This is winter life in Sweden.
The current Mercedes Benz GLE-Class is certainly not old. The sleek GLE Coupe was introduced in 2019, as a 2021 model. We are not even one month into 2022. We’ve seen several GLE test cars sporting camouflage on the front and back. Mercedes seems keen to keep its lineup current in this highly competitive segment.
While we have seen quite a few GLE prototypes over the past months, this is only the second time that we have seen the GLE Coupe. Our brave spy photographers are camping out in Sweden to capture cold-weather testing. This red Merc seems to love the camera. The front fascia is covered in a camouflage body wrap. We can see that the corner vents have been reduced and no longer fit into the narrow opening under the grille. Also, the lowest vent is now split in two as opposed to one on the current model.
Camouflage surrounding the headlights indicates a subtle redesign, with the lenses potentially shrinking in size. Camouflage tape is relegated to the taillights at the rear. Although it is difficult to determine if the lenses are actually smaller, it could be used as a clever distraction to draw attention away from rear fascia. The current model features narrow vertical accents at the corners of the rear wheels. They are connected by a prominent body line which crosses the lower portion the liftgate. This is the only place where you can see the body line, and accents are gone.
The Coupe has a smoother backside than the GLE SUV. Mercedes may be going further in this minimalist direction than its rival BMW. This sighting is a clear indication of that. We don’t believe the test car has a production rear fascia. However, we doubt it. A reveal could occur late in the year, or even into 2023 at worst.