Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new Concept GLB ahead of an official debut at Auto Shanghai 2019, effectively previewing a fresh production model set to slot in between the GLA and GLC.

The concept car measures 4 634 mm long, 1 890 mm wide and 1 900 mm high (including that “permanently installed” roof box) and interestingly boasts space for up to seven occupants thanks to a wheelbase of 2 829 mm.

The show car features shrouds emerging from the roof frame and accommodating LED spotlamps for use off-road. The black roof rails end in a curve at the front and rear, while the aforementioned roof box is mounted on the rear area. The BFGoodrich off-road tyres, meanwhile, are wrapped round two-tone 17-inch alloys.

Inside, the Concept GLB features a third row of seats (with two additional single perches that can be recessed flush into the load compartment floor to increase load capacity). The Stuttgart-based firm says these pews offer “comfortable seating for two medium-sized occupants”.

The basic architecture of the dashboard comes from the latest B-Class, complete with a widescreen cockpit facing the driver and the firm’s latest MBUX system. New features include “off-road-type” tubular elements in milled aluminium at the lower end of the dashboard and a chestnut brown colour scheme.

Power comes from the brand’s M260 turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which here develops 165 kW and 350 N.m, and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Concept GLB is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, with fully-variable torque distribution.

Original article from Car