Mercedes doubles down on compact SUVs with 2020 GLB
SUVs are all the fashion proper now, and it appears dimension is not an excessive amount of of an element anymore.
At Mercedes-Benz, small SUVs is the place the motion is and so it is no shock the automaker is doubling down within the compact SUV phase with the launch of a second providing, the 2020 GLB-Class. The brand new SUV was revealed on Monday and might be in showrooms by the top of the 12 months.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB is actually a much bigger, extra rugged various to the GLA, which is absolutely extra of a tall hatch than an SUV—a design that appears set to be repeated with a redesigned GLA due out quickly. The wheelbase is 111.Four inches, which is 5.1 inches longer than the GLA and 1.7 inches shorter than the GLC.
Mercedes has even managed to squeeze seven seats inside, although the usual setup is 5 seats. For fashions geared up with seven seats, the 2 particular person seats of the third row could be folded flat so they’re flush with the ground. These sitting again right here have entry to 2 drink holders and a few space for storing between the seats.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB is predicated on the identical MFA2 (Mercedes Entrance-drive Structure) because the lately launched A-Class and redesigned CLA, and only one mannequin might be supplied at launch, a GLB 250. It encompasses a 2.Zero-liter turbocharged inline-Four producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive are normal, whereas all-wheel drive is offered.
A plug-in hybrid possibility will doubtless be supplied in some unspecified time in the future, and Mercedes has already confirmed it is going to add an electrical variant dubbed the EQB in 2021. We have additionally noticed a sporty GLB35 testing, and a high-performance GLB45 may be within the pipeline.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Contained in the GLB, the sprint structure might be acquainted to anybody who has sat in certainly one of Mercedes’ newest compacts, with a pair of screens every spanning 7 inches serving because the instrument cluster and infotainment hub, respectively. There’s contact functionality for the infotainment display and you will additionally be capable to use pure speech to regulate many automobile features. Premium options like a Burmester audio system, larger 10.25-inch screens, and the most recent in digital driver aids can be found.
Manufacturing of the GLB for North America is predicted to happen on the identical plant in Mexico the place the A-Class is constructed. Pricing info might be introduced nearer to the market launch.
Compact vehicles have confirmed to massive enterprise for Mercedes. Consumers snapped up 609,000 examples of Mercedes’ compacts in 2018, which accounted for 25 p.c of the automaker’s gross sales, and the quantity this 12 months is more likely to be even increased as a result of arrival of a redesigned and expanded vary.
