Mercedes-AMG is gearing up for a sprucing up of its Audi SQ7-rivalling large SUV.
We’ve previously reported on spied prototypes of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE wagon but this time our photographers appear to have captured the AMG GLE53 wagon.
Having been introduced in 2019, the current GLE range is ready for a mid-cycle refresh to bring it in line with newer Mercedes models.
The updated range will likely debut this year.
What instantly sets this facelifted GLE prototype apart from the regular models is AMG’s Panamericana grille with its 12 vertical louvres.
The front bumper is still wearing camouflage and appears to have been reworked.
It’s hard to tell due the camouflage but there also appear to be slimmer, redesigned headlights with a new LED daytime running light signature.
Around the side are a set of 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in winter tyres.
At the back there is camouflage covering what appears to be redesigned tail lights and a different diffuser. Quad exhaust outlets remain.
Although there weren’t any photos taken of this particular prototype’s interior, a facelifted regular GLE model prototype was previously spied with a different steering wheel.
This particular steering wheel has a sleeker design, and features touch-sensitive buttons.
Pictured: Facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE PHEV prototype
It’s expected that AMG GLE models will receive an AMG-specific steering wheel with perforated leather and a flat bottom.
The facelifted GLE is expected to receive the latest of its MBUX infotainment operating system although it’ll most likely retain the same digital instrument cluster and central screen as the exisiting model.
With its latest models, the C-Class and the S-Class, the German automaker has been heading down the route of equipping portrait-oriented infotainment screen across its range, but it appears such a change will have to wait until the next generation of GLE.
The AMG GLE lineup consists of GLE53 and full-fat GLE63 S models in both wagon and coupe body styles.
The current Mercedes-AMG GLE53 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six – one conventional turbo teamed with an electric compressor – with ‘EQ Boost’ 48V mild-hybrid technology.
Outputs are 320kW of power and 520Nm of torque, with the 48V electric starter-generator able to assist with an additional 16kW and 250Nm over short bursts.
Drive is sent to a performance-tuned 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system through an AMG-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission.
It’s unclear if the facelifted AMG GLE53 will receive any power bump or not.
Although all of these spy photos have been of the GLE wagon, the coupe is set to continue alongside it.
Mercedes-Benz sold a total of 3591 GLE wagons and 1122 GLE coupes in Australia during 2021.
Even taking just the wagon figures into account, the GLE is the top-seller in its large luxury SUV segment, outselling the BMW X5 (3173 sales), Lexus RX (1908 sales) and Audi Q7 (1646 sales).
