Thanks to our German friends at Autobild.de, we now have some information on the 2015 Mercedes Benz GLG-Class. In fact, it is enough information to create our own rendering of what the the Mini-G will look like.
The Mercedes->ke187 GLG-Class will be roughly based on the newly announced A-Class->ke452 and will look like a shrunken version of the utilitarian, yet luxurious, G-Class.
The GLG-Class will be Mercedes' answer to the small-SUV market, which is dominated by models like the BMW X3->ke255 and the Audi Q5->ke1666. Though Mercedes isn't planning on marketing this as a true off-road vehicle, it will certainly do the job of crossing pot-holes and small ditches. It's also for the people that like the boxy, go-anywhere design of the G-Class, but may not be able to afford it.
The Mercedes GLG is one of 10 models that Mercedes plans to unveil before 2020. With the GLG-Class' release, the number of SUVs in Merc's lineup will increase to six, including the unannounced GLA crossover in 2013.
To know more about the Mini-G click past the jump.
2015 Mercedes GLG-Class
- Make: Array
- Model: 2015 Mercedes GLG-Class
- Engine/Motor: inline-4
- Horsepower: 122
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Design
Clearly, from the round headlamps to the boxy exterior, this design draws inspiration from its bigger brother, the G-Class->ke1712. Additionally, it borrows a few design cues from its posh brother, the GLK-Class. Though the design is far from finalized, as there are three to four years before its unveiling, this rendering gives us a good idea of what to expect from the Mini-G.
Apart from its design, the GLG-Class will have a spacious cabin and an exceptional interior, while keeping its costs as low as possible. This delicate combination of space, luxury, and relatively low cost means that you can expect the Mini-G to stand out as one of the best in its segment.
The GLG-Class will have a wider track and will sit on an extended wheelbase borrowed from the MFA platform, which underpins the A-Class and the B-Class. This platform alludes to the possibility that the base GLG will be a front-wheel-drive vehicle. For off-road fans, there will be an off-road package that will sport the 4-MATIC system and various other things such as Hill Descent Control, a dedicated four-wheel-drive program, and skid plates.
2013 Mercedes G-Class
Performance
In the powertrain department, expect a similar engine lineup to that found in the A-Class, which includes a 1.6-liter petrol engine with 122 horsepower and a 2.0-liter petrol engine with either 156 horsepower or 211 horsepower. There will also be four diesel engines including a 1.8-liter diesel engine with 109 horsepower and a 2.1-liter engine in varying states of tune making 136 horsepower, 170 horsepower, and 204 horsepower.
Mercedes is also planning an AMG->ke8 model which will be called the GLG45 AMG. Unlike its big brother, the GLG45 AMG will not be V-8-powered. Rather, the GLG45 will be powered by the same heavily tuned, turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine with 330 horsepower that also powers the new A45 AMG. It will also have bigger brakes, a seven-speed automatic gearbox, quicker steering, and a re-engineered front axle.
2013 Mercedes G-Class
Unveil and Pricing
The new GLG-Class will be unveiled in 2014 as a 2015 model SUV. Details about it's pricing are pretty slim, but we expect it to be priced around $43,000.
With the introduction of the A-Class and the rumors of the GLG and GLA floating around, we see Mercedes-Benz's intent on increasing its annual profits by not just making cars for the rich, but also for the people in the middle class segment who have always dreamed of owning a Benz.