One of the most long-awaited vehicles to premiere at
the ongoing Shanghai Auto Show is the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB. Pictured here live from its stand
in Shanghai, the Concept GLB previews a new compact SUV which will soon be
introduced by Mercedes to slot between the GLA and the GLC.
In near production form, it measures 4,634 mm long,
1,890 mm wide, and is 1,900 mm tall while riding on a 2,829 mm-long wheelbase.
It offers seating for up to seven people and has been presented with quite a
utilitarian design, fitting of a vehicle long known as the ‘baby G Wagon.’
The concept presented by Mercedes-Benz in China
features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 221 hp and 350 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed
dual-clutch transmission which sends power to the road through a 4Matic
all-wheel drive system which can lock its torque-split 50:50 between the axles
when off-roading.
Mercedes-Benz has been developing the GLB for a number
of years and the SUV certainly looks the part. Up front, it includes
rectangular headlights with rounded edges, a black and silver grille, dedicated
fog light units, and a noteworthy silver accent at the base of the front
bumper. Mercedes has also fitted black off-road wheels and tires, side steps,
black fender flares, black roof rails, and neatly incorporated a pair of
driving lights into the roof.
The cabin of the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB is very
similar to the A-Class and includes the company’s MBUX infotainment system.
Also found within are a host of leather and nappa surfaces finished in Chestnut
Brown. There are also a range of orange accents within.
The German automaker hasn’t said when the
production-spec GLB will hit the market.
