Mercedes-Benz's second foray into the hotly contested small SUV sector is imminent, with its new GLB set to be revealed in concept form at the Shanghai motor show later this month.
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The brand has released its first official image of the car in the form of a rendered view of its interior. It takes clear influence from the latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class, with a large combined digital instrument and infotainment display above AMG GT-style air vents.
The GLB, sitting above the Mercedes-Benz GLA and below the larger Mercedes-Benz GLC, will be a fully fledged rival to cars such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40 and Jaguar E-Pace. The concept version appearing in the coming weeks will be close to production spec, with the finished car making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
Alongside regular variants, a hot AMG 35 variant was recently spotted testing. Visual differences include larger wheels to house uprated brakes, a larger air intake on the lower front bumper and a redesigned grille pattern echoing that of other AMG models.
The design of the rear bumper has also been revised to allow for the addition of a dual-exit exhaust system, while the car's lower stance hints at a sportier suspension set-up.
Using the same 2.0-litre mild hybrid petrol engine found in the new A35 hot hatch, the GLB 35 will produce around 302bhp. It will be joined by a range-topping GLB 45 after launch.
Previous images showed the GLB lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife in standard form.
Due to arrive in showrooms before the year is out, the GLB mixes old-school G-Class influences, including a boxy profile and an upright rear end, with contemporary details, such as the brand's softer front-end design and LED headlights.
The GLB, a sibling to the Mercedes-Benz GLA, has been given this less conventional appearance in an attempt to stand out against softer-looking rivals such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
Trademark filings suggest that variants badged 200, 220 and 250 will be available, using the same engines as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Mercedes-Benz CLA.
