Well… it looks like MB's making it happen in the EU for the 2020 model. No telling when anti-diesel states like California will prevent MB from bothering with a 50-state offering of this machine. It is, however, the only thing I see that would encourage me to trade in my 250 Bluetec.
The published HP of 245 HP compared to 201 HP apparently corresponds with MB's introduction of its latest version of the sub-2L OM654 I-4 diesel which for the GLE version will be just under 2L whereas the previous OM651 was just over 2L. The smaller I-4, however, maintains the 500 Nm torque spec but... the torque curve is now much broader as it now goes from 1600 to 2400 instead of 1600 to 1800.
The flatter torque curve should make for quicker 0-60 which isn't that big a deal in my driving experience but, it probably also will mean 70 mph at under 2K rpm probably is in the cards, which should translate into better MPG performance. And a lighter rig would help there too.
Instead of having a cast iron block, the new 'lil diesel has an aluminum block so it comes in lighter.
The HP increase comes from higher RPMs-- 4200 v sub-4K.