It looks like images of the 2016 Mercedes GLE has been leaked before its official unveiling at the New York Auto Show next month. Without worrying about how that happened, let’s dive straight into some of the specs.
The GLE is essentially what Mercedes now calls its ‘M-Class’or ‘ML-Class’ SUVs, so we’re looking at their mid-range crossovers. As part of the company’s new nomenclature, the GLE will sit between the GLC and GLS, essentially mirroring how their C, E and S-Class sedans are positioned in relation to each other.
Though the name has completely changed, the model itself is more of a facelift than a fully revised car. It sports a similar design with tweaks that bring it more in line with the new Mercedes look. This includes a new grille, headlights, taillights and exhaust pipes.
There are even AMG variants that feature more aggressive styling, including the use of quad tailpipes and a single metal bar front grille.
The interior remains about the same, discounting the change in the media centre and steering wheel. Being a mere image leak, most details will have to wait until the show in New York, but from what is being reported, the engine options will include:
- A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 333 PS and 480 Nm of torque
- A twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 with 435 PS and 700 Nm of torque
- A four-cylinder diesel with 204 PS and 480 Nm of torque
- A 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 258 PS and 620 Nm of torque
The 2 AMG versions come in V8 configurations and there is also a plug-in hybrid variant named the GLE500e 4Matic.
