2019 Auto Shanghai: Mercedes-Benz GLB Concept is the real deal

-    The all-new GLB Class is being previewed in the concept guise at the 2019 Auto Shanghai.

-    The rugged SUV is expected to hit the production line sometime next year. 

-    Will surely make its way to India promptly after global debut. 

Mercedes-Benz revealed the GLB Concept at the 2019 Auto Shanghai giving us a glimpse of the all-new GLB Class which is slated to arrive next year. The GLB – as the name suggests – will be positioned between the GLA and GLC. And even in the concept guise, the GLB looks freshly rolled out of the production line. 

The GLB is the affordable rugged off-roader in the Three-Pointed Star’s line-up and a spiritual successor to the GLK-Class (2009-2015). Its squared off headlamps complement the boxy profile with upright grille and aggressive bumpers. The Concept runs on knobby tyres with LED lights mounted atop the windscreen – both of which add to its off-roading credentials. The rear beltline is akin to other Merc SUVs as well as the taillights and the bumpers. 

The GLB concept measures just over four and a half metre in length with a wheelbase of 2.82m. This means there is enough room inside for three rows and seven seats. The rest of the cabin is unmistakably that of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle with similar elements and design as seen on the GLC. Although the all-brown finish inside the cabin is not to everyone’s liking. 

The Concept GLB is powered by a transversely-mounted turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 221bhp and 350Nm. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels via the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. In the production version, there will be new powertrain options including diesel and AMGs, but that will come at a later date. 

The production-spec GLB - when it hits the streets sometime next year - will be a rugged alternative to the like of Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Shortly after it goes on sale in the international markets, Mercedes-Benz India will surely bring the new GLB-Class to our shores.