The Mercedes GLB has been revealed in the form of near production-ready concept at the Auto Shanghai 2019. As the name suggests, the GLB will slot between the entry-level GLA and mid-range GLC in Mercedes-Benz’s SUV portfolio. The new product would take the German automaker’s SUV strength to eight.
The Mercedes GLB is based on the MFA platform which underpins the brand’s compact models including the A-Class family, B-Class, and GLA. Unlike the GLA which is more or less an overgrown hatchback, the new GLB would be a boxy SUV with enough space for three rows of seats.
With a prominent radiator grille and squarish LED infused headlamps, the GLB subscribes to Mercedes’ latest design identity. Rest of the exterior styling is clearly a homage to the top-of-the-line GLS. The SUV features an upright rear fascia with LED taillights, and a long greenhouse with a kink on the rear door. Achim Badstübner, the man in charge for the exterior design confirms that the body panels are production-ready but the final version will have different wheels, track, and trims.
The interior too conforms to the company’s latest philosophy and has several familiar bits that are seen in other new MFA products. For example, the steering wheel, the dual-display, air conditioner vents and center console are lifted directly from the new A-Class. The second row of seats can split 40:20:40 and can be moved 140 mm back and forth. The lengthy equipment list includes a comprehensive MBUX touchscreen infotainment system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command function.
The concept is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which is tuned to develop 221 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels. The all-wheel drive system can split power in 80:20 ratio in Eco/Comfort mode, 70:30 in Sport mode and 50:50 in off-road mode.
The production version of Mercedes GLB is expected to offer the aforementioned petrol motor and 2.2-liter diesel motor in different states of tune. It is reasonable to expect an AMG 35 version down the line. The production version of Mercedes GLB SUV is expected to make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. It will be competing with the likes of Volvo XC40 with additional seating capacity as its USP.
