If there's one thing we like about BMW and Mercedes, it's that they keep us automotive editors busy. Each year, they launch new engines and features on one model and then spread that to the entire lineup. Such is the case with the 2019 GLE-Class SUV, which has a dashboard inspired by the E-Class.
Even though the current GLE is just a year old, it's actually a mid-cycle facelift of the old car. The interior feels as dated as the W204 C-Class, the square one. So the next generation will seem as radical as when Audi replaced the Q7 after about a decade in production.
The video by our friend Walko is the first to capture a glimpse of the interior. Much like the E-Class, it features two wide screens that are connected to bombard the driver with information. Pretty soon we'll be saying "digital gauges, what are those?".
Even the steering wheel looks like it's one of the optional ones from the W213 E-Class. However, considering the new Mercedes naming system is supposed to suggest the GLE is the sister SUV to the E-sedan, we shouldn't be surprised.
Let's not forget just how big this family is getting. After the sedan and wagon, we'll see coupe, convertible and off-road versions of the E-Class. Long wheelbase and potentially even Maybach versions add a touch of luxury as well.
The 2019 GLE-Class SUV even looks a whole lot better than the current one. It looks like they used complex aluminum stamping techniques to make the doors appear 3D. From the front, we see the grille are is huge and extra intakes are feeding the V6 engine on this prototype.
Potentially, there might even be 4-cylinder plug-in versions, but we really don't see the need for something like the GLE 220 d to exist. No matter how light SUVs get, luxury badges demand lots of power to be offered.
What do you guys think: Which navigation design is better, Audi's Virtual Cockpit or this Mercedes widescreen TV?
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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