as seven years of lifespan is fairly long enough and things like Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7 are much fresher, and BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne are about to become.
Setting Things Straight…
It is not that current GLE looks especially old, it is own Mercedes’s fault that it evolved so much lately. Brand’s newest stuff is infused with such a high doses of sophisticated elegance, that it leaves this brute with angular creases to appear unrefined. The new generation is about to set things straight, so expect something in GLC realm of visual appeal. But don’t expect just bloated compact sibling, despite brand has lately heavily leaned on copy-paste procedure, as spy photos reveal that at least headlights are destined for some unseen shape so far.
In fact, judging by varieties of test mules and some concepts, slimmer headlights are new Benz’s things to come. Since we are on the theme of dieting, let’s also note that tail lights are also shedding inches in diameter. In the end, overall shape does highly resemble smaller sibling, which is fine by us if it receives enough of its flavors on top of it.
Ohh, The Cabin…
If Stuttgart have mastered something lately, that would be interior lavishness. Current GLE cabin simply looks ridiculous compared to the latest brand moves, despite it is fairly luxurious and extremely well built. Anyway, future SUV in question will have to bless E-letter in its name, since the same letter is about to bring E-Class style of the cabin. The Huge glass panel is about to house two large screens as it is instated executive sedan, but GLE is also destined to bare some different touches. As spy photo reveals, vents are rather square-ish than round, the lower center console doesn’t surge into the dash but follows its straight path while being decorated by large grab handles. This seems enough of special traits for new GLE as some people might get bored with latest brand model’s similarities.
Brand New Underpinnings…
2019 Mercedes GLE-Class is about to use brand new MHA platform, also set to underpin it’s future coupe twin and new GLS. With new platform forget about the V configuration as inline six diesel and petrol engines are set to arrive, at least for regular versions. AMG will continue to stick with compact packed cylinders; just twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 is retreating in front of superior twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 in the case of AMG 63 version. Lesser AMG 43 version might as well carry on with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, but higher than current output is to be anticipated. For the end, count also on next chapter of the current hybrid story.
Worth Of Waiting For?
Definitely. Mercedes mid-size luxury SUV product was always clear about its offering. Cornering athleticism was never a strong feature of it, which it never tried to hide since it over compensated with a plush ride and refined cabin. The new one is going to probably stick to the old recipe while promoting its values to whole another level. If cashing around $50k for GLE seemed fine to you so far, with the new one it will be more than fine, trust us.
Feb 3, 2017 / Mercedes brought confusion when it decided to change its naming protocol. Therefore, we were quite surprised when it released a new model named GLE. It was launched this year but, believe or not, we have already caught a glimpse of the next model. 2019 Mercedes GLE was spotted on the streets. It was camouflaged, as you can see in the photos, but we managed to draw some conclusions. If you haven’t read anything about the current model of GLE, we advise to read an article about it and then come back here. 2019 variant will be based on the same platform and will resemble the present one, but Mercedes decided to add some improvements.
2019 Mercedes GLE Release Date and Price
Price depends on the trim level and it can go from $51,100 to $65,550. The GLE 350 (302-hp V-6) begins at $51,100, with the 4MATIC variation choosing $53,600. The GLE 400 4MATIC (twin-turbo V-6 329 hp) commands $64,600 and the GLE550e (436 hp) Plug-in – $65,550. The only diesel in the U.S. lineup, the GLE 300d 4MATIC (201-hp turbodiesel four and all-wheel drive), starts off at $52,500. However, the base model will definitely deliver the goods. When it comes to the release date of 2019 Mercedes GLE, the best predictions tell us it will hit the market sometime in 2018.
Exterior
GLE has a little bit extraordinary look for Mercedes and many were surprised with its design. The upcoming model is going to be lookalike with several minor modifications. Mercedes camouflaged the front part as much as possible thus it is believed front fascia will get most of the changes. Allegedly, the grille will keep the same shape but it will be resized and headlights are going to be redesigned. Taillights should also get a new, more rounded, design. For the rest of the changes, we must wait for the second set of spy photos, we hope without a camouflage this time.
2019 Mercedes GLE Interior Review
Mercedes has probably the most elegant cabins in the car world. If you pay close attention to these spy photos you will spot a weird dash over the instrument cluster. The exact same dish can be found in the new E-class and S-class. This led us to believe that 2019 Mercedes GLE will have a similar interior. This means GLE might come with soft-touch surfaces and leather upholstery. Perhaps cargo space will be increased and rear seats are going to be able to fold down.
Powertrain
It’s easy to talk about design but when it comes to powertrain things are a little bit more complicated. There are no clear statements regarding engine lineup. However, considering the first model of GLE and current trends it is easy to assume that there will be at least three different options: diesel, gasoline, and a hybrid unit. A 3.5-liter six-cylinder is part of the current lineup. It comes with an output of 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The second option is even more powerful. The 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder generates 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. However, there is the even more powerful unit.
A 3.0-liter is paired with an electric motor and delivers 436 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Engine depends on the trim level, towing capacity as well. Four-wheel drive GLE350 and GLE400 are capable of towing 7,500lbs, while the two-wheel drive GLE350 tows 900lbs less. The hybrid unit has the lowest towing capacity of just 4,410lbs. In addition, there is a 2.1-liter turbodiesel, the only diesel variant, with the lowest power and torque figures. The exact lineup should be offered with the 2019 Mercedes GLE. The only question is whether these engines are going to be improved or not. For those details, you must wait for the official announcements.
Competition
2019 Mercedes GLE has some serious competition. Audi Q7 and BMW X5 are on top of that list. X5 comes with similar engine lineup but, on the other hand, it is more expensive. Audi Q7 also costs a little more than GLE. However, Q7’s powertrain cannot stand side by side with GLE’s. It will be interesting to see what car will become a high-flyer but Mercedes’ model has a little advantage.
Source: www.motorauthority.com
