We've already caught sightings of the next-generation Mercedes GLE in prototype form with barely any camouflage, and now the official teaser campaign has begun with a series of sketches previewing the premium crossover's hi-tech interior for the first time. As with other recent Mercedes models like the S-Class facelift and new E-Class, the GLE will feature a dual-screen layout for the instruments and infotainment on a single panel, this time mounted below the upper section of the dashboard.

According to Mercedes' interior design boss Hartmut Sinkwitz, this provides a more integrated appearance. "We wanted to integrate the panel more seamlessly. It provides a greater feeling of sturdiness," he explained. As standard, the panel includes two 12.3-inch digital displays. There will also be a multi-function steering wheel featuring 18 controls, including two touch-sensitive pads within the horizontal spokes. Elsewhere, a larger touchpad within the center console will replace the rotary dial found in the outgoing GLE. Like the new A-Class, the instruments and infotainment system will operate via Mercedes' MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) interface.

The system features natural language voice recognition that uses an intelligent AI system to identify indirect speech – simply saying "I'm cold" will turn up the temperature, for example. Every Mercedes model will eventually adopt this innovative infotainment system, which we found to be the best in the industry. Elsewhere, the sketches preview the GLE's near-vertical steering wheel and wide center console featuring two prominent grab handles. The new Mercedes GLE is expected to debut at this year's Paris Auto Show in October, so expect Mercedes to release more teaser images in the run up to the crossover's reveal.