目前这代奔驰GLE是在2015年发布的，当时这款车更名为GLE以更好的反映其与E级车的密切关系。不过，这款车仍与W212 E级车共享同一平台，车辆内装就是明证。而最近谍照记者在奔驰研发中心辛德芬根附近拍到了下一代GLE，并拍到了车辆内装，从照片看，该车采用全新设计内装。而新车内装扔与E级轿车非常接近，包括双数字显示屏以及仪表板上的各种控制键。另外，该车采用的“浮动”仪表板并未与中控台连接在一起。另外可以看见的变化是车门把手。至于新车外观，目前仍进行了重度伪装。一旦伪装去掉，预计外观造型类似GLC，但显然比GLC更大。考虑到GLC比GLK更大，新一代GLE或许车身尺寸也将略有增加以便能与GLC有更大距离。由于新车采用奔驰的MRA平台，因此新车重量将进一步降低。由于新车重量降低，因此燃油经济性和性能将获得提升。此外，新车将搭载取自去年发布的S级改款车的全新直列六缸汽油和柴油引擎。下一代GLE很可能将在明年发布并将作为2019款车型上市。
2019 Mercedes GLE interior partially revealed in spy shots
The current-generation model was facelifted back in 2015 when it switched to the GLE moniker to better reflect its ties with the E-Class. However, it’s still stuck on the oily bits of the W212 E-Class, and that’s evident once you hop inside the cabin. For a completely new car with a redesigned interior, you’ll have to wait for the next-gen GLE seen here at Mercedes-Benz’s R&D center in Sindelfingen, Germany.
The latest spy shots provide us with the best look yet at the midsize SUV’s interior, which will obviously borrow many bits and bobs from the aforementioned E. The dual digital screens are already noticeable, as are some of the controls on the dashboard.
Another significant difference is the “floating” dashboard effect in the sense that it does not appear to be connected to the center console. Rounding off the visible changes so far are the grab handles used in case something is about to go terribly wrong.
Stepping outside of the prototype, the body is still dipped in a substantial amount of camouflage. Once the disguise will come off, expect a design in the same vein as the GLC, but obviously on a larger scale. Taking into account the GLC is bigger than its GLK predecessor; the new GLE will probably grow a bit to distance itself from the compact crossover.
You won’t have to worry about the SUV gaining weight since it’s actually going to be lighter than today’s model thanks to Mercedes’ MRA platform. It will make more extensive use of lightweight materials, thus enabling the posh SUV lose a few pounds to boost efficiency and performance. In addition, brand new inline-six gasoline and diesel units might find their way inside the engine bay following their debut later this year on the S-Class facelift.
The next-gen GLE is likely due to come out at some point in 2018 and go on sale as a 2019MY.