The long-awaited Mercedes-Benz GLB will go into mass production at the end of 2019. The brand’s test engineer told of the main advantages of the compact SUV model.
Jochen Eck is responsible for testing Mercedes compact cars. Speaking about the brand new GLB crossover, he informed Autocar that the company wanted to develop a more spacious, more versatile vehicle with the possibility of accommodating seven passengers if necessary.
The automaker succeeded in this. As a result, the new practical model joined the brand’s SUV lineup. A spacious cabin is its main advantage.
Indeed, despite its relative popularity, the Mercedes GLA is not as roomy inside as its main rivals – the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and the Volvo XC40.
The idea of ​​the new model came after the company bosses decided to give up the long-wheelbase MPV version of the B-Class.
Given the expectations of customers, the new product of Mercedes got more ground clearance and light off-road capabilities. However, for most buyers of such vehicles driving performance is a more important thing. This is exactly what GLB has, and it is one more advantage.
Perhaps, the GLB will be offered with some kind of off-road package, but it does not have real all-terrain features, like the Gelandewagen, and that’s not the idea.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is based on an enhanced version of the second-generation MFA platform. The crossover is noticeably longer than the A-Class and sits between the second-generation GLA and the GLC.
The GLB will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2019. The final product version has the same body as the GLB concept presented last month, but with less pronounced off-road accents.
