Mercedes’ Compact Car Family Scooped At LAX

A handful of Mercedes prototypes have been spotted at the Los Angeles International Airport by Carscoops reader Nathan.

The first car is the group is the all-new B-Class which is expected to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this fall. This particular model is heavily camouflaged but previously spy photos have shown the MPV will retain its familiar shape while also adopting sleeker styling.

Sales of the B-Class have fallen nearly 50% since 2012 but Mercedes sales and marketing boss, Britta Seeger, recently said the company is committed to the model as it is in a “significant and promising segment.” It remains unclear if the redesigned model will help to increase sales but the car will have a significantly improved interior that echoes the A-Class.

It’s hard to see which model is parked behind the B-Class but it could be the GLB as previous prototypes have been spotted wearing similar camouflage. Regardless of what car is in the photo, the GLB will be an all-new crossover that will slot between the GLA and GLC. The model is expected to be unveiled next year and offer seating for up to seven people.

The B-Class and GLB will ride on the MFA2 platform which recently debuted on the new A-Class. Engine options should also carryover so we can expect a variety of petrol and diesel powertrains.

On the petrol side, there should be an entry-level 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 163 PS (120 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. Buyers looking for something more powerful can expect a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 224 PS (165 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. There should also be a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 116 PS (85 kW) and 260 Nm (191 lb-ft) of torque.

Rumors have also suggested the GLB could receive a performance variant. If the model follows in the footsteps of the A-Class, there could be a GLB35 with around 340 PS (250 kW) and a GLB45 packing more than 400 PS (294 kW).