Let’s talk about the next generation GLE from Mercedes-Benz with production index V168 for SUV and C168 for GLE Coupe, its techs and design of exterior and interior for the GLE 53 or 63 AMG. The current generation GLE V167 has been around since 2019 and in 2023 it was slightly refreshed: new lights, bumpers, colors, new steering wheel, new materials, latest MBUX system and new powertrain options. According to the latest spy-shots, before the next GLE, Mercedes-Benz wants to update it one more time. There will be a new front-end and some changes to the engines. But in 2026 or 2027 we’ll be waiting for the all-new GLE with index V168. It should receive another platform, more adopted for the next generation plug-in hybrid powertrains with much bigger batteries. The ev-only range must be increased up to 200 km or 125 miles. The SUV must become slightly bigger in all dimensions, including the wheelbase, but the overall silhouette will remain unchanged. The interior could be directly taken from EQE model, but as for the exterior, we think the E-class design could suit the SUV really well. We have illustrated the new GLE 2026-2027 V168 before release date. Please take a look and let us know if you like it.
All-New Mercedes-Benz GLE V168 – NEXT GENERATION with Full Redesign
Recently, Brabus produced the carbon-fiber-clad Mercedes-AMG SL Shooting Brake we didn’t even dare fantasize about, and the black station wagon with exposed carbon fiber and 985 horsepower is truly something to behold. But now it’s time to come back from fantasy land. Or not?
Over in the real world, Mercedes-Benz is hard at work focusing on its 2026 Mercedes CLA affordable sedan and is probably thinking why nobody wants their EVs on Earth. We have a hint – it’s because of their gloriously boring styling. They also lack big in the charisma department, unlike the ICE-powered S-Class and other interesting models – such as the Mercedes-Benz and AMG mid-size GLE Coupe and SUV twins, for example.
We’re pointing at them because the rumor mill is also hard at work, and plenty of spy photos depict the BMW X5 and X6-fighting Mercedes-Benz and AMG crossover SUVs getting another facelift. However, the parallel universes of vehicular CGI think otherwise courtesy of the imaginative guild of digital car content creators – the mid-size luxury SUVs produced by the German automaker since 1997 are likely gearing for a new installment, their fifth.
Dubbed V168 and C168, respectively, by the good folks over at the AutoYa info channel on YouTube, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and SUV are depicted unofficially and hypothetically complete with their high-performance AMG looks. The host kicks off their latest behind-the-scenes making-of video with an analysis of the current generation and its timeline, swiftly followed by their rumored information about the next generation.
It should come with slightly larger dimensions for even more space inside, but the main focus is on a proposed new plug-in hybrid using a next-gen battery pack that should yield a much higher EV-only range surging to 150-200 kilometers or 90 to 125 miles. Of course, take all the information and the accompanying renderings with a healthy dose of salt, as nothing has been officially revealed from Mercedes-Benz just yet.
However, if you want to continue, the channel’s resident pixel master has also prepared a quick look at the potential interior layout with three screens for the instrument cluster, the central display, and the third on the passenger’s side. As always, there is also a big reel focusing on the color palette, but the best thing is that both the front and rear points of view depict both GLE body styles – the regular SUV and the Coupe version. Before the end, there are also some shade choices for the interior, too.
So, what do you think? By the way, note that BMW is preparing the next generation X5 with the controversial ‘Neue Klasse’ styling, as per the most recent spies, whereas Mercedes-Benz is keeping the GLE a traditional offering and mostly implements the styling cues from the all-new E-Class without changing much the overall design.
