Reassuringly predictable, we feel.
Mercedes-Benz is known to be preparing a brand-new GLB SUV, a more practical & visually-upright alternative to the more style-focused GLA, but it seems that the German marque isn’t quite ready to release it yet. Instead, they’ll be bringing the Concept GLB to the soon-to-open Auto Shanghai, which will provide a very thinly-veiled look at the upcoming model which will debut sometime later in the year.
At first glance, it’s very recognisable as a lightly-retooled version of the cabin first seen in the B-Class MPV. The two-tiered upright dash, tri-turbine air-conditioning vents, the two-piece widescreen display (though here it might just be one enormous unit)… this is all standard-fare for modern Mercedes-Benz models, replete with the MBUX interface that runs the two screens (or again, perhaps one enormous screen).
The GLB will be an all-new model for Mercedes-Benz, given that this corner of the market has traditionally been reserved for the GLA. However, as SUV sales surge and buyers search for more options, the GLB is being fielded to offer greater practicality in a more ‘traditional’ SUV form factor, similar to how the BMW X1 and X2 appeal to very different buyers despite being broadly similar in overall physical packaging.
More details on the Concept GLB will be released when the doors to Auto Shanghai open in a couple of weeks, so be sure to stay tuned to CarShowroom for more updates as they come.
For the best deals on a new car, check out our Showroom.
