Mercedes-Benz Trademarks GLB Name for New Crossover – Report

Mercedes-Benz trademarks GLB name as the new crossover is likely to be slotted between the GLC and GLA

Mercedes-Benz GLB Spied

The growing interest in the luxury crossover market globally has led to manufacturers mulling over introducing new products. On the back of that, the German automobile companies are on the move to bring in fresh and attractive models. Mercedes-Benz has been reported to be reading a new model that will join its existing crossover range possibly by 2018. Speculations emerged on the internet suggested that a brand new cross will be entered to make sure than no crossover space is left unattended.

Autoexpress has said that the new crossover is likely to bear the GLB name and it will be positioned between the existing GLA crossover and the GLC SUV. It will be a re-engineered version of the below par selling B-Class MPV wearing the new nomenclature. The report went on to claim that the GLB moniker has been trademarked by Mercedes and it will be used on the model already spotted testing earlier last month.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Spied 2

It appears to be based on the extended version of the GLA’s front wheel drive platform. Looking into the current series consisting of GLC and GLE, which are based on the C-Class and the E-Class respectively, the GLB is more likely to be related with the B-Class. It will compete against the likes of its fierce rivalries in the entry-level SUV segment such as the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 and once launched it will become the sixth offering in the brand’s SUV range.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Spied 3

The room for an additional SUV is evident due to the global demand of its existing models and customers wanting to have new products, which in turn, opens up new segments. It is said to be practical with roomier cabin and boot and as for styling it will be looking different from the GLA. If the GLB gets flagged off, expect it to share components with SUVs from the front-wheel drive platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Spied 4

The variants could carry the GLB 200 and GLB 250 names for petrol and the diesel could come with GLB 200d and GLB 220d nomenclatures. To meet the eco-friendly demands, a plug-in hybrid cannot be ruled out of the equation while the top-of-the-line model is more likely to be 45 AMG. Being based on the A and B-Class, power will be transferred to the front wheels as standard while the range-toppers will have the option of 4Matic AWD system.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Image Gallery

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SOURCEAuto Express