This is a prototype for a diesel-electric engine.
Although the current-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE is a new model, the German company knows that there are many competitors. The X5-rivaling model will be given a refresh by the Stuttgart company. This is currently in development. Our spy team was able to capture a prototype camouflaged on public roads. They even got close enough for us to take photos of what’s inside. This is the first interior view of the GLE refreshed. It seems that little will be changing. The dashboard is still using the same dual-screen layout and doesn’t appear to have any modifications. The infotainment screen has four vents, and there are several buttons that control different HVAC and audio functions. We noticed a slight difference in the steering wheel, which has a V-shaped design with a piano black finish.
The GLE appears to be almost unchanged from the outside with only minor changes at the front. The camouflage suggests that the headlights may get new interior graphics. This prototype’s radiator grille has an interesting camouflaging covering, which could hint at future changes to the front fascia. We don’t anticipate any significant engine changes as this is a mid-cycle facelift. GLE will continue to offer a variety of electrified four and six-cylinder engines as well as a powerful twin-turbo V8. The plug-in hybrid system is not currently available in the United States for the vehicle in the gallery. This SUV’s version is based on a 2.0-liter diesel engine and an electric motor. It produces 320 horsepower (235kilowatts) combined with 516 pound-feet (706 Newton-meters) of torque. Based on the WLTP cycle, the GLE350de packs a 31.2-kWh battery that gives it an electric range up to 61.5 miles (99 km).