Mercedes - Repair and Service Redwood City - 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class EV - Bosch European (650) 368-3000

 

 

A redesigned GLB-Class compact crossover is shaping up to be the second member of Mercedes-Benz's next-generation compact family, following the redesigned CLA-Class, which debuted in March as a 2026 model for the U.S.

A prototype for the new GLB-Class has been spotted again, with production details like the lights and wheels. The prototype is for an electric model to replace the current EQB (Mercedes is moving away from the EQ naming practice), but a hybrid version is also planned. Both versions are expected to arrive on the market in 2026, likely reaching the U.S. as 2027 models.

The GLB-Class prototype is heavily camouflaged, but the overall shape appears to be an evolution of the current generation, with a slightly rounder front end. The new headlights can be partially seen and feature a Mercedes star logo for the daytime running lights and turn signals. The rear section has more extensive camouflage, but it appears boomerang-style taillights are used, possibly joined by a light strip.

Part of the digital gauge cluster is visible in some of the images. As seen in the new CLA-Class, the new compact family features a dashboard with a wide panel integrating screens for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, along with circular vents for climate control.

The vehicle rides on Mercedes' new MMA platform, which is designed primarily for EVs but also accommodates hybrid powertrains. For MMA-based EVs, which will use the with EQ Technology designation, Mercedes will offer a choice of single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains. Once again looking to the new CLA-Class, the rear-wheel-drive GLB-Class should be a GLB 250+ with EQ Technology powered by a 268-hp motor at the rear, while the all-wheel-drive model should be a GLB 350 4Matic with EQ Technology, adding a 107-hp front motor to the 268-hp rear motor. The front motor is designed to activate during high loads or when slip is detected. More powerful AMG-tuned variants likely coming with axial-flux electric motors and close to 500 hp are also planned.

An 800-volt electrical system will enable high-speed charging with a DC fast charger. The battery should be the same 85.5-kwh (usable) lithium-ion unit that features in the new CLA-Class, and should offer up close to 300 miles of range on the EPA test cycle.

For hybrids, which will be designated as with EQ Hybrid Technology, expect a newly developed 1.5-liter turbo-4 paired with a 27-hp electric motor sandwiched between the gas engine and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The total system output should be about 187 hp. The battery will be a 1.3-kwh lithium-ion unit mounted under the driver’s seat. Front-wheel drive will be standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.

 

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145337_2027-mercedes-benz-glb-class-ev-spy-shots

 

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com

 

VW - Repair and Service Redwood City - 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc spied with gas engine, EV to follow - Bosch European (650) 368-3000

 

 

Volkswagen is close to revealing a second-generation T-Roc, and the latest prototype our photographer spied wore barely any camouflage gear.

The current T-Roc is a compact crossover closely related to the Golf hatchback. It made its debut in 2017 and has since spawned a high-performance T-Roc R variant and an open-top T-Roc Cabriolet. The latter isn't expected to return with the new generation, however.

The new T-Roc should debut later this year. Considering VW ruled out selling the current T-Roc in the U.S., it's likely the new generation will also skip this market. Instead, the automaker offers the bigger Taos as its entry-level crossover here.

The new T-Roc looks like it will follow an evolutionary design path. There are new details, though, such as a clamshell hood and a larger lower intake with a new mesh pattern. It's hard to judge but there also appears to be less body sculpting on the flanks of the vehicle. A final key change is the less steeply raked rear window, resulting in more of a fastback design.

 

2025 Volkswagen T-Roc spy shots - Photo via Baldauf

 The vehicle rides on the latest version of Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, which the automaker uses for volume brands. In the U.S., the platform is found in the Golf GTI and Golf R, as well as the related Audi A3 range. It will also underpin a redesigned Tiguan due in the U.S. later this year.

Front-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive will be available. It's possible only electrified powertrains will be offered this time around.

The current T-Roc is a close relative of the Audi Q2 crossover. Don't look for a redesigned Q2, though. Former Audi chief Markus Duesmann in a 2022 interview indicated that the Q2 and the smaller A1 hatchback will be phased out after their respective current generations.

Fans of electric mobility can look forward to an electric T-Roc. It is being developed alongside an electric next-generation Golf hatchback, and the two EVs are destined to be built at VW's main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, starting late this decade. VW in February confirmed the two vehicles will be based on VW Group's next-generation SSP EV platform, which aims to standardize things like software and battery cell design across most of the automaker's brands.

 source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1142390_2025-volkswagen-t-roc-spy-shots

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com