Mercedes-Benz confirms GLB, report says

The G-inspired model will arrive late next year.

Mercedes-Benz has allegedly confirmed plans to introduce a crossover named GLB in the not-too-distant future. We've heard rumors of the G-Class-inspired model for years but this is the first time the brand has openly confirmed its existence.

Mercedes announced the model during the annual dealer meeting it held in Atlanta, according to sources who spoke to Automotive News. One dealer explained the GLB fills the void between the GLA and the GLC. Another told the publication the design reminds him of the boxy GLK that retired a few years ago.

"It's a functional, small SUV, more of a people-mover, whereas the GLA is sportier," explained Greg Barnes, the chairman of the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Board. We've seen spy shots of heavily-camouflaged test mules before but Mercedes is keeping the final design under wraps for the time being.

Meeting attendees learned the GLB will arrive in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2019, meaning it will receive the 2020 label. It's one of two compact, front-wheel drive models Mercedes has in store for the United States. The second one is the A-Class Sedan, which will slot at the very bottom of the company's portfolio.

Production of both models will take place in a new factory Mercedes parent company Daimler is building with industrial partner Nissan in Aguascalientes, Mexico.