It’s been a few months since spy photographers caught up with the facelifted Mercedes GLE, but it’s back in the news as a prototype has been spotted outside a store in the Arctic Circle. Snapped up close, the latest pictures give us a better look at the minor modifications that designers have planned for the popular crossover. Starting up front, we can see a new bumper that no longer features a continuous mid-intake. Instead, it’s been broken up into three distinct sections just like the one used on the third-generation crossover. The lower intake remains, but it appears to feature subtle modifications.
Elsewhere, we can see a lightly revised
grille and camouflaged headlights. The latter appear to retain their current
shape, but adopt new graphics. Changes to the rear end are harder to see thanks
to a combination of snow and camouflage. However, previous pictures have
suggested the updates will be minor and mainly focus on the taillights.
Spy photographers didn’t snap interior
pictures or mention any changes, so that likely means the cabin will largely
carryover. Of course, there could be minor updates including revised trim and
upholstery combinations, an updated infotainment system, and improved driver
assistance systems.
Engine options could largely carryover and
it’s worth noting Mercedes recently updated the GLE 300d 4MATIC. The model
features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 268 hp and 550 Nm of torque. It’s joined by an integrated
starter-generator that has a boost function, which can contribute an additional
20 hp and 200 Nm of torque. Besides the hybrid
tech, the GLE 300d was outfitted with a new Torque on Demand transfer case
which allows for a 0-100% power split between the axles instead of the old
50:50 fixed split.
We’ll learn more about the facelifted GLE
shortly as it’s expected to be introduced next year and offered as a 2023 model
in America.
