Mercedes is working on a new GLB and it appears the model may have been spotted by one of our readers.
Sent in by Per Orslien, the pictures show a crossover being transported on the back of trailer traveling towards the Swedish boarder. We’re not entirely sure this is the Mercedes GLB, but the model does have a number of similarities to previous prototypes and an undisguised crash tester. That being said, the crossover has significantly less camouflage than previous prototypes so that makes positive identification difficult.
Regardless, the crossover has plastic body cladding, an upward sweeping beltline and a character line that runs through the door handles. We can also see a tailgate-mounted spoiler, roof rails and a dual exhaust system.
Our reader wasn’t able to snap a picture of the front of the crossover, but he noted the model had some front end damage. That could explain why the model is being towed by a vehicle from Berlin-based Naujock Autotransporte.
We haven’t heard much about the GLB lately, but the crossover will be based on the same platform that underpins the A-Class and next-generation GLA. As a result, engine options will likely be shared between the models.
There’s no word on which engines will make the cut, but likely suspects include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. Reports have also suggested the model could receive AMG variants including a GLB 35 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing more than 300 hp (223 kW / 304 PS). There could also be a range-topping GLB 45 or 50 with over 400 hp (298 kW / 405 PS).
The Mercedes GLB is slated to debut next year and reports have suggested the crossover will go on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2019.