Back in August, we got our first look at the upcoming Mercedes GLE facelift as the German automaker was caught testing a camouflaged prototype. Considering that the GLE was redesigned for the 2020 model year, it seems a tad early for a midcycle facelift, but now another prototype has been spied with minimal camouflage as development continues.

This will be a relatively light refresh, with the camouflage suggesting the GLE's front and rear will get a nip and tuck. At the front, the prototype sports a redesigned bumper and slimmer LED headlights with new daytime running lights.

Camouflage is also covering the rear lights, which will naturally be redesigned. Other than new wheel designs, we aren't expecting any other significant changes on the outside since the rest of the exterior is undisguised. These changes will bring the GLE more in line with the refreshed E-Class.

We weren't sent any photos of the interior, but we're expecting the cabin to get some minor updates such as a redesigned steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls from the updated E-Class and the latest MBUX infotainment system. This means the current GLE's 12.3-inch displays for the gauge cluster and infotainment system will carry over.

Under the hood, expect the updated GLE to be offered with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid EQ Boost. It remains to be seen if these powertrains will get more power for the update, but the 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 255 horsepower in the current GLE while the electrified 3.0-liter turbo is rated at 362 hp.

Chances are the GLE Coupe and the more powerful AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 variants will also get the same changes. With the end of the year fast approaching, the refreshed Mercedes GLE will likely break cover in early 2022 to battle the BMW X5, which is also getting a facelift soon.