- Concept crossover would slot between GLA and GLC in size
- Room for up to seven people
- Off-road-inspired styling
- Powered by 224-horsepower gas engine
Mercedes-Benz’s latest concept, the Concept GLB, shows how much potential there can be with a compact car platform. While the concept’s size is larger than the Mercedes-Benz GLA and smaller than the Mercedes GLC, the GLB was created to seat seven people.
As Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales explains, "We asked ourselves whether there is still space between the GLA and GLC in our successful SUV range. The Concept GLB is the answer to this question. With it we are demonstrating the creative ideas we have for this segment, too. The Concept GLB is a durable and practical SUV with nonetheless compact dimensions. Whether it is a generous, seven-seater family vehicle or a versatile leisure time companion: we are certain that this concept will be of great interest to our customers."
The Concept GLB’s exterior design blends coupe-like lines with off-road-inspired cues like short overhangs, and skidplate-type chrome and steel protection in the front and back. At the rear of the GLB, there are two shrouds equipped with LED spotlights that come out from the roof frame, which can help with visibility when off-road. The off-road theme finishes with off-road tires on 17-inch wheels.
Mercedes fitted the GLB’s cabin with Nappa and nubuk leather seats and accents, and open-pore walnut wood trim. To create space for up to seven people, the GLB uses a third-row seat, with two extra seats that can be recessed into the load floor when not in use, similar to what minivans have used to make the interior more versatile. The GLB’s extra seats are big enough to accommodate two adults. The versatility continues in the middle row, where the 40/20/40-split seats can move forward and back to ease entry into the third row, and there’s also an easy-entry feature.
Power comes from the company’s M260 2.0-liter, 224-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine with variable valve timing, and an 8-speed dual clutch transmission. The Concept GLB is also equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive, which has an axle lock that creates a 50/50 torque distribution.
While this concept isn’t expected to go into production, it serves as a showcase for how versatile a compact crossover platform can be.
