The Mercedes GLB has reached China as a part of its
global testing. Mercedes-Benz will launch the baby G-Wagon internationally in
2019. The Mercedes GLB is the production version of the Mercedes-Benz
Vision Ener-G-Force concept that was developed for the Los Angeles Design
Challenge 2012. The road-going version is far less dramatic. It looks like a
concoction of the G-Class, Vision Ener-G-Force and GLK. In brand positioning,
it will slot between the Mercedes GLA and GLC and stand out among competitors
with its tough looks.
The Mercedes GLB will ride on the MFA2
front-wheel-drive platform that currently underpins the Mercedes A-Class and
Mercedes A-Class Sedan. Two projects are planned: 5-seat standard wheelbase and
7-seat long-wheelbase. Only a few markets will receive the latter which will
have a 120 mm longer wheelbase, as per media reports.
The engine line-up of the Mercedes GLB is likely to
include the latest range of turbocharged four-cylinder units shared by the
latest Mercedes A-Class family, including the new M 282 1.3-litre mill
co-developed by Mercedes-Benz and Renault. Reports say that a plug-in hybrid
variant is one probable. AMG variants arriving in a phased manner should
close-out the range, an A 35 featuring mild-hybrid technology first, and then a
full-fledged A 45. The AMGs will share differently tuned 2.0-litre engines,
with up to around 400 PS at the crank.
The Mercedes GLB’s prices in Germany should start
under € 30,000. Its Indian launch could take place in 2020,
with prices falling in the INR 40-50 lakh (ex-showroom) range.
