Triple Sighting: 2019 Mercedes GLE Convoy Shows Narrow Taillights, New Cockpit

The design continues to have a fair bit in common with the E-Class, which is not surprising. The Germans changed the name of the ML to GLE to symbolize the connection to the E family.

But looking at the rear end, it looks like the W167 (that's the codename) has narrow, long taillights, a lot like the coupe models. Around the front, we see a big ol' grill that's connected to serious LED hardware.

While stuck behind a B-Class in traffic, one of the prototypes also gave us a quick glimpse of its twin screens. Perhaps it's our imagination, but those graphics look a little bit more colorful than what's going on in the E-Class. Considering how iPad-like those screens are, perhaps it's a good thing that they are taking advantage of the resolution and computing power.

New or old, those screens will put the current GLE to shame, as it's more of a rehash of the older ML, which came from an era where people pressed buttons on their phones.

There's no doubt that Mercedes is the brand of luxury car people most want to own. It has that "finally, I've made it" thing going on. But while most will buy the GLE for the badge, we hope it will also drive better.

The current model is dead in the hands and won't excite unless you buy the AMG model. But this 2019 version will make you go "how the heck did I take that corner" thanks to clever suspension technology. The engine range will also be almost unrecognizable, with inline-6 units featuring mild hybrid tech taking the place of the old V6s. The GLE 43 replacement could have around 450 HP, but the diesels will also be class-leading. Mercedes has also started developing a 4.0-liter V8-powered 63 model, but that's another story.