Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB Design

The Mercedes-Benz GLB features a more angular styling which no doubt draws inspiration from its larger sibling, the full-sized Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV and the former boxy shaped Mercedes-Benz GLK. Emphasis is placed on practicality evident by the boxy shape and flat roofline which leads to a large square tailgate around the back.

Unlike the sharper and sleeker designs found on most modern Mercedes-Benz compact cars today, the Mercedes-Benz GLB features a more upright front fascia with rectangular LED headlamps and a prominent diamond radiator grille, punctuated by a massive Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star and chromed louvre.

The Progressive Line trim package includes a dual-slat front grille, front chromed skid plate, along with chrome side door mouldings and surround for the dual exhaust finishers. The fully kitted out AMG Line adds more aggressively styled lower front and rear bumpers with more pronounced air intakes and diffuser-like trim element.

Black plastic claddings and the standard fit roof rails highlight its more utilitarian side. A distinct kink along the shoulder line after the C-pillar is unique only to the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Dimension

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is positioned between the Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover and the mid-size Mercedes-Benz GLC. Due to its unique positioning, it faces a diverse set of rivals, many of which do not offer a third-row seating. It is 215mm longer, 38mm wider and 101mm taller than the Mercedes-Benz B-Class MPV. The Volvo XC60 and the Range Rover Discovery Sport are closely matched in terms of its overall size.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Interior

On the inside, the Mercedes-Benz GLB’s adopts a similar cabin layout to other Mercedes-Benz compact cars like the A-Class and the B-Class. Notable features include the free-standing dual 10.25-inch widescreen display with the full Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), 3-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and the aviation inspired turbine-style air vents.

As standard, the Progressive Line comes with brushed aluminium trim elements with gloss black inlays, three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, comfort seats, velour floor mats and black Artico leatherette upholstery. The AMG Line brings along AMG-exclusive items which include carbon fibre-like interior trim, a Nappa leather steering wheel, sports seats, Artico leather/Dinamica microfibre upholstery with red topstitching, and ambient lighting.

It sets itself apart from other compact luxury SUV by offering a third-row seating with two additional proper rear seats, which Mercedes claims is suitable for anyone up to 1.68 metre tall. The seats are stowable into the boot floor, allowing for greater utilization of its 1,800 litres of total rear cargo space.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Features

Both variants come equipped with Mercedes’s High Performance LED headlamps with integrated DRL and aluminium roof rails as standard. 18-inch five-spokes alloy wheels are standard for the GLB 200 Progressive Line while the GLB 250 4Matic AMG Line gets the upgraded 19-inch AMG five-twin-spokes alloy wheels.

Also standard are the dual 10.25-inch widescreen touchscreen display with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which can be controlled via the touchscreen, dedicated media buttons, touch control button on the steering wheel, touchpad on the centre console or the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command function. 

The cabin can be adjusted to personal pre-configured ambience settings via themed display which include configurations for the display style, air conditioning, radio station or drive modes such as DYNAMIC SELECT. Other creature comfort includes the THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, keyless-Go, powered front seats with memory function and handsfree powered tailgate.

In terms of safety and driver assistance tech, both variants come with a reverse camera, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, PRE-SAFE system, Active Brake Assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system. AMG Line gets upgraded blind spot assist and remote engine start function.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Driving Performance

Engine

Driving the front-wheel of the GLB 200 is the same M282 1.3 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is also used in the Mercedes-Benz B200 MPV. Developed in partnership with Renault, the power unit delivers a respectable 163 PS at 5,500 RPM and 250 Nm from 1,620 RPM. 0-100 km/h is dealt with in 9.1 seconds before topping out at 207 km/h.

The GLB 250 is equipped with a more powerful M260 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine from the Mercedes-Benz A250 hatchback. It develops, 224 PS at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm from 1,800 RPM. Power is sent to all four wheels via the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, enabling a century sprint time of 6.9 seconds and 236 km/h top speed.

Transmission

The 1.3 litre engine is paired to the same Getrag 7G-DCT seven-speed wet dual clutch transmission from the Mercedes-Benz B200 while the more powerful 2.0 litre engine is paired to an 8G-DCT eight-speed dual-clutch via Mercedes-Benz’s proprietary 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Ride Comfort

With the Comfort suspension fitted as standard on both variants, the car delivers a pleasantly comfortable ride with great sophistication when dealing with bumps and road imperfection. The GLB 250 is spec with the Off-Road Engineering package, which adds an additional drive mode to the Dynamic Select system, along with a Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) function and special displays in the digital instrument cluster.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is Mercedes’ biggest ‘compact’ car yet, and the first to offer a third-row seat. Thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of SUVs and crossovers, no doubt it is destined to become one of Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling cars. With a relatively low entry price into a brand as exclusive as Mercedes-Benz, it is certainly worth considering over the Disco Sport, Volvo XC60 or even the cheaper Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line.