A plug-in hybrid variant of the Mercedes-Benz ML has been spotted making its rounds, suggesting that the finished product should be arriving soon. If the GLE moniker in the headline confuses you, don’t be. There’s a chance that Mercedes-Benz is due to restructure the designations of their cars.
First to receive the change is the current ML-Class, which should be renamed as the facelifted version makes it debut. A new name isn’t the only thing that’s interesting here as it will be made available with a plug-in hybrid variant.
From an aesthetic point of view, nothing seems to have changed much except for the reverse lights – which have been moved to the bottom of the taillight assembly. Expect a slightly redesigned front end beneath the camouflage with a new exhaust pipe layout.
Power source should be similar to the Mercedes-Benz C 350 plug-in hybrid – equating to 208 hp from a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine. An extra 80 hp comes from an electric motor integrated into the seven-speed automatic transmission. Expect a world debut next year in January at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.
A “coupe” version set to take on the BMW X6 has also been spotted recently, nearly undisguised – if the renaming of Mercedes’ SUVs does come about, that car could be called the GLE Coupe.
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
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