Mercedes had announced their plans to introduce a B-Class based SUV by 2019 to fill the gap between the GLA and the GLC SUVs. While initial reports suggested it would toe their line, fresh reports indicate that the GLB might turn out to be a baby G-Wagen.
With the G-Wagen slated for an update in 2017, introducing the GLB as the baby G-Wagen in 2019 would offer Mercedes SUV buyers more options. Being a baby G-Wagen, the GLB will get the boxy straight lines from its big brother and will take cues from the Ener-G Force concept Mercedes had unveiled in 2012. Slated to seat five, Mercedes might also build a long-wheelbase GLB to house seven seats. In terms of equipment, power seats, leather interior, panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control should be standard along with the latest infotainment system and cabin layout that started with the all-new C-Class.
Based on the MFA2 platform, the GLB will be powered by a transverse mounted front biased powertrain. Of course it will get a proper four-wheel-drive setup like the G-Wagen and will be offered with special off-roading packs. As for the engines, it is slated to get the new series of modular 2.0-litre diesel engines that have debuted with the new generation E-Class with power output ranging around 160bhp to 190bhp. The top-of-the-line GLB 45 AMG will get the near 400bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
Just like we have the Range Rover Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery, similar sized, similarly priced SUVs co-existing while catering to different appeals, Mercedes may have the GLB priced closer to the GLC with all the equipment it is supposed to get. The Mercedes GLB, would then, compete with the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport when it comes to India and can be expected to have a price tag close to Rs 50 lakh.
