Orange highlights in conjunction with selected features such as AMG Line exterior, Night Package and the exclusive upholstery variant in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre are hallmarks of the new OrangeArt Edition of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé which is now available for ordering (combined fuel consumption: 10.7-7.2 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 251-187 g/km). Customers have a choice of an exterior and an interior package, which also combine to perfection. The special models will reach the showrooms from August.

For the paint finish, there is a choice of black, polar white, obsidian black, iridium silver, selenite grey or designo diamond white bright. Strikingly sporty looks are conjured up by 53.3 cm (21-inch) AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in an exclusive high-gloss black painted finish with orange rim flange and the orange highlights on the front apron. The headlamps of the Intelligent Light System feature a black LED ring.

Striking contrasts in orange are also a defining feature inside the OrangeArt Edition. The interior highlights include sports seats upholstered in black nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre with orange piping and grey topstitching. This upholstery is exclusive to the Edition. The orange piping adds further highlights in the interior. Floor mats with AMG lettering and piping in orange and door centre panels with black DINAMICA microfibre and topstitching in grey round off the inviting spectacle. The sporty character is additional underscored by the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel in black nappa leather, the sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs and aluminium trim with light longitudinal grain.

Fastback SUV gets a faster back

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class midsize crossover SUV is nearly ready for production, so it comes as no surprise that the "coupe" version with its sedan shape and liftback is also in development. We got our first look at it thanks to one of our spy photographers. It's an evolutionary design, but one that seems to correct some of the awkward lines of the old model to create a sportier-looking vehicle.

Starting from the front, the new GLE Coupe loses the upswept fascia of the old model. The grille is at its widest toward the bottom, narrowing toward the top. The headlights don't rise as high either, and the bottom sections drop down a bit. This gives the new GLE Coupe a lower, wider look up front.

Around the sides, the liftback sedan profile remains, but the roof looks lower, and the front and rear glass rise up at shallower angles. This goes a long way to eliminate the slightly bubbly design of the outgoing GLE Coupe. A potential downside of this, though, is that there seems to be much less glass area along the sides, so visibility and light might be diminished on this model.

The back is very much a mild evolution of the current model. The rear spoiler looks a bit longer, the taillights are becoming more similar to those of the CLS-Class, and the back of the liftback appears to lean farther forward. Interestingly, it appears that the rear bumper has basically no step where it ends and the trunk begins. It's all one, big, bulbous curve.

The normal GLE-Class is expected to arrive for the 2019 model year, and spy photos have shown it's just about finished. Based on the looks of this GLE Coupe prototype, it may be another year out, possibly as a 2020 model. It will likely have trims and engines that mirror the standard SUV, likely a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 for the top-rung AMG model, and twin-turbo V6s for the standard version and the entry-level AMG models.

Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to the luxury crossover market, and today we get to see its latest entry: The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Another day, another SUV, right? Fortunately, this one's got more style and tech than any other 'ute from the German manufacturer, and some of it sounds pretty sweet.

Leading off, we've got new sheetmetal all around and a three-inch increase in wheelbase over the current GLE, providing some space for the optional third-row seat. It looks smoother and slipperier throughout the new design. Those new lines, combined with aero tricks here and there, helped Mercedes get the coefficient of drag down to 0.29 — it claims that number is now best in the segment.

The base engine in the GLE350 is Mercedes' 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. All versions of the GLE will come with a nine-speed auto at launch. The engine you want to know about, though, is the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that comes integrated with a 48-volt electrical system. So equipped, the GLE450 puts out 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Here's where the fun tech starts to enter the equation. Similar to the Audi A8, the 2020 GLE450 will be riding on Benz's first 48-volt active suspension system. Mercedes has this integrated with an air suspension, and it allows both the spring and damping forces to be controlled individually at each wheel. E-Active Body Control, as it's called, is capable of counteracting body roll, pitch and squat. All of this is done in an effort to provide outstanding comfort, but there's some pretty sweet off-road benefits you get from it too. For example, Mercedes says that if you find yourself stuck in sand, the suspension level will automatically raise and lower itself quickly to increase traction, and eventually rock itself free. In other good news for the few who might take their GLE off-road, you'll have fully-variable all-wheel-drive controls to adjust torque between the front and rear axles.

Luxury crossovers really sell themselves with beautiful interiors, and this one doesn't disappoint. Like its E-Class sedan counterpart, the GLE gets two massive high-resolution screens front and center. There are enough gizmos contained in there to fill a book, but here are the highlights: A new learning assistant recognizes hand gestures. It will supposedly know the difference between the driver reaching for the screen and the passenger, and then allow the settings to be adjusted for the corresponding hand. The infotainment system will also try to learn from your past radio/call history to give you shortcuts on the screen to certain things when it thinks you might want them. That's starting to sound a bit like Google Assistant or Siri. The rear seats aren't forgotten, either. You'll have six-way power seats back there, a sedan-like touch in an SUV.

A new head-up display is claimed to be the easiest to read and deal with yet. Mercedes uses a system of lenses and mirrors to project the now-giant head-up display (17.8 x 5.9-inches) such that it appears to float above the hood about 10 feet out. We'll have to see how that one works in practice before making any judgments.

All your normal driver-assistance features will be available on the new GLE. New is an autonomous traffic-assist system which works in stop-and-go traffic up to 37 mph. Mercedes' active brake assist is functional when making a turn now, keeping you out of trouble if the car senses oncoming traffic during a maneuver. We're seeing the pictures now, of course, but Mercedes will show the car at the Paris Auto Show, with an on-sale date sometime in spring 2019. Pricing will also be announced at a later date.

The year 2020 used to seem like it was way far off in the future, but sure enough, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class I'm driving will have a 2020 model year when it goes on sale in the spring. Fittingly, though, it's seriously futuristic. With a mild-hybrid powertrain, a flashy touchscreen interface and semiactive suspension, the 2020 Mercedes GLE-Class modernizes the luxury crossover in a big way.

As is the trend of nearly all new vehicles, the 2020 Mercedes GLE is longer and wider than its predecessor, and rides on a longer wheelbase, too. Visually, the new GLE doesn't depart too far from its predecessor. It's more of a nip-tuck than a redesign. Most notable are the reshaped front fascia, with big grille and swept-back LED headlights, the slightly more sloped rear window and the somewhat "pinched" look to the liftgate that leaves the model-designation badges sitting at an angle. It's a rather handsome SUV. It can be further dressed up with options like wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches in diameter and silly touches like illuminated running boards.

The new design, along with tricks like a fully covered underbody, help lower the GLE's drag coefficient to a slippery (for an SUV) 0.29, versus 0.32 for the outgoing model. That plays a significant role in improving highway fuel economy and reducing cabin wind noise. There are also retractable shutters ahead of the radiator that can close to reduce drag, and the outside-lower vents on the front fascia are closed off for the same reason. (Though forthcoming AMG models will have real vents there to cool and feed their engines.)

If you've seen the inside of other new Mercedes-Benz models, the GLE-Class won't look unfamiliar, with its very horizontal dash design, stylish drilled-metal Burmester speaker vents and minimalist center-stack physical controls. The inside of this luxury SUV is impeccably assembled, with everything you could conceivably touch feeling delightful. The leather is plush, the controls operate with a satisfying click-click and the various optional wood veneers all look wonderful.

Back-seat room is generous enough that, with the front seat adjusted to how I normally drive, I can still lounge out. Because the new GLE has a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase, there's an extra 2.5 inches of second-row legroom. Power-reclining second-row seats are available as an option -- an incredibly luxurious option that will undoubtedly spoil your children. The available panoramic sunroof has a larger glass area than before, helping keep the cabin bright and airy. Cargo space is plentiful, too, with a power liftgate making for easier access.

Another new option for the interior of the GLE-Class is a third row of seats. Mercedes promises the way-back can comfortably fit an adult up to 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and I'm looking forward to seeing at a later date how easily I fit back there. The BMW X5 -- the GLE's key rival -- also offers an optional third row.

Two 12.3-inch screens are standard, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The former is, as in other Mercedes models, infinitely customizable to show myriad graphic arrangements and pieces of information. It's all easily accessed and configured via a thumb controller on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. But there is so much info displayed at all times, all in different colors and graphics, that it can often be a little overwhelming. Fortunately the big, color head-up display provides a simple, legible look at key data like speed, navigation info and so on.

The infotainment system is the same MBUX -- that's pronounced em-bee-you-ex -- touchscreen from the new A-Class sedan. Of course, in addition to touching the screen you can operate the menus with a touchpad controller on the center console, a thumb controller on the right-hand side of the steering wheel or by saying, "Hey, Mercedes" to activate the voice-recognition tech.

The good news is that the system will detect you saying "Hey, Mercedes" or even just "Mercedes" flawlessly, though the bad news is it's so oversensitive that's basically impossible to discuss the car brand without hearing, "How may I help you?" (Filming a subsequent in-depth review video in this car will likely be a challenge for us…) Still, it is incredibly smart in its responses. You can ask the system to turn down the climate-control fan, change the ambient light color, swap radio stations, turn on the seat massagers and many other commands.

Still more internet-connected functions are available, as well. When I asked, "What's the weather forecast?" the system read me meteorological info and displayed a forecast on the screen. When I asked, because we were driving in Texas on election day, "Who is Ted Cruz?" MBUX obediently read out a brief summary about the senator.

Aside from the voice-recognition features, MBUX works incredibly well. Its displays are gorgeously rendered and bright, its responses to any input near-instantaneous. The navigation even offers a cool augmented-reality display that overlays street signs, direction arrows and even house numbers over a view ahead of the car -- eliminating that, "Is it this junction or the next?" conversation when using the nav in unfamiliar areas.

Perhaps the only demerit to MBUX is that there are so many menus, buttons and settings that one could spend hours sitting in the driveway simply configuring (and finding) the many functions. Technophobes, take note during your test drive whether you'll like the system or find it overwhelming.

The base engine in the US market, under the GLE350 badge, is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four rated for 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, the latter available from 1,800 through 4,000 rpm. With a nine-speed automatic dishing up that power to the wheels, the GLE350 accelerates strongly without much fuss at all. Mercedes predicts a 0-to-60-mph sprint of 7.0 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 7.1 seconds with the optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The engine can sound a little gruff at times, and it's possible to catch the powertrain off-guard when it needs a downshift before delivering full power, but overall this is a hugely satisfying engine and transmission combination.

My tester features optional adaptive air suspension, which is sublimely comfortable in the default Comfort mode. However, it floats and wallows a little too much for my tastes on fast-flowing back roads and highways. Opting for the Sport suspension setup is much better: still plenty pliable over rough patches but far more composed through bends. As the entry-level and thus more affordable GLE-Class model, the 350 is without vice from behind the wheel.

Even more interesting, however, is the GLE450, which uses a new EQ Boost inline-six engine found in other new Mercedes models like the CLS-Class. A turbocharged 3.0-liter unit, it's rated for 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet, but can receive a 21-horsepower boost thanks to an electric motor-generator.

Mercedes' claimed 5.5-second sprint to 60 mph feels perfectly realistic. The GLE450 digs in with effortless torque and pulls strongly. Moreover, it pulls smoothly, thanks to the trademark balance of straight-six engines, and offers up a surprisingly snarly sound under power. This is, without question, the GLE I'd want simply for its right-now passing performance.

The EQ Boost system is not, however, only about adding more oomph. As a mild hybrid, it regenerates electricity under braking to help bolster acceleration. Select the Eco driving mode and the gas engine can even shut off at speed in a coasting mode. It's fantastic to see the tachometer at 0 rpm as the big GLE-Class motors along at 40 or 50 mph, or even faster still. And when the engine does restart, it does so with such smoothness you really need to pay attention to notice. It remains to be seen what kind of EPA fuel-economy ratings this powertrain will deliver -- but subjectively, it's wonderful for its smoothness, power and efficiency.

GLE450 models can be equipped with a new semiactive suspension system called E-Active Body Control. It uses 48-volt pumps (one at each wheel) to provide hydraulic fluid pressure to actively move the suspension up and down individually, by up to 4.7 inches upward or 3.1 inches down from standard ride height. Mercedes has offered semiactive suspension like this before, but those systems used belt-driven pumps that were less effective and couldn't work on hybrid engines.

Like other active antiroll systems, E-ABC is intended to keep the GLE as flat as possible at all times for improved handling, while also absorbing bumps more easily. For party tricks, it can "bounce" the suspension up and down to help free a GLE stuck in sand or even "dance." And a menu in the off-road settings allows for you to individually adjust the ride height at each corner. It's meant for navigating rough terrain -- or, you know, posing the GLE at weird angles because you're a tad immature.

Anyway, suspension comfort is the primary aim, with engineers at my press event saying that E-ABC can detect and react to pavement imperfections as small as 2 millimeters when driving at 75 mph. While it is extremely comfortable, smoothing out much of the rough stuff on roads through Texas Hill Country, I don't find E-ABC to be otherworldly comfortable -- railroad tracks, expansion joints and the like are still readily noticeable through my rump. That said, my tester wore optional, upsized AMG wheels with low-profile tires, hardly representative of the car's normal ride comfort. As ever, we'd like to try this suspension setup on our local roads to see how well it absorbs potholes and speed bumps with which we're more familiar.

There are five USB ports throughout the cabin, though they're all the new Type C standard -- in other words, many people won't be able to plug in their phone or tablet without an adapter cable. Mercedes officials say that when they were developing the GLE-Class, they figured Type C would have become prevalent by the time the car launched. They were wrong, though it's becoming more prevalent on most new Android phones and some new Apple devices, so every GLE includes a Type A-to-Type C adapter. A wireless phone charging pad is also offered as an option.

Otherwise, the GLE's tech complement is exhaustive and, ultimately, familiar from other new Mercedes models. Standard equipment includes LED head- and taillights, blind-spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, precollision braking and navigation. Optional extras include an enhanced Driver Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control, highway steering assist and a traffic jam assist feature that can help drive the car in stop-and-go situations; a Burmester sound system; an in-cabin fragrance system; heated, cooled and massaging front seats; the color head-up display and four-zone climate control. In other words, if there's a luxury feature you can think of, the GLE probably has it.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic and 350 4Matic go on sale in spring 2019, with the rear-wheel-drive GLE350 following in the summer. While we won't have pricing or fuel economy figures for some time, it's safe to say the GLE-Class will be quite tempting no matter what it costs. It's a real delight to drive, offering up equal parts futuristic connectivity, plush luxury and engaging driving dynamics. Sure, we don't have flying cars yet, but the 2020 GLE-Class is still a modern marvel of technology.

Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for its redesigned GLE-class, and the mid-size SUV is more expensive than before. The four-cylinder GLE350, which supplants the old V-6–powered GLE400 at the bottom of the GLE lineup, starts at $54,695—two grand less than the old GLE400. But that 2019 model was only available with 4Matic all-wheel drive, and adding 4Matic to the new GLE350 bumps the price up to $57,195.

While that GLE400 used a 329-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, the new GLE350 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite the lack of power relative to the GLE400 (and Mercedes' zero-to-60 estimate of 7.0 seconds versus 5.9 seconds for the old model), in our first drive of the new GLE the four-cylinder never left us wanting more power.

Upgrading to the 4Matic-only GLE450 requires an additional $4950. The engine in the 450 is Benz's new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that features a 48-volt hybrid system and makes a total of 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. That splits the difference between the 2019 GLE400 and the AMG GLE43 (385 horsepower). The GLE450 is available with the wild E-Active Body Control suspension system, which enhances handling and comfort and is capable of freeing the GLE if it gets stuck while off-roading.

Every new GLE comes standard with a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen and an additional 12.3-inch instrument-cluster screen, with the screens running the new MBUX operating system. Navigation, LED head- and taillights, and active-safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking are standard. Options include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, augmented-reality navigation, and, for the first time since the original ML, a third-row seat.

The GLE450 and the 4Matic-equipped GLE350 go on sale in the United States in the spring, with the rear-drive GLE350 following in the summer. Expect a six-cylinder AMG model to debut soon, replacing the current GLE43, and at least one V-8 GLE63 model as well.