Spyshots: 2016 Mercedes ML / GLE Plug-in Hybrid First Photos

The ML is expanding its engine range to include every type of propulsion: petrol, diesel and now electric. Just like other PHEVs wearing the three-pointed star logo, electricity enters this SUV though the additional cap hiding the charging socket is in the rear bumper.

We're looking at the first Mercedes SUV that's able to drive for up to 32 miles or 50 kilometers without any tailpipe emissions. Even when the gasoline engine kicks in, CO2 emissions probably won't exceed 60 grams. If that doesn't stop eco-mentalists from hating SUVs nothing will.

So what's under the bonnet?

For the sake of fuel economy, the best hybrid package Mercedes has is the one used by the C350 Plug-In Hybrid. It combines the 211 PS 2-liter turbo engine from the regular C300 with an 70 PS electric motor and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

BMW is working on a similar setup for its X5 eDrive, a direct rival. However, Porsche has decided to drop a V6 under the bonnet of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the result being a total output of 416 hp and uncompromised performance. Mercedes can theoretically make one of these as well, by using the V6 system from the S500 Plug-In, but we don't think they will.

A new engine and a new name

Daimler are expected to approve a new naming strategy as soon as the first month of 2015. Under these guidelines, all SUVs with start with the letter G as a tribute to their 4x4 flagship. This has already been done with the GLA and it could continue with the ML being called the GLE, since it's the mid-size model of the range, just like the E-Class.

A debut of the facelift model is likely to take place during the Detroit Auto Show, which is where we expect this electrified SUV to land. And yes, we are going to call it a 2016 model year, since the 2015 is already on sale and has brought about the controversial V8 engine drop.