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| New Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV |
Mercedes-Benz has raised its SUV range offerings to a new level with the launch of their new GLB to the compact SUV segment, writes Trish Whelan.
It is one of 22 newcomers from the luxury carmaker set to arrive here in 2020.
It’s likely to appeal to families with children to transport as it gives the option of seven seats.
While it stays within the current eight-strong Mercedes-Benz compact car family (alongside the A-Class, A-Class Saloon, B-Class, CLA Coupe, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA), the brand says this new GLB blows open the definition of a compact car by offering exceptional levels of spaciousness and passenger capacity not naturally associated with its category.
New GLB is the first Merc in its class to offer a third row, seven-seat option. The additional two bucket seats are fully retractable and provide seating for small passengers. The second row seats split 40:60.
The GLB has the longest wheelbase of the brand’s current compact generation. Rear legroom in the five-seat version is said to be ‘especially comfortable’.
The new GLB is powered by updated four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all with increased power, improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
Petrol models - all with 7G/8G automatic transmission, are: GLB 200 (1332cc), GLB 250 (1991cc), and GLB35 4MATIC AMG (1991cc).
Euro 6d diesels models - all 1950cc with 8G automatic transmission - are: GLB 180d, GLB 200d, GLB 220d 4MATIC (Nm 320), and GLB 220d 4MATIC (Nm 400).
The distinctive exterior points to the off-road focus of the GLB’s design, with its upright front section, headlamp design, and short front and rear overhangs. Optional is 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a special off-road light which helps detect obstacles in front of the car at low speeds.
Three design and equipment lines are Style, Progressive and AMG.
An exclusive boldly coloured Edition 1 model is also available but only in the first year after market launch.
Inside, GLB will have a high-quality interior, with off-road design influences reflected in its instrumentation and controls, steering wheel, aluminium-look dashboard, doors and centre console highlights.
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| Left hand version of GLB |
With the BMUX user experience system, its other features include two 7-inch instrument cluster and media displays with touch screen facility, a sports steering wheel with touch control buttons, a USB port and Bluetooth connection for telephone and audio.
Numerous driver assistance systems include camera and radar systems that can scan the road up to 500 metres ahead and drive in semi-automated mode. In certain situations, speed can adjust ahead of bends, junctions or roundabouts aided by map, navigation and distance information data.
GLB models and prices will be announced closer to arrival date.
