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New Mercedes GLB to be added to the range, sitting between the GLA and GLC

Mercedes is readying a new model for its crossover range – and it’s likely to use the GLB name. Following Merc’s new badging structure, the GLB would slot in between the GLA crossover andGLC SUV as a pumped-up version of the slow-selling B-Class MPV.

The brand recently registered the GLB name and our picture shows what it could look like. Our spy photographers also caught the car testing earlier in the month on what looks like an extended version of the A-Class and GLA’s front-wheel drive platform.

Whereby the GLC is related to the C-Class, and the GLE part of theE-Class family, the new GLB would fall under the B-Class tree. Mercedes would be looking to capitalise on the current trend for small crossovers with its sixth SUV offering -  hitting cars like theBMW X1 and Audi Q3 right where it hurts.

Mercedes R&D boss Dr Thomas Weber told us at this year’s Geneva Motor Show that “there is always room in the line-up” for more models. “The SUV segment is one of the most important because it is clear there he global demand”, he said. “Is there room for additional SUVs? Why not?”

We don’t believe the production model would be quite so closely aligned to the GLA in terms of styling, but these images are proof there is something in the melting pot. While the GLA is considered quite compact with an emphasis on style, the GLB is likely to take practicality up a notch, with a useable boot and greater passenger space.

Engines and specs are expected to follow other models in the range with GLB 200d and GLB 220d diesels sitting alongside GLB 200 and GLB 250 petrols. A plug-in version will undoubtedly be offered too, while an GLB 45 AMG version cannot be ruled out. Being based on the A and B-Class rather than the larger C-Class will mean entry-level cars are front rather than rear-wheel drive, but 4MATIC four-wheel drive should feature on top-spec cars.

Joining GLA, GLC, GLE and GLS, along with the longstanding G-Class 4x4, the GLB isn’t likely to see the light of day before 2018 at the earliest – with first customer cars the year after.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/95691/new-mercedes-glb-to-join-the-brands-crossover-range

by Richard Ingram

http://www.boscheuropean.com