The first generation of the Mercedes GLE debuted at the New York Auto Show on April 1, 2016 and was a successor to the M-class. Soon after its debut the mid-sized luxury SUV went on sale on international and domestic markets. Recent spy shots indicate that the second generation of the GLE is in works and the German manufacturer was spotted testing the AMG version of the same.
The heavily camouflaged SUV gives away the new ‘Panamericana’ grille and the multi-beam headlights on its front end. The side profile displays low profile tyres which offer more grip and the beefy drilled brake rotors as a part of the ‘AMG’ badge. The rear is expected to have a restyled bumper and the chrome exhaust tips visible in the spy shots add to its racy nature.
The interior is expected to be revamped and might carry all the bells and whistles seen on all the recent Mercedes models.
The hood is expected to house the AMG spec 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 which produces a power figure over 500bhp. Not to mention the high torque figures which could make the SUV sprint from 0-100kmph in under four seconds. The AMG-developed 4.0-litre engine is expected to be mated to the new nine speed multi clutch gearbox – also coupled to an AMG developed all-wheel drive system.
However the standard variant of the second generation Mercedes GLE is expected to be offered with the current engine options – 2.2-litre, 3.0-litre diesel and a 3.0-litre petrol engine.
The second generation Mercedes GLE may be dubbed as the 2019 model and is expected to be unveiled later next year followed by the AMG GLE 63 to rival the BMW X5 M, Range Rover SVR and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The second generation GLE is expected to reach the Indian market by late 2018.