Mercedes-Benz GLB Concept Can Bring 7 Passengers Off The Beaten Path

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new 7-passenger GLB Concept at 2019 Auto Shanghai.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLB Concept looks really close to being production-ready. Don’t be surprised if it debuts with a very similar look and personality as a new model in the near future. Mercedes-Benz has been hinting at a GLB model for a while now and it appears that the new SUV is starting to take shape.

The GLC Concept is an interesting piece. It measures just 4.62 meters which is shorter than the current Mercedes-Benz GLC and yet it still offers room for 7 passengers. Better yet, the GLB’s third row isn’t just for show. Mercedes-Benz says that two adults can fit back there.

How Mercedes-Benz managed to make a usable third row with just 4.62 meters to work with is a mystery. The wheelbase measures 2.82 meters which is roughly the same size as the GLC’s.

Still, if Mercedes-Benz really managed to make a spacious three-row SUV in the same format as the GLC, the German automaker will have a winner on its hands with the GLB. That’s even truer if the brand keeps the GLB concept’s rugged looks.

Built like a mountain rescue vehicle with big tires wrapped around 17-inch black wheels, roof lights, an in-your-face grille and bulging side panels, the GLB Concept also sports a brown leather and suede interior that complements the muscular exterior design.

Mercedes-Benz sees the GLB as a bridge between the GLA and GLC, and to their credit the concept has some tangible assets that those two other compact SUVs don’t have. They don’t have a third row and they can’t really go too far off the road.

Powering the concept is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 224 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. As you can imagine, 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard.