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While the growing number of SUVs on the road and at automakers – compact, full-size or other – was not enough sign of their popularity, Mercedes launched another example in the fray. On Monday, the automaker unveiled the all-new GLB concept, designed to bridge the (small) gap between the GLA and GLC classes. And while the GLB concept that will be on display at Auto Shanghai later this month will feature some improvements aimed at making it more worthy of off-road roads; the product itself is barely vaporware; the GLB class is expected to start production later this year.
"We wondered if there was a gap between the GLA and the GLC," said Britta Seeger, board member of Mercedes-Benz. "The GLB is the answer to this question: a durable and practical SUV with compact dimensions."
If this year's Detroit auto show was something to lose, automakers have understood the increasingly popular trend of flying over, either by presenting production-ready concepts, such as the GLB presented above, or engaging on lifestyle-oriented options lists, as with the Ford Ranger. With this crossover, Mercedes-Benz seems to be adopting the "two birds with one stone" tactic: to create another option in the high-margin, fast-selling crossover segment, while taking advantage of the wave of adventure lifestyle via same vehicle. (Of course, Mercedes already offers a powerful off-road in the form of the G-Wagen, but it's not really an affordable four-wheel drive.)
The new compact SUV will initially be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with a horsepower of 224 horsepower and a torque of 258 lb-ft; A GLB 35 set at 302- = hp and optimized by the AMG will eventually complete the range, with an electric EQB model planned in the longer term. It's the interior, however, that promises the biggest surprise: Mercedes launches the GLB-Class with an optional third-row, which means that this crossover smaller than the GLC Class will officially be a seven-passenger SUV.
Mercedes did not reveal its prices, but the logic wants it to land between the GLA class at $ 33,950 and the GLC class at $ 40,700. We will know later this year when the sales books will open. And by then, we hope Mercedes will announce what off-road options will also be on the streets.
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