New GLB from Mercedes-Benz

As we emerge from house-arrest and our horizons move further away, it is good to also see new car models making their debut into our showrooms. Mercedes-Benz have now launched their second SUV launch in as many months, the new GLB.

The new GLB arrives against a backdrop whereby every third vehicle produced by Mercedes-Benz is an SUV and every fourth a compact car. Initial models and pricing for the GLB Progressive 180 Automatic start from €42,350, with the GLB Progressive 180d Automatic from €43,190.

Where it fits

Alphabetically and physically, this new GLB sits between the GLA and GLC SUV’s, coming with a 7-seat option, a covert third row of seats concealed beneath the luggage floor that can be raised to expand capacity. These retractable seats, according to Mercedes-Benz, provide ‘comfortable seating for passengers up to a height of 1.68m’. Within this layout, second row seats also split 40.20.40.

At 2,829mm, the GLB has the longest wheelbase of Mercedes-Benz’s current compact generation. Front headroom is 1,069mm with rear legroom in the five-seat version said to be ‘especially comfortable’ at 967mm.

Exterior design

Looking every mm a Mercedes, the new GLB stands well, wears its face with ease, the bodyline from front to back not demanding on the eyes, roof rails, short overhangs back and front, all combining to give it a well-proportioned demeanour. New owners can opt for the 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a special off-road light which helps the driver to detect obstacles at low speeds.

Two design lines

This GLB is available in two design and equipment lines, Progressive and AMG, with numerous options that include a ‘night package’ in which black high-gloss body highlights give it a distinctive look. Coming later will be a special-order Edition 1 model with exclusive boldly coloured bodywork.

Inside story

The interior of the 2020 GLB is modern Mercedes-Benz, with its off-road design influences echoed in its instrumentation and controls elements, steering column, spiral-look dashboard, doors and centre console highlights. It comes with the now familiar MBUX user experience and ‘Hey Mercedes’ command system. Other interior elements include two 7-inch instrument cluster and media displays with touch screen facility, a sports steering wheel with touch control. 

Optional Features

The GLB comes with a wide range of standard items, with an extensive menu of options that includes comfort elements such as feel-good lighting, musical moods and seat massages features.

Also included in the mix of optional driver assistance systems is a camera and radar system that can scan the road up to 500 metres ahead and, in semi-automated mode, can adjust speed when coming to bends, junctions or roundabouts. To enhance the experience when driving off-road and on rough terrain, optional lighting and adaptive main beam features can be introduced.

Petrol and Diesel Engines

The GLB is powered by updated 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all characterised by increased power, improved efficiency and reduced emissions.

Petrol models – all with 7G/8G automatic transmission:

·         GLB 200 (1332cc/Nm 250 torque/)

·         GLB 250 (1991cc/Nm 350)

·         GLB35 4MATIC AMG (1991cc/Nm 400).

Diesel models – all 1950cc with 8G automatic transmission:

·         GLB 180d (Nm 280 torque)

·         GLB 200d and GLB 200d 4MATIC (both Nm 320)

·         GLB 220d 4MATIC (Nm 400),

All are certified to Euro 6d and geared to meet Real Driving Emissions (RDE) Stage 2 requirements and are equipped with comfort suspension with steel springs as standard, an adaptive damping system is optionally available.