Mercedes has unveiled an all-new seven-seat SUV – the GLB.
The GLB is essentially an SUV version of the B-Class, with rugged looks coming from the typical plastic cladding, side sills, upright styling and boxy design.
And to show that this SUV offers more than just rugged styling, it can be had with 4Matic four-wheel-drive. These versions come with an off-road light function too, which is where the cornering lights are switched on at speeds of up to 31mph in a bid to make it easier to spot obstacles.
The production model is very similar to the GLB Concept revealed at April’s Shanghai Motor Show, only without the rugged off-road tyres and cool roof-mounted light bar.
As with the rest of the Mercedes range, the GLB features the German’s firm’s renowned MBUX infotainment system with a widescreen twin-screen setup. To emphasise the rugged feel, Mercedes has also given the cabin an aluminium look, in a bid to make it feel more robust.
Two petrol and two diesel engines will be available, ranging between 148bhp and 221bhp. All are paired to a seven- or eight-speed automatic transmission, while both diesels are offered with four-wheel-drive, with the rest of the range being front-wheel-drive only.
The GLB aims to be the most family-friendly model in the Mercedes SUV range, and is set to be far more affordable than other seven-seater 4x4s. The optional third row of seats can fit people less than 1.68m tall in, and it has a 10cm longer wheelbase than the B-Class.
Mercedes is offering the GLB with a range of options – including an optional driver assistant package that’s been taken from the range-topping S-Class. It can drive autonomously in certain situations and change lanes with just the tap of an indicator.
Full prices and specs for the GLB are expected when the model goes on sale towards the end of 2019.