SPIED: W167 Mercedes-Benz GLE seen for first time

Our European spy photographers have given us the first look at the next-generation W167 Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead of its expected on-sale date in 2018, and just over a year after the current W166 M-Class was given a makeover and the new three-letter moniker.

It’s clearly very early days for the new SUV – it’s covered in heavy camouflage and fitted with an array of temporary head- and tail lights that very effectively mask the styling. Even so, it is clear that the next GLE will feature a curvier, more fluid design that should both better match Stuttgart’s latest design language and give it a closer visual link to its smaller GLC sibling.

The interior should see a dramatic revamp, ditching the current M-Class-era cabin for the W213 E-Class‘ impressive mini-S-Class interior – complete with round air vents and a large display panel that has an option for twin 12.3-inch displays. This would mirror the approach taken by the GLC, the interior of which has largely been carried over from the W204 C-Class.

To be built on the same Modular Rear-drive Architecture (MRA) that underpins the latest C-, E- and S-Class, the next-generation GLE is set to be significantly lighter than the current model, with entry level models expected to ditch all-wheel drive to sit under the two-tonne mark. To further improve efficiency, the car’s aerodynamic performance is expected to be improved, with drag coefficient dropping from 0.32 to 0.30 Cd.

In terms of engines, expect the GLE to retain the 3.0 litre biturbo petrol V6 used in the 333 PS/480 Nm GLE 400 and the 442 PS/650 Nm GLE 500 e hybrid, although the AMG GLE 43 – which will likely use the same engine – should move up to the 401 PS/520 Nm tune used on the new E 43, instead of the 367 PS currently.

The current 435 PS/700 Nm GLE 500’s 4.7 litre twin-turbo V8 should appear as well, but a reduction of weight could enable the introduction of a turbo petrol four-pot, like the 2.0 litre mill used on the 184 PS/300 Nm E 200, 211 PS/350 Nm E 250 and 245 PS/370 Nm E 300. At the top of the range, an AMG GLE 63 should see the light of day further down the line, powered by Mercedes-AMG’s latest 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8.

On the diesel side, the GLE should make use of the W213 E-Class’ new 2.0 litre turbo four-pot, replacing the venerable 2.1 litre mill in the current 204 PS/500 Nm GLE 250 d. A 3.0 litre V6 turbodiesel in the existing 258 PS/620 Nm should also be carried over.

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