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2019 Mercedes GLE Caught in Traffic, Looks Like the E-Class of SUVs

Mercedes introduced the GLE about two years ago, but it's only a refresh of the old M-Class. The all-new model should arrive as a 2019 model year vehicle, and we have a fresh spy video.
2019 Mercedes GLE Caught in Traffic, Looks Like the E-Class of SUVs 5 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
2019 Mercedes GLE Caught in Traffic, Looks Like the E-Class of SUVs2019 Mercedes GLE Caught in Traffic, Looks Like the E-Class of SUVs2019 Mercedes GLE Caught in Traffic, Looks Like the E-Class of SUVs2019 Mercedes GLE Caught in Traffic, Looks Like the E-Class of SUVs
The front end design is partly visible. Most notably, the LED signature of the headlights is visible. They have a similar design to the E-Class, which suggests designers are trying to connect the two.

This strategy because apparent when the GLC came out. From certain angles and with the right body kit, it looks like a beefed-up version of the W205 C-Class.

The overall appearance of the new GLE seems to mirror that of the Range Rover. It's got muscular wheel arches of a square design and relatively flat profile.

Previous photos of the interior reveal that the W167 GLE-Class features a layout similar to the E-Class. Mercedes' way of showing it's better than everyone else revolves around two large screens that form a panoramic digital view. The steering wheel will also be the same as in the sedan model.

Meanwhile, the platform underneath is the same Modular High Architecture as seen in the GLC models. It should offer substantial weight savings as well as an increase in torsional rigidity.

The GLE should be light enough to be powered by at least one 2-liter engine if not more. We've just seen the Range Rover Sport getting a 400 horsepower plug-in hybrid drive revolving around such a displacement, and the W167 will have a PHEV too.

However, the bulk of the range will be made up of inline-6 mills. We've just seen a couple of the added to the S-Class, and they are impressive. There's going to be a twin-turbo diesel with 340 HP and a performance model with around 450 HP.

The only V8 will be the 4.0-liter used by the GLE 63. The S version of that should have over 600 HP of X5 M-rivalling grunt. A 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive should be standard on most models in the range.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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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.
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