New Mercedes-Benz GLB to scratch off-road seven-seat small SUV itch

MERCEDES-BENZ has never been one to recognise an opportunity and not release a model to fill that niche, no matter how obscure.

Coupe-style large SUV? There’s the GLE Coupe. How about a small-sized premium sedan? You get a choice between the CLA and A-Class sedan. Off-road capable SUV with supercar-shaming performance? Here’s a G63.

Filling another niche, Mercedes has released the concept version for its latest SUV – the GLB small crossover – that is expected to hit showrooms sometime next year.

If you count Mercedes’ coupe SUVs as separate models, the number of crossovers available in the German brand’s stable now numbers nine including the new GLB.

Revealed during this month’s Shanghai motor show, the biggest surprise with the GLB is arguably its seven-seat arrangement.

In fact, measuring 4634mm long and with a 2829mm wheelbase, the GLB is much more GLC mid-size SUV than GLA small crossover, the latter of which is expected to adopt a more coupe roofline in new-generation form.

Sporting rugged looks thanks to off-road tyres, a jacked-up ride height and chunky bodykit, the GLB SUV features few competitors, but could line up against the Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Renegade.

With an off-road focus in concept form, the Benz GLB looks ready to tackle some tough terrain thanks to its BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, toughened front fascia and chunky body work.

Step inside and occupants are treated to a familiar, but nonetheless upmarket, interior kitted out with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system.

Mirroring the A- and B-Class hatchbacks, and CLA and A-Class sedans, the GLB sports a large widescreen display with all-digital instrumentation and a substantial touchscreen interface.

Turbine-inspired air vents also feature, as does a unique upholstery, redesigned touchpad controller and chunky steering wheel.

Though the Mercedes-Benz GLB will look rough and ready on the outside, inside features the brand’s latest infotainment system with cutting-edge voice-activation commands.

As for seats six and seven, the third-row pews can be folded and stored flat to increase volume in the boot, which, according to Benz, are “far more than emergency seats and offer comfortable seating for two medium-sized occupants”.

If even more space is needed, the second-row pews can also be stowed (in a 40/20/40 arrangement), or slid forward 90mm or 60mm backwards.

When it hits production, expect to see various engines on offer, likely mirroring the A-Class line-up and starting out with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine as seen in the concept GLB.

Powering the small GLB seven-seater could be a range of engines starting with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, though we’d love to see an AMG ‘45’-badged version.

Outputs reach 165kW of power and 350Nm of torque, which match the A250 hatchback and CLA250 sedan, but instead of an eight-speed automatic transmission, the GLB makes use of an extra ratio.

Sending drive to all four corners also means the GLB will be capable enough to tackle rough terrain, while the Dynamic Select drive modes cover Eco/Comfort, Sport and Off-Road.

Though it is hard to pick a predecessor for the GLB, Mercedes’ foray into the small SUV space came in the form for the GLA that launched in 2014.

Launched in 2014, the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA is still on sale today, though it is expected to receive a major overhaul in the short-term future.

Based on the A-Class platform at the time, the GLA was more of a jacked-up hatchback than an outright SUV or off-roader, but it continues to sell well enough thanks to market appetites.

Although the new-generation version has yet to be revealed, it is expected to break cover later this year with a similar interior and technologies to the GLB.

The first-generation version was available with four petrol and three diesel engines globally, topped by the performance-honed 265kW/450Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged Mercedes-AMG GLA45.

One of the most recognisable vehicles in the world, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class looks just at home parked on a trendy London street as it does tearing up the sand at an Instagram-worthy beach.

However, the closest vehicle to the GLB’s spirit – if not size – would be the venerable and outright baller G-Class.

A boxy design and genuine off-road credibility make it a close match to the GLB, if your squint a bit, so don’t be surprised when the aftermarket tuners make Mercedes’ latest SUV a bit more G-Class-like.

What do you think though? Will the new Mercedes-Benz GLB be a hit when it lands or will it just be a niche-filling low-seller like the CLS?

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