Mercedes has been making these compact cars since 2011, longer if you include the smaller, less popular stuff. However, with the exception of the B-Class Electric Drive of 2014, none of them rolled around on electricity.
Today, German car spy WalkoArt captured this short video of what looks like a couple of GLB prototypes running around only on electricity. In addition to the bespoke motor sound, the models are back to wearing full camouflage, including bumper pads that would suggest a completely new hood and grille have been installed.
But what could this mean? Well, the GLB is only a few months away from coming out. But the Mexico-made crossover will only have conventional powertrains like the ones offered with the A-Class and CLA-Class. This is clearly something different.
One option would be a plug-in hybrid. Reports pre-dating even the launch of the new A-Class said Mercedes was working on two PHEV systems that would work with all these compact models. Both would use a 1.3-liter turbo engine at the front with a small electric motor installed within a redesigned rear suspension, which is a lot like the MINI Clubman PHEV.
We even have a few power figures. In both cases, the e-motor makes 90 HP (66 kW) while the 1.3 turbo delivers 136 HP for the A 220 e, for example, and 163 HP in the case of the A 250 e. There's no telling what that means for the combined output, but it's probably around 200 and 230 HP, respectively, not that anybody drives a green car in full-power mode anyway.
In addition, Britta Seeger, member of the Daimler AG board responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales, revealed that an all-electric GLB is coming in 2021. Likely to be called the EQB, this should offer competitive range and power. But which do you guys think is the culprit here?
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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