With the Glb concept at Auto Shanghai, Mercedes-Benz shows what SUV ideas on the company’s compact car platform might also be realised alongside the Gla as a sporty all-rounder. While the latter promises progressive driving enjoyment with its coupé-like lines, the concept Glb places the emphasis on spaciousness and robustness. The car has a distinctive presence in the world of compact SUVs with its muscular proportions. The clear, surface-accentuated contours with reduced lines and precise joints convey effortless superiority and modernity. The upright front section with its striking Led headlamps is clear evidence of off-road genes, as are the short overhangs at the front and rear.
The long wheelbase and the functional greenhouse are the decisive factors providing generous spaciousness for up to seven occupants. The muscular and sensuously contoured vehicle shoulder dominates the side view, an effect reinforced by the rising waistline. The contiguous doors improve ease of access and keep the door apertures free of soiling. All-round protective claddings divide the overall proportions and emphasise the vehicle’s off-road character. With a series of distinctive extra elements the concept vehicle exhibits a particularly robust character. At the front and rear, two shrouds emerge from the roof frame and accommodate Led spotlights acting as ambient lighting and orientation aids when driving off-road.
In design terms the interior of the concept Glb reveals its membership of the new Mercedes-Benz compact car family, but as a showcar and SUV it has a special leather features and special trim elements. And for the first time in a compact model by Mercedes-Benz, a third seat row with two additional single seats that can be recessed flush into the load compartment floor to increase load capacity. The seats, fittings and door panels are partially lined in nappa and nubuk leather, the predominant colour tone being “chestnut brown”. Echoing the exterior highlights, there are orange trim strips and seams in just a few places.
The basic architecture of the dashboard corresponds to that of the B-Class, with a widescreen cockpit facing the driver and the functions and displays controlled via the Mercedes-Benz User Experience – MBUX. New features are the off-road-type tubular elements in milled aluminium which round off the dashboard at the lower end. These give the dashboard support an impression of robustness, power and a certain fun factor. Below the three round centre nozzles is the air conditioning control panel with an intentionally analogue look, whose buttons create the impression that they have been milled from a solid aluminium cylinder.
