Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has added yet another model to their compact SUV line-up in the form of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB. The GLB retails from RM 269,118, comes standard with MBUX, third-row seats and will be fully imported (CBU) from Mexico.

If you’re wondering about the difference between this new SUV and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the GLB is a larger and more practical version of the smaller GLA.

With a wheelbase of 2,829 mm, the GLB’s wheelbase is actually 10 cm longer than even the Mercedes-Benz B-Class the SUV is based on.

The GLB is also the first compact vehicle in Mercedes-Benz’s stable to offer a third-row seat. Being so much taller than its compact siblings, MBM claims that a person of 168 cm tall would still get plenty of headroom in the third row.

Passengers in the third row will also get practical amenities, as engineers have made sure to include storage compartments and even USB ports to keep everybody connected.

When the third-row seats are not in use, the seats will fold flat to the boot floor to freeing up 1,800 litres to make stowing luggage and large items easier.

Other than that, Mercedes have also made sure to include an Easy-Entry function to make getting in and out of the third-row seats more convenient for passengers.

For better comfort, the GLB rides on MacPherson Struts on the front and decoupled multi-link axle with compression springs in the rear. Owners can also opt for adaptive adjustable damping so they can have the option to choose between a comfort setup or a sportier drive. 

At launch, MBM has 2 variants on offer, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 Progressive Line will be powered by the M282 1.3-litre turbocharged engine produces 163 PS and 250 Nm of torque. Paired to a 7G-DCT, the GLB 200 will make the century sprint in 9.1 seconds and has a top speed of 207 km/h.

Go one step up and you can opt for the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic AMG Line. The GLB 250 is powered by an M260 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 224 PS and 360 Nm of torque. The larger engine is paired to an 8G-DCT instead. Mercedes rate the 0-100 km/h time at 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 236 km/h.

On to the techy bits, the GLB will come standard with Mercedes-Benz’ intuitive infotainment system, MBUX. The system comes with two 7-inch displays for both the instrument cluster and media display as standard. Other standard equipments that will keep passengers connected are the two USB Type C ports.

Like all modern Mercedes-Benz, the GLB is also equipped with 'Mercedes me' functions as standard.

Safety-wise, both GLB 200 and GLB 250 are equipped with the usual with only Active Braking Assist (AEB) and Blind Spot Assist for ADAS. The GLB in Malaysia also gets Active Parking Assist with Parktronic as standard allowing the GLB the ability to park itself without assistance.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 Progressive Line retails at RM 269,118 while the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 AMG Line goes at RM 318,009.

MBM also has the spicier Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic (306 PS and 450 Nm) on offer that retails for RM 363,136. All prices stated are on the road without insurance and sans SST. Prices are effective until the end of this year.

Of course, the GLB is also offered with MBM’s Agility Financing, that starts from RM 2,688 per month for a limited time only.