No one’s really sure what the B-Class is, so Mercedes-Benz seems ready to add a crossover version to lure utility-obsessed buyers.
The automaker recently registered the GLB name, implying a sporty crossover based on the unpopular front-wheel-drive B-class people hauler — a model so confused, it sells more in Canada than it does in the United States.
Using connect-the-dots logic, the GLB would slot in between the smaller GLA and larger GLC. Remember, there’s also a GLE and GLS. If Mercedes-Benz seems in danger of running out of letters, as well as cars to turn into crossovers, the company isn’t worried.
Thomas Weber, the automaker’s research and design chief, told Auto Express earlier this year,”The SUV segment is one of the most important because it is clear there he global demand,” adding, “Is there room for additional SUVs? Why not?”
In the U.S., Mercedes-Benz only offers the B-Class Electric Drive EV, while Canada gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter variant. European models see a range of gas and diesel powerplants.
A brawnier body that less resembles a Toyota Prius V would help the model get recognition from those who would normally ignore a B-Class completely.
[Source: Auto Express] [Image: Mercedes-Benz USA]
The GLB looks very un-SUV-like, and more like a four-door hatchback wagon. MB may find that in their attempt to make one of everything, strangely enough, offering too many choices to their customers simply creates confusion.
That isn’t the GLB pictured, that’s the regular B-Class.
Re-read the last sentence/paragraph.
Isn’t the current B Class solely an EV compliance car in the US?
It’s been up here in Canada for many years, – no EV option at all, only gasoline turbo power offered.
As to what it is? a hatchback.
Functionally better than the GLA and CLA in every way, just not as fashionable nor available in AMG guise.
“In the U.S., Mercedes-Benz only offers the B-Class Electric Drive EV, while Canada gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter variant.”
That’s why Mercedes can’t move them in the US (well, OK, they sell 50/month). And to Silverbird’s point ^^, it’s a compliance car. M-B hasn’t been serious about it.
I don’t see a lot of daylight between the GLA and the GLC. Sometimes I think MB and BMW are inventing new models more to keep engineers employed than to meet actual market needs.
If MB engineers have so much time on their hands, they can spend it improving the quality of the CLA & GLA until they are less of an embarrassment.
Seems all the manufacturers are splitting hairs on the CUV market. And why not? it’s the hottest segment in the industry.
Look at Jeep. They sell THREE CUV starting under $20k! Granted, they’re each different, and the Compass and Patriot are essentially obsolete, but they wouldn’t exist if the market wasn’t there.
I see the compliance B-Classes at least once a week since I live in Southern California. I can say with confidence they would sell absolutely zero if they offered it with an ICE in the United States since it’s in an unpopular class (its only Euro MPV competitor on sale here is the C-Max) and it’s butt-ugly. I mean, it literally looks like a Chinese car with a three-pointed star on the hood. The Yaris looks more like a Mercedes than this thing. Daimler should just kill the B-class and replace it with the crossover.
The B class makes a lot of sense in markets where size is taxed. I saw lots of very nice B class in Bermuda, which is punitive for big cars. A 3 series is a show of cash there.
The B is a better cheap Mercedes than the CLA.
This car falls into the gap. MB is a full line vehicle maker in Europe, but when those cars come over here, the mb is removed and “sprinter” installed. While I’d never expect to see an E class Taxi in NY, imagine if GM only sold Buick and Caddy.
There was a B next to a CLA at the NY auto show. The B was a small benz, the CLA was a misplaced Nissan.
The B has always struck me as a prestige Fit or Versa hatch with the power the former two lack.
Do B-class Mercedes get meep-meep or honk-honk horns?
Sometimes it seems like all of Canada’s B-Class sales are to Asian moms in the Vancouver area. They are ubiquitous here, but it is a profoundly uncool “C-Lai” car.
To call the B-Class unpopular based only on US sales of an unpromoted EV compliance model not intended for mass sale allows the writer a certain pretentious snarkiness, but it’s just plain wrong.
The B-Class has been popular in Canada since it was first introduced here. It seems to account for around 10% of M-B’s global vehicle sales, despite not being offered for sale in the US.
All Mercedes needs to do is sell the turbocharged version in the US, badge it as the GLBT, and pitch it to steal sales from part of Subaru’s targetted demographics.
*rimshot*
I’ll be here all week. Tip your waitress and try the veal.
How much is that damn thing going to cost – $50,000? Just imagine a Prius with a three-pointed star on the hood. It will be only bought to show the world you’ve arrived in a Benzzzz.
If the gas/diesel version was offered in the U.S., along with the EV, it would compete directly with the Audi A3 and Lexus CT200h.
Just sayin!
B class doesn’t sell in numbers because its a 35k electric car that stickers for 44k.