2019 Mercedes GLE-Class Winking at Us With Production Headlights

It's still wearing quite a lot of camouflage, bu some appealing new bits are peaking out from underneath. Like most cars that Mercedes has launched, a fully-equipped GLE will look like a rolling statue. Looking at the obviously all-LED headlights, they appear to be split into two shapes by lines we've already seen on several concept cars and the CLE prototype as well.

This time around, we also get to sample the placement of the indicator repeaters which pulsate white lite. It's interesting that the designers chose not to integrate this function into the daytime running strip like almost everybody else does.

The two humps in the middle of the hood tie in perfectly with the shape of the exhaust. Unless we're mistaken, all models except the AMG ones will have hidden pipes under the bumper. But here, we see the smoke coming out of what's likely a six-cylinder base performance model. This could either be a continuation of the GLE 43 with a 3.0-liter V6 or a new model that's yet to be named and comes with the inline-six unit.

We figure that the E50 Coupe will be the first to come out and pack an RS5-shaming 470-ish horsepower. What follows in its wake is hell for the competition, and that could include the prototype we see right here. Fortunately for BMW, it's not getting rid of the V8 models just yet.

Of course, there will be other engines available too, ranging from a couple of 2-liter four-bangers for the rare Mercedes owners that are thrifty to the full-fat 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the E63, complete with the drift mode.

This precise prototype was spotted in the company of the current GLE 43 only a week ago, and at that time we were given access to the cabin. Yes, the dual screens are the same as in the E-Class. But everything else is shaped like a combination between the Range Rover chunkiness and the exotic finish/materials of an AMG GT. We highly recommend checking that out!