Automotive

Mercedes-Benz unveils new Concept GLB compact off-roader in Shanghai

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The GLB would fit between the smaller GLA- and the larger GLC-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The GLB concept being shown in Shanghai appears to be almost production-ready
Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB is robust-appearing with muscular proportions
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes is calling the Concept GLB “ready for expeditions” with its black-on-white coloration and heavy roof rack
Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB has a wide stance and squat, muscular appearance
Mercedes-Benz
The wheelbase appears short compared to the crossover’s track width, accented by thick fender flares and squared-off elements on the fascia
Mercedes-Benz
Large off-road-ready tires and a roof-mounted gear rack finish the more ready-for-action appearance of the GLB
Mercedes-Benz
An accented approach angle and strong chromed edges give the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB an aggressive look
Mercedes-Benz
The beefiness of the tires is a match for the GLB concept's wide fender flares and edge guards
Mercedes-Benz
On the concept, there is leather upholstery throughout
Mercedes-Benz
Wood trim elements in open-pore walnut are also added into a honeycomb pattern on the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB’s dashboard and console
Mercedes-Benz
The Concept GLB would be powered by a 224-horsepower  (167 kW) four-cylinder engine, Mercedes’ M260 unit
Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB showin in Shanghai is all-wheel drive ("4Matic") by default
Mercedes-Benz
A third row is unusual in a compact-sized SUV like the GLB
Mercedes-Benz
The GLB would fit between the smaller GLA- and the larger GLC-Class
Mercedes-Benz
View gallery - 14 images

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new concept crossover-SUV, the Concept GLB, at Auto Shanghai as a follow-up to the Concept GLA unveiled in 2013. The GLB is a compact crossover aimed towards being more daily-use versatile, with additional interior space and better off-road credibility.

The GLB would fit between the smaller GLA- and the larger GLC-Class. Shortly after its introduction, the Concept GLA went into production as the GLA-Class in the 2015 model year. The GLB concept being shown in Shanghai appears to be as production-ready as the Concept GLA was when unveiled.

The Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB is more robust-appearing with muscular proportions. Its wheelbase appears short compared to the crossover's track width, accented by thick fender flares and squared-off elements on the fascia. Large off-road-ready tires, an aggressive approach angle, and a roof-mounted gear rack and lighting finish the more ready-for-action appearance of the GLB.

Mercedes is calling the Concept GLB "ready for expeditions" with its black-on-white coloration and heavy roof rack. Inside, the GLB has seating for up to seven, although in tight quarters. A third row is unusual in a compact-sized SUV like the GLB, but all three rows can slide fore and aft for added legroom. The second and third rows fold down flat for more cargo space.

A third row is unusual in a compact-sized SUV like the GLB
Mercedes-Benz

On the concept, there is leather upholstery throughout, featuring nappa and nubuk leather tanned to chestnut brown. Wood trim elements in open-pore walnut are also added into a honeycomb pattern on the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB's dashboard and console.

The Concept GLB would be powered by a 224-horsepower (167 kW) four-cylinder engine, Mercedes' M260 unit. This couples to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission. The engine is designed to maximize power output while lowering fuel consumption through several Mercedes innovations such as conical-shaped cylinders, low-friction oil, optimized piston rings, cooling ducts in the pistons, and other friction-reducing engineering.

The Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB showin in Shanghai is all-wheel drive ("4Matic") by default using the standard Dynamic Select 4Matic system that is found in several Mercedes vehicles. Torque distribution between axles can be as much as 50:50, defaulting to an 80:20 (front:rear) for fuel economy and 70:30 for sportier driving.

If the Concept GLB follows the GLA's progression, the unveil in Shanghai will be closely followed by a pre-production unveil and then production. So we could see the GLB in showrooms as soon as the 2021 model year.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

View gallery - 14 images
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