Everybody wants SUVs these days, and premium brands have an advantage since they have been making urban 4x4 for longer. This is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, which is the Audi Q3 rival we deserved.
The GLA was never really a crossover, more of a lifestyle car, a jacked up model that Mercedes could sell to hatchback-hating Americans. Surprisingly, sold well, and we suspect this GLB model will do even better, bringing a lot of first-time Mercedes buyers.
The three-pointed star brand is a becoming a huge player in the compact class. Since the debut of the 3rd generation A-Class in about 2012, it sold over three million small models. The GLB ticks even more boxes than the hatchback.
It's going to be based on the same platform yet, but its boy is designed to be a whole lot more practical: tall greenhouse, big trunk and plenty of legroom. It's the sort of model that makes you ask "do I need the expensive GLC?"
Even though the GLB is testing at the Nurburgring track, it won't have a performance version. Most of the engines it comes with will deliver between around 100 and 190 HP. Europe is gradually banning diesels from major cities, so Mercedes called on the help of their buddies at Renault and got a small, efficient 1.3-liter turbo gasoline motor.
It produces up to 163 horsepower and will have two plug-in hybrid versions as well. However, some GLB customers will still want the torque of a 2.0L unit. Mercedes has just revealed new 150 and 190 HP diesel powertrains which are more than a match for their VW, Audi or BMW counterparts.
As for styling, this won't look as sporty as the A-Class. We had already seen a fully uncamouflaged crash test unit a few months ago. Mercedes USA says the GLB will be launched in Q4 2019, so it should debut at the Geneva Motor Show or another event next spring.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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