Mercedes-Benz GLB to be launched as seven-seater

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB is tipped to make its world premiere this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and according to a blog post by Mercedes-Benz Passion, the SUV will be offered as a seven-seater right from the get-go.

When the GLB concept was introduced, Mercedes-Benz said the third row seats can be folded following a 60:40 split, and can be recessed flush into the load compartment. The middle row folds in a 40:20:40 configuration, and is fore-and-aft adjustable by 140 mm – 90 mm to the front and 50 mm to the rear. Additionally, a total of four child seats can be attached in the second and third seat rows.

There will also be a five-seater version which, unsurprisingly, comes with a larger boot space measuring 560 litres. The seven-seat version gets 500 litres of space. Fold the middle row seats down and the volume expands to 1,800 litres (same for both models).

Size-wise, the GLB places emphasis on spaciousness and robustness. Its footprint measures 4,634 mm in length, 1,890 mm wide, 1,900 mm tall (including the roof box) and has a 2,829 mm wheelbase. The outgoing GLA, which is due for a model refresh, is obviously a lot smaller (4,417 mm length, 1,804 mm width, 1,494 mm height, and 2,699 mm wheelbase).


In the performance department, the GLB will be powered by the M260 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which offers 224 PS and 350 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to an eight-speed 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (also used in the B-Class), with 4Matic all-wheel drive as well. Air suspension could be a possibility, but only for more expensive variants. Those wanting more will be glad to know that a hotter AMG GLB 35 is also in the works.

The compact SUV will be offered with a range of kit, with wheels ranging from 17-inch to 21-inch items, LED headlights and tail lights, Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with a large widescreen, as well as three central air vents. It’s unclear if the rugged milled aluminium trims seen on the concept will make it to production, though.

Speaking of production, the report said the X247 GLB will be produced in two facilities, those being Aguascalientes in Mexico and in Beijing, China. At launch, it will go against the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and the Volkswagen Touran. Thoughts on the GLB, guys?

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