Mercedes-Benz GLB takes shape

Reports out of Germany suggest Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming GLB-Class will be fitted with a third row of seats, giving it seven-seat capacity.

The 4.6-metre SUV, which as its name suggests will be positioned between the GLA and GLC, is being prepped as a baby G-Wagen in style -- inside and out – and will look more aggressively off-road capable than the smaller GLA.

Based on the next all-new A-Class architecture, the GLB – pictured testing here in early mule form, based on the existing GLA -- will mount its range of engines sideways across its engine bay and the entry-level price-leader will be front-wheel drive.

The engine range will spread from 1.4 litres all the way up to a 3.0-litre V6, and Mercedes-Benz has already registered the GLB 43 AMG nameplate.

The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 is the first AMG motor not built by hand in Affalterbach and has been pre-engineered for front-, rear- and all-wheel drive applications.

The mainstream engines will be the product of joint-development programs with the Renault-Nissan alliance, with the Franco-Sino operation doing the lion’s share of the work on the smallest 1.4-litre petrol and diesel engine.

Shunning the 2.0-litre four-cylinder range, sources say that mainstream Mercedes-Benz versions of the GLB will instead top out with 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel motors.

The GLB's exterior design will take its cues from the G-Class, delivering a sharply angled bonnet line, flat door sides and short overhangs, in contrast to the curved, scalloped and chiseled look of the rest of Mercedes-Benz's SUVs and crossovers.

It will be considerably cheaper than the GLC, much less the GLE and GLS SUVs, but no less practical with a suggested luggage capacity of 500 litres.