The compact crossover is still compact, but it will come with a third row.
Although the concept was revealed less than a month ago the production-ready GLB is already in place. We know that the official premiere will be this summer. Mercedes has already conducted test drives in northern Sweden with prototypes for production. Autocar was able to get inside the crossover and chat with Jochen Eck (an engineer at the three-pointed star who is responsible for testing models in the compact segment).
After the GLB was developed, he revealed that the original idea for it was created.
Mercedes Executives have ruled out a long wheelbase version of this new model. B-Class This is a sensible decision, considering that crossovers are becoming more popular.
Minivans Eck continued to say that the Concept GLB’s rugged appearance could be translated into an off-road package, but no final decision has been made.
It would be great to have a more powerful GLB, especially as Autocar states that the standard model’s ride height limits crossover’s ability on difficult terrain. Eck acknowledged that more ground clearance could be added but said that people who are looking for this type of vehicle don’t care about off-road capability and prefer to drive on roads. A GLB that is off-road-ready will not be offered at launch, even if it is approved for production.
Although the first-ever GLB will measure 4.63 meters (182.3 ins) in length, it will be 21 cm (8.3 inches), longer than the GLA. However, the former will likely grow for its second generation. It will be nearly twice as long as the , which will result in a large cabin. Its boxy design will not eat into headroom and the wheelbase of 100mm (nearly four inches) will provide plenty of legroom.
The GLB that you can buy will have a third row, just like the concept. Below is a video of a tall man (6’2″) slipping into the middle row to claim it was “comfortable.”
You can also see the GLB’s familiar cabin in the video. It is almost identical to the interiors of other compact Mercedes cars, from which the GLK’s spiritual successor inherits nearly everything. The market will determine which version you choose. Less expensive versions will have front-wheel drive, while the more costly models will feature 4Matic.
A fully electric EQ B will be available in 2021, following the unveiling of the conventionally-powered model sometime this summer.