2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB spy photographs and video
A prototype for a brand new Mercedes-Benz compact crossover SUV to be known as the GLB has been noticed once more, and it is nearly utterly devoid of camouflage gear now that the reveal is arising shortly.
Mercedes already competes within the house with the GLA however the GLB is a bigger, extra rugged providing with styling influenced by the automaker’s greater SUVs. Sadly, it seems just like the GLB is not the mini G-Class we had been all hoping for.
A thinly veiled Idea GLB was unveiled at April’s Auto Shanghai 2019 to preview the design. A reveal will happen in the summertime.
Engineers beforehand used the makeshift physique of a GLA to cover the brand new mechanicals. These check mules revealed a stretched wheelbase and wider observe in comparison with the GLA, each of which have been confirmed by the newest prototypes.
The brand new mechanicals are a next-generation model of the present MFA (Modular Entrance-drive Structure) platform for front-wheel-drive-based compact vehicles. Known as MFA2, the platform brings weight financial savings plus larger capability for various drivetrains. It made its debut final 12 months within the A-Class. The GLB, in addition to a long-wheelbase A-Class offered in China, use the longest model of the platform.
The usual powertrain for the GLB ought to be a 2.Zero-liter turbocharged inline-Four with round 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. A extra highly effective GLB35 from Mercedes-AMG is deliberate, and probably a high-performance GLB45 as nicely. Plug-in hybrid and electrical choices are additionally possible within the pipeline, with the latter to additionally include a novel physique fashion and an EQB designation.
Mercedes-Benz Idea GLB – 2019 Shanghai auto present
The MFA2-based vehicles additionally profit from a way more superior interface. Dubbed MBUX, brief for Mercedes-Benz Person Expertise, the brand new interface options digital screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, very similar to on the pricier E-Class and S-Class fashions. Nevertheless, there’s additionally contact functionality for the infotainment display and you may additionally be capable to use pure speech to manage many car capabilities.
Manufacturing of the GLB for North America will possible happen on the identical plant in Mexico the place the A-Class is constructed. The GLB must also be constructed at a plant in China.
Search for the car to go on sale in late 2019 as a 2020 mannequin. Potential rivals embrace the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Land Rover Vary Rover Evoque.