When Mercedes-Benz debuted the GLE Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show, they announced they would be following it up with a sister four-door version, and they’ve just released official photos of the 2016 GLE before its metal and flesh unveiling at the New York Auto Show. The GLE will replace the M-Class.
Up front, it’s immediately clear the GLE is related to the GLE Coupe. Freshly designed headlights give it a more updated appearance, large openings all over give it an aggressive stance while increasing airflow. AMG models will sport single crosspiece grille and the standard models ship with a two-bar grille. Out back, the GLE sports updated taillights, exhaust tips and bumper changes.
The profile looks mostly the same as the ML it’s replacing but there are some subtle differences making the GLE sharper and more aggressive.
The interior is almost identical to the GLE Coupe, as expected. A large infotainment display is partially integrated into the instrument panel, and new interior colour options are available.
As far as powertrains go, expect engine options aplenty. The base model option is the GLE300d 4Matic with a 2.1L, four-cylinder diesel making 201 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up a notch gives you a gas GLE350 with a 3.5L V6 making 302 hp and 273 lb-ft. The GLE400 4Matic rocks a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 tuned to make 329 hp and 354 lb-ft, and the GLE550e 4Matic adds a plug-in hybrid adding up to a total output of 436 hp and 479 lb-ft. Finally, for those that really want some power underfoot, the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 and GLE63 S boast twin-turbo 5.5L V8s putting down 550 hp and 577 hp, respectively. The standard models all use versions of the 7G-tronic gearbox, and AMG models get the Speedshift MCT seven-speed. All models will be available in 4Matic.
