Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes GLB SUV revealed as near-production concept

Mercedes channels its iconic G-wagen with its next compact SUV

Don’t be fooled by the concept car tag, as this is Mercedes’ latest SUV which will be revealed in production form in the next couple of months. It will be based on the same platform as the new A-class, and will join the next-generation GLA at the entry-point of the Mercedes SUV range, but with rugged G-class-like styling and more interior space.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Instantly notable is the GLB’s upright stance and chunky styling, but don’t go thinking this new SUV is a Baja-bashing off-roader, as its underlying chassis is derived from that of the new A-class. As a result, expect a part-time, front-biased, all-wheel-drive system, and the same combination of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The range will eventually be topped by an AMG GLB35 model, which is likely to feature the same 302bhp, 2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine as found in the A35 and CLA35. Although the incoming A45’s 400bhp-plus powertrain will fit, the GLB’s less dynamic stance might draw a line at AMG spreading its flagship four-pot quite so far.

> Click here for more on the incoming AMG CLA45

Behind the show car’s off-road tinsel, the blocky graphics and tall cabin give the SUV a distinctive look compared to its range siblings, but don’t go so far as to totally mimic the military vibe of the larger, far more expensive G-class.

The interior is more familiar, sharing many of its core interior elements with other A-class derivatives. The show car’s brown and orange trim is unlikely to make production, but we suspect the road car will focus on durable materials to handle the usual family fodder. The A-class’s impressive MBUX infotainment system and dual-screen set-up are featured, sitting above the same triple-roundel air vents and minimalist controls.

The GLB is due to be revealed in production specification in the next few months, and should compete against rivals such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. A next-generation GLA is also on its way and will likely feature a more coupe-like shape than the blockier GLB.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats
Best Mercedes AMG models
Best cars

Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats

From track-honed supercars to thundering sports saloons, Mercedes-AMG has produced countless performance car icons over the years. These are the best …
25 Jun 2025
Your move, Singer: HWA to race the Mercedes 190E Evo restomod at the Nürburgring
HWA Evo front
News

Your move, Singer: HWA to race the Mercedes 190E Evo restomod at the Nürburgring

The makers of the Mercedes CLK GTR and Pagani Huayra R’s screaming V12 are taking their modern take on the iconic Mercedes 190E Evo II racing
19 Jun 2025
Mercedes-AMG’s 1000bhp Lotus Eletre fighter spied testing
Mercedes-AMG electric SUV front
News

Mercedes-AMG’s 1000bhp Lotus Eletre fighter spied testing

Don’t ask and ye shall receive, as development of Mercedes-AMG’s monster performance electric SUV continues at pace
5 Mar 2025
From V8s to solid state: Mercedes’ future powertrains will be diverse
Mercedes EQS solid state battery mule
News

From V8s to solid state: Mercedes’ future powertrains will be diverse

EQS test mule will evaluate new solid state battery tech co-designed by Mercedes F1 partner, while elsewhere in Affalterbach, a new V8 is prepared
26 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch
Honda Civic Type R deal
News

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch

The Civic Type R is not long for this world and there are deals to be had on Honda’s pricey but near-perfect hot hatch
26 Jun 2025
Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?
Lotus factory
Opinion

Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?

Lotus’s latest troubles are grabbing headlines, but the writing’s been on the wall for some time.
28 Jun 2025
Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week
evo eras 1990s
Features

Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo magazine, we go back to the 1990s on the finest Welsh roads with a selection of iconic youngtimers
27 Jun 2025