Mercedes is planning to expand its lineup with more rugged models and the 2019 Mercedes Benz GLB Class is one among many models that are in its early production stage.

Going away from the traditional luxury car market, Mercedes is going to make some unconventional models including a SUV. The GLB Class belongs to the SUV and is not a crossover as anticipated earlier. The manufacturer has at least three luxury variants to be revealed in the near future including a A-Class Limousine, A-Class Cabriolet and the last one will be the GLB which has been spotted in this spy photo. The car will feature an all-wheel drive setup if we are to go by earlier rumors.

Inside the brand’s own development division, the SUV is codenamed as X 247. Engineers so far were testing how well they could build a SUV by using multiple components from the existing GLA X 156 model before they could create a concept body and fix the powertrain for this new model. From the spy photos, it is evident that the vehicle has lots of resemblance to the updated G-Class version which is also expected to be formally announced before the end of 2017.

Anyone would hardly agree that the SUV belongs to the Mercedes Benz which is known for its sleek, sporty looks. The vehicle has a boxy look with a much rugged and aggressive design which is a strikingly new route for Mercedes. They are staying true to the claim as it is being made to be an off-road rugged vehicle with 4×4 drive and has a much higher ground clearance. The length of the model will be no more than 4.60 meters with cargo capacity up to 500 liters and can comfortably seat up to seven passengers at once.

Powertrains already being used in the E-Class, possibly the 1.5-liter four cylinder diesel variant and similarly powerful petrol variants are expected to be used in the 2019 Mercedes Benz GLB Class. While there will be plenty of models available on launch including GLB 180, 200, 220 up until 220d, the top of the line flagship model will be the GLB 250 4MATIC. It will drive its power from M264 engine and can deliver up to 220 horsepower. Lower and mi-range variants in the GLB class will not feature all-wheel drive by default but they can be upgraded as an add-on package.

The spy photographs were taken with the GLB class mounted on a truck and it might be a while before we can see it being tested on the roads.

Image Source : Motori Online