Mercedes is anticipated to be preparing a new GLB
crossover to slot in the narrow space between the existing GLA and GLC lines.
Just how the German automaker planned on differentiating and justifying the
model has remained a mystery, but the latest reports seem to have at least a
possible answer.
The GLB will be positioned as something of a mini
G-Wagen, adopting a more upright and rugged style than the incrementally
smaller GLA and larger GLC. That would make the GLB a smaller counterpart to
the G-Class as opposed to another increment in a cookie-cutter lineup of
car-like crossovers, not unlike the way that the CLA is geared as a mini-CLS.
Styling aside, at about 181 inches long, it would
fit size-wise in between the GLA (174”) and the GLC (183”). A longer version is
also mooted for markets like the United States and China, packing an extra row
of seats for seven-passenger accommodation. An off-road package would further
emphasize its rugged approach.
A range of gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines
(produced either by Mercedes or the Renault-Nissan Alliance) would likely feature,
with a plug-in hybrid and 30-horsepower AMG version potentially to join later
on.
