2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: First Look

• Competes with: BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Lexus RX
• Looks like: The M-Class that preceded it
• Drivetrains: 201-hp, turbo-diesel four-cylinder (GLE300d); 302-hp V-6 (GLE350); 329-hp, turbocharged V-6 (GLE400); 436-hp (combined) turbocharged V-6 with plug-in hybrid system (GL550e); 550-hp, turbocharged V-8 (GLE63); 577-hp, turbocharged V-8 (GLE63 S); seven-speed automatic transmission, rear- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: August 2015

We scratched our heads when Mercedes-Benz officials told us at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit that the sleek 2016 GLE-Class Coupe was the brand’s replacement for the M-Class SUV. The broader GLE-Class, which debuts in non-coupe form at next week’s 2015 New York International Auto Show, is a more believable replacement.

Related: More 2015 New York Auto Show News

Mercedes says the GLE-Class is a refresh on the M-Class, though its name is different. The SUV comes in a doozy of variants, from the diesel GLE300d to the turbo V-8 GLE63.

Expect pricing and gas mileage closer to the GLE’s August 2015 on-sale date.

Exterior

Typical of a refresh, the GLE-Class’ styling is evolutionary from the M-Class; this isn’t a styling sea change. The profile, face and tail remain generally the same, save reshaped bumper openings and updated headlights; LED headlights are optional. Mercedes-AMG models, which follow the brand’s new AMG naming scheme, have twin-bar grilles.

Wheels range from 17-inchers on the GLE300d all the way up to 21s on the AMGs. Other AMG additions include a rear bumper diffuser and quad tailpipe finishers. If you want the AMG look without the power or price, various AMG Line exterior packages lend some of the styling.

Optional off-road provisions include a two-speed transfer case, a locking center differential and an adaptive air suspension that can raise ground clearance to 11 inches for a maximum water-fording depth of nearly 2 feet. The air suspension can also include active stabilizer bars that counter body roll in real time; the feature is standard on AMG models.

Interior

Like the exterior, the GLE’s interior represents an update over the M-Class. The center controls are more squared off, with a screen that juts out above the dashboard, though not as much as the tabletlike screen in some Mercedes models. The screen itself measures 7 inches, with an 8-inch screen if you add optional multimedia features.

Like the redesigned C-Class, the GLE hosts Mercedes’ latest Comand system, which incorporates a touchpad controller above the traditional knob. Optional premium stereos come from Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen.

Aluminum cabin trim is standard. Optional trim includes piano-black lacquer, carbon fiber or four wood finishes, one of them open-pore. MB-Tex vinyl upholstery is standard, and full leather is optional. AMG models have an MB-Tex dashboard finish, unique gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel and AMG-badged, leather sport seats.

Mercedes’ Dynamic Select system has up to seven different modes that optimize various driving systems for better handling, off-road capability, poor weather and more.

Under the Hood

Mercedes offers six drivetrains in the GLE-Class. The GLE300d gets a diesel four-cylinder that’s good for 201 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque, while the GLE350 gets a 302-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. The GLE400 has a 329-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6.

The plug-in GLE550e teams a gasoline V-6 with a 114-hp electric motor for a combined 436 hp. The motor draws energy off a rechargeable 8.8-kilowatt-hour, lithium-ion battery, and Mercedes says you can go 18.6 miles solely on electric power. Drivers can alternate between four driving modes to maximize electric range or preserve it for later.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE63 and GLE63 S are the lineup’s highest performers, with rear-biased all-wheel drive and a turbocharged, 5.5-liter V-8 that’s rated at 550 hp (GLE63) or 577 hp (GLE63 S).

All models get a seven-speed automatic transmission, with a quicker-shifting setup in the AMGs. All-wheel drive is standard on all but the base, rear-drive GLE350.

Safety

Mercedes’ Collision Prevention Assist Plus, a forward collision warning system with automatic braking, is standard. Typical of new Mercedes vehicles, the GLE-Class offers all manner of semiautonomous driving systems, including all-speed adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detecting automatic braking and active steering with lane keeping and blind spot intervention. Around-view cameras and active parking assist are also optional.