SPIED: The Latest Spy Shots Of The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Show A MUCH More Mature SUV — WHO Should Be Concerned?

As I've noted for the past two or so years, Mercedes-Benz is just kicking ass with each and every all-new model. Forget Audi, forget BMW, the three-pointed star is the hot brand at the moment.

And things are about to get very interesting. That's because BMW is working on its next-gen X5 and Mercedes-Benz is going to be unveiling an all-new GLE-Class.

These direct competitors both sell in volume.

In the latest spy shots showing the next-gen GLE, it's clear that Mercedes has designed an all-new sport-utility vehicle. Unlike other companies that are doing slight enhancements, Benz is swinging for the fences. Taking inspiration from the E-Class, we're expecting this SUV's technology, powertrains and drivetrains to mirror the E.

We think it's safe to expect a four-cylinder, six-cylinder and two AMG-powered variants.

With the latest collection of snaps, you'll get a damn good first impression of what the all-new GLE will look like. Most of the heavy camouflage is off, with exception of the front valence, and Mercedes even removed the wrap from a lot of its side profile.

So, what do you think?

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MDarringer - 5/28/2018 10:47:18 AM

0 Boost

Seeing the prototype, I have the same reaction I do to most crossovers. They need more length after the rear wheels for the sake of cargo. Most 5 passenger crossovers cannot carry 5 people and the luggage they would bring for a trip. Let's not even talk about a 7 seater. The Flex would come close to doing the job, but most simply need more space. This Mercedes would be better resolved visually with more length after the rear wheel centerline.

dumpsty - 5/31/2018 3:19:52 PM

+1 Boost

then their proportions would be all wrong. extending the rear overhang would change the overall designs quite a bit to look more like actual tall station wagons.

most people i know (mostly women) who own an SUV/CUV today would absolutely die before getting a wagon or anything that directly reminds them of a wagon (or minivan).

I recently suggested to my wife that I wanted a Ford Flex (with the EB V6) & she was just about to get a divorce. She was mortified at the mere thought. Not that it was a Ford, but with the overall exterior design - which I like btw.

knowitall1985 - 5/28/2018 11:40:40 AM

-2 Boost

They have never figured out the formula of how to beat the RX350, and have been outsold since 1999.

MDarringer - 5/28/2018 12:10:26 PM

+1 Boost

They're German so they overthink it. Instead of just copying the formula, they "know better" because they are German and do this and that which results in a significantly larger price tag and a vehicle that is not competitive with the RX.

Granted Mercedes does not have access to a competent FWD chassis with its partners at Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.

I've always wondered why Mercedes tied up with the garbage that is Renault-Nissan instead of pursuing a collaboration with Toyota.

cidflekken - 5/28/2018 5:26:13 PM

+3 Boost

The only "formula" Lexus has figured out is offering a similarly-sized SUV to the GLE as a 20% price discount.

MDarringer - 5/28/2018 7:28:30 PM

0 Boost

There's more to it than that. The RX is the preferable machine. The GLE is nice, but the RX can't be beaten.

cidflekken - 5/28/2018 9:05:05 PM

+3 Boost

LIke what, Darringer? I'm curious b/c I truly have no idea. The RX has impressed very few in any review I've seen. it's a nice, boring machine, not really even described by anyone as overly luxurious or pampering. And when they try F-Sport, they've failed miserably in the last gen and in this gen. In that respect, the X5 definitely has it. You've seen when Lexus has tried to go price-for-price with the Germans, right? The sales numbers just don't lie. IS not even close to the C and 3. GS is not even within eyesight of the E and 5. LS has been so far behind and only with its new model has it showed signs of life, but still, the more expensive S is leading pretty comfortably. I'm not doubting what you're saying. But I just haven't heard a single thing about the RX that would make a buyer want it more than even an MDX, much less a GLE or X5.

MDarringer - 5/28/2018 9:42:18 PM

0 Boost

@cidflekken We know you believe that only German cars are of merit. What proves you wrong is how vehemently upset you get at the notion of even comparing a Japanese vehicle to your panzers.

The RX has a chassis layout that is preferable to the GLE, for starters.

cidflekken - 5/28/2018 10:26:19 PM

+3 Boost

Ooooohhhhh, that's right. Darringer, you're so right. That's why I am one of the few loyalists on these boards of that German brand. What's their name...Oh, Acura. That's right. Ooooooohhh, and that's why I'm one of the few around here that still likes to point out the positives of that other German brand. What's their name.... Ooooh, it's Honda. That's right. Ooooooh, and that's why I've made very critical comments are TRUE German brands like BMW and Audi. Because I'm SUCH a biased enthusiasts. How do I live with myself fro god's sake.

Your selective reading is your fortè, Darringer. It might be your only skill. I should know better than to engage you, Darringer. I apologize to myself to doing it.

MDarringer - 5/28/2018 11:05:49 PM

0 Boost

@cidflekken Lordy lordy you're dramatic. J.H.C.

cidflekken - 5/29/2018 12:28:32 AM

+3 Boost

Just keep poppin' your meds, buddy.

jackpuls - 5/30/2018 12:17:59 AM

+1 Boost

Speaking of clueless... Guessing you view these cow catcher grills as something to admire? The new form of horrendous.

USNA1999 - 5/28/2018 3:36:16 PM

+5 Boost

No one should be worried, it looks like a bigger GLC. The ML/GLE have been around for a while and they still sell a good number of them. MB will continue to dominate here in the USA and worldwide.

knowitall1985 - 5/29/2018 10:37:18 AM

-1 Boost

Take out fleet sales and Lexus outsells bmw and Mercedes.....

Runamukk - 5/28/2018 6:01:00 PM

-1 Boost

The RX is much smaller, rides much lower and is FWD which is not luxury...neither is painted plastic in place of real aluminum. All Lexus's are just rebadged Toyotas and that's why they will never be truly innovative first tier vehicles but instead value oriented second tier also ran's.

MDarringer - 5/28/2018 9:36:19 PM

+3 Boost

FWD isn't luxury??? Does Audi know this?

Runamukk - 5/28/2018 11:01:47 PM

-2 Boost

Yea they know. Thats why they compensate with rear torque biased AWD. An abundance of effortless power while having to fight the steering wheel in a straight line is definitely not luxury.

MDarringer - 5/29/2018 8:40:36 AM

+3 Boost

Their AWD is an OPTION. Thus there are FWD Audis being sold right and left.

Dr550 - 5/29/2018 2:59:35 AM

-1 Boost

RX uses the Toyota K (Camry) platform, Toyota V6, etc. I bet 90% of RX drivers do not know they are driving a "raised" Camry.

MDarringer - 5/29/2018 8:39:12 AM

+4 Boost

Beside the point. Do Audi A3 people know they are driving a Golf?

ilovecar2015 - 5/29/2018 11:39:58 AM

0 Boost

@Dr550 the same thing that 90% of GLE customers don't even realized that their GLE is on a decade old platform and the vehicle is 7 years old underneath and an ancient V6 NA engine while the rest of MB line ups have gone tubrocharged.

ilovecar2015 - 5/29/2018 10:27:23 AM

0 Boost

New GLE should taken away sales from X5, instead of BMW getting all the thunder from their new X5, MB matched it with new GLE, so they are even on sales again. Probably around 4K to 5.5K per month in U.S.

That is, nothing much nothing more. RX customers are different and Q5 is the cheaper German alternative.

Truthy - 5/29/2018 5:11:19 PM

+1 Boost

People are unlikely to cross-shop the RX and the MB GLE. The average transition price for the Lexus is usually much lower. I have not seen MB and BMW SUVs in rental fleets, but I have seen RXs. Bottom line, the Germans are better drives with much better interiors, however ownership can be painful. The RX is available with AWD, driving dynamics are not a top 3 concern with SUV buyers.

Truthy - 5/29/2018 5:29:38 PM

+2 Boost

MDarringer, how is the RX better than a MB? Of course the RX wins for hideous design inside and out. Why do you believe this expensive Camry tall wagon "cannot be beaten"?

MDarringer - 5/29/2018 9:25:33 PM

0 Boost

For one, it's chassis layout with the engine ahead of the front wheels is better for interior room. The RX is also more reliable than the German competition. What the RX achieves through utter simplicity, the Germans try and fail to match with complication. The market has spoken. The RX sells as much at the GLE and X5 COMBINED. If it can be beaten, the Germans are clueless as to how.

jackpuls - 5/30/2018 12:40:07 AM

+1 Boost

Well done Truthy... I honestly don't harbor ill feelings toward Lexus owners. Only great sadness. Just imagine what could have been.

Ignorance is bliss... Let them eat cake (look it up, supposed Knowitall1985). HA!

jackpuls - 5/30/2018 12:44:17 AM

+1 Boost

Truthy - 5/30/2018 11:28:01 AM

0 Boost

MDaranged, by your logic the Toyota Camry is a better car than the BMW five series because it has better space utilization due to its FWD layout and it sells more than the BMW 5 Series and MB E=Class combined.