Mercedes-Benz will expand its range of compact
vehicles by 2020. Tthe three new models will
be compact SUV called ‘Mercedes GLB‘. Motorionline has published new spy shots
which could show the Mercedes GLB in production body for the first time.
The Mercedes GLB features
a boxy body to look traditional, like a miniature of the go-anywhere Mercedes
G-Class. The styling hints that Mercedes-Benz wants to give the
vehicle a contemporary character. The GLB will be a
radical reinterpretation of the classic Gelandewagen at a much more affordable
price.
The GLB will slot between the GLA
and GLC, perhaps a unique offering in the segment. It will
reportedly be made in standard and long-wheelbase variants, with the latter
being around 120 mm longer and offering to seat seven people. It will be underpinned by the FWD MFA2 platform that will form
the basis for models like the Mercedes A-Class Sedan and next-gen Mercedes
A-Class hatchback.
The GLB will likely be available with
2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines in different states of tune. Topping the
range will be the Mercedes-AMG GLB 45, which will sport a 2.0-litre
turbocharged four-cylinder engine tuned to produce over 400 bhp. The AMG
variant will feature a 7-speed automatic transmission and be equipped with a
four-wheel drive system.
The new compact SUV will go on sale in 2019 and
could lock horns with variants of the Land Rover Defender and the 2020 Ford
Bronco.