Benz reveals baby GLB SUV
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
Planned to go into production later this year, Mercedes-Benz's new GLB SUV has been conceived to rival the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Lexus NX with upright exterior styling inspired by that of the German car maker's iconic G-Class, variable four-wheel drive and the choice of either a standard five-seat or optional seven-seat interior.
As well as offering conventional combustion engines, the GLB is also being developed as a pure electric model. It is planned to join Mercedes-Benz's new EQ electric vehicle sub-brand as the EQB in 2021.
Described by Mercedes-Benz as offering class-leading levels of versatility, the new SUV is planned to be positioned between the upcoming second-generation GLA and recently facelifted GLC.
Pricing remains under wraps, but New Zealand sales are expected to get underway in early 2020 following a planned debut for the definitive production model at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
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The GLB follows the A-Class hatchback, A-Class sedan, long wheelbase A-Class sedan sold in China, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA as the eighth model to be based on Mercedes-Benz's MFA platform.
'We asked ourselves whether there is space between the GLA and GLC. The GLB is the answer to this question – a durable and practical SUV with nonetheless compact dimensions,' says Britta Seeger, Mercedes-Benz board member responsible for sales.
The Concept GLB is claimed to provide a close preview to the appearance of the production version of the GLB. The one-off show car uses a production-based bodyshell and mechanical package, although a number of additional styling elements have been added to the exterior in a bid to provide it with a more rugged and upmarket appearance than its showroom sibling.
Among the concept car flourishes is a metallic element within its lower front air duct, new horizontal metallic details within the grille, revised headlamp graphics, widened wheel arch cladding that adds 30mm to its overall width, reworked sills, additional lights incorporated within its glass roof and a cargo box nestled within its roof bars.
To emphasise its off-road prowess, Mercedes-Benz's design team have also provided the Concept GLB with 17-inch alloy wheels and 265/65 R17 profile BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tyres.
'We focused heavily on the G-Class when designing the Concept GLB. The sheer and upright design provides it with exceptional roominess. It's a bit like a Swiss Army knife in that it provides the right solutions for every situation,' says Achim Badstübner, head of Mercedes-Benz exterior design.
Inside is a luxurious interior swathed in a combination of Nappa and nubuk leather, walnut trim applications and elements milled from solid aluminium. Predictably, the interior of the production version of the new SUV will be less opulent, though the basic design and layout will remain unchanged, according to the Mercedes-Benz interior design boss, Hartmut Sinkwitz.
'As with the exterior, we've taken some liberty with the concept to provide it with a more luxurious feel, but it is all based on the production version of the GLB,' he says.
In a move it claims will see the new SUV appeal to family car buyers who may have otherwise opted for an MPV, Mercedes-Benz has developed the GLB with both a standard five-seat and optional seven-seat layout.
To ease access to the third seat row, the outer seats within the second row receive a so-called easy-entry function. It allows the backrest to fold down and the entire seat to be pushed forward. Up to four child seats can be accommodated in the second and third row of seats.
To conserve luggage space, the third row of seats can also be manually folded and recessed flush into the floor of the luggage compartment at the rear when not in use.
The Concept GLB receives a turbocharged 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is earmarked to power the initial range-topping GLB250. Other powerplants will also be available when sales of the new Mercedes-Benz SUV, including an even more powerful version set to appear in the AMG-badged GLB35 with 225kW and 400Nm of torque.
Drive is sent through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an electro-mechanically operated multi-plate clutch 4Matic four-wheel drive system boasting three modes: Standard, Eco/Comfort and Sport.
Each mode boasts a different distribution of drive between the front and rear axles. The standard mode starts at a nominal 50:50 but varies according to the traction levels. In Eco/Comfort it alters to 80:20 front to rear, while in Sport it becomes more rear wheel biased at 70:30.