The Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB previews a new SUV for the family

After the presentation of the prototype, the production version of the Mercedes Benz GLB was not long in coming, as has indeed happened

At the Shanghai Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz presented the prototype of a new SUV for the brand. A concept car that showed a very sober look, far from the usual design exercises and futuristic advances. This led us to think that the so-called Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB only needed to lose the “concept” label to become the definitive crossover that would roll off the production lines. And that is exactly what has happened.

Mercedes Benz GLB, from prototype to production car in less than three months

With dimensions of 4,634 millimetres long, 1,834 wide and 1,658 high, and a wheelbase of 2,829 mm, it sits between the brand’s popular SUVs in the family, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the newly unveiled new Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Be that as it may, the architecture of this new Mercedes Benz GLB allows a five- or up to seven-seat configuration, so we are talking about an SUV capable of carrying up to seven people and their luggage. For the five-seat version, the boot offers 560 litres; for the seven-seat version, that data has not yet been provided, but it will be noticeably smaller, as is the case with this type of vehicle.

Back to the future

The look of this car is striking: less stylised and more off-road in character than the current range. In fact, for the author of this text, it recalls the now-discontinued Mercedes-Benz ML, crossovers with more rectilinear cuts that still inherited the essence and attitude of true off-roaders.

Its imposing presence gives it a more adventurous than sporty look; in terms of the strength of its musculature, its smooth, sober panels contrast with wheel arches whose gap between tyre and bodywork suggests a capacity for the suspension to compress and extend when driving over uneven ground.

It is also true that, for this new Mercedes-Benz GLB, the German brand offers 4Matic all-wheel drive for the diesel engines and, in any case, an automatic gearbox, also paired with the seven-speed petrol engines for the most modest option and eight-speed for the rest, for those who want to tackle any challenge beyond the limits of the asphalt. The driving modes split power 80:20 in Eco-Comfort mode, 70:30 in Sport and 50:50 in off-road mode.

All this without giving up the comfort that an SUV of its size should offer. For that reason it comes with driver assistance systems that enhance the experience both at the wheel and as a passenger, and a suspension designed to deliver maximum comfort and effectiveness, whatever the driving situation.

Specifications of the Mercedes-Benz GLB

The SUV interior of the Mercedes Benz Concept GLB

As it could not be otherwise, the Mercedes-Benz GLB of 2019 features in its dashboard the dual information screen, with the instrument readouts such as the speedometer and rev counter, and the MBUX system in the centre. A digital display, in terms of the extent of its displays and their length, that was bound to appear in this new-generation SUV.

As for the rest, luxury and high-quality materials make their appearance in details such as the leather upholstery, the stitching and the inlays of fine materials that contrast with the LED lighting that sets the mood of the interior of the new Mercedes Benz GLB, which will be on sale at the end of this same year, although its price has not yet been announced, though it will be manufactured in Mexico and China.

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