---
title: "The Tough-Truck Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB Treks to the Shanghai Auto Show"
description: "Mercedes-Benz revealed the off-road-ready Concept GLB ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show on Monday."
date: "2019-04-15"
modified: "2019-04-15"
authors:
  - name: "Jonathon Klein"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jonathon-klein"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/27459/the-tough-truck-mercedes-benz-concept-glb-treks-to-the-shanghai-auto-show"
categories:
  - "Mercedes-Benz News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Trucks"
tags:
  - "concept car"
  - "GLB-Class"
  - "luxury"
  - "Mercedes-Benz"
  - "suv/crossover"
---

# The Tough-Truck Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB Treks to the Shanghai Auto Show

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2019/04/Webp.net-resizeimage-10.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com\</em\>*

Mercedes-Benz is looking to enhance its crossover portfolio with the debut of the Concept GLB. Showing at the Shanghai Auto Show, the little truck previews Daimler's plans for an off-road-capable, seven-seat, compact CUV to slot neatly between the GLA and GLC models. And of the three, it's the GLB that looks most able to hang with the namesake [G-Wagen](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/26428/2019-mercedes-benz-g550-review-daimlers-retro-looking-suv-status-symbol-goes-modern>).

The Concept GLB's exterior borrows the 2020 GLC's facelifted design—which debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show—with some key modifications to suit expeditionary endeavors. Large, BFGoodrich All-Terrain TKO tires are outfitted underneath the enlarged fender flares. A set of underbody guards with integrated air inlets to “emphasize the off-road qualities" add further off-road protection. There's a shrouded roof rack with an integrated LED lighting package that doubles as an “orientation aid" for off-road driving, according to the press release. Mercedes-Benz finished it off with a weather-sealed roof-box.

![message-editor%2F1555351312403-19c0246\_006-1200x900.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1555351312403-19c0246_006-1200x900.jpg>)
**Mercedes-Benz**

Inside is typical Mercedes-Benz quality as the Concept GLB sees three rows of plush seating, though the third row is only suitable for small children. The interior is well-appointed in “Open-Pore Walnut” finishes and a warm, brown leather treatment, plus small orange accents on the trim to provide a pop of color. The switchgear is done in brushed aluminum, and the third and second row both fold flat for added utility.

![message-editor%2F1555351351985-19c0246\_012-1200x900.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1555351351985-19c0246_012-1200x900.jpg>)
**Mercedes-Benz**

Under the Concept GLB’s hood is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 224 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It's linked to Mercedes-Benz’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The Concept GLB further receives three drive settings, including Eco/Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road, the latter of which “acts as an inter-axle differential lock” and holds the front-to-back power distribution at 50-50.

Though the Concept GLB’s future is undecided, the market’s demand for crossovers of all shapes, sizes, and capabilities likely heralds this particular Benz's production—though maybe not with those tires.

![message-editor%2F1555351375136-19c0246\_007-1200x900.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1555351375136-19c0246_007-1200x900.jpg>)
**Mercedes-Benz**

## Author
Jonathon is the former Managing Editor for Commerce at The Drive and has been writing about cars and motorcycles for over a decade, but he's been known to scribble pretty things about adoption, tattoos, life, gear, adventures, food, technology, nature, and more.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/jonathon_klein>)