Mercedes-Benz has added further choice to their compact SUV model offering with the arrival here of their new GLB, the first Mercedes-Benz in its class to offer a 7-seat option, writes Trish Whelan.
It comes with a distinctive exterior design with a strong frontal appearance, striking headlamps, railed roofline, short front and back overhangs. An option is 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a special off-road light which helps the driver to detect obstacles at low speeds.
Fully retractable, the two extra seats provide comfortable seating for passengers up to a height of 1.68m. The second row seats also split 40.20.40.
Mercedes-Benz sales manager, Ciaran Allen, says the new GLB ‘redefines the definition of a compact car’ with its ‘exceptional levels of spaciousness with plenty of room in all dimensions’. At 2,829mm, it has the longest wheelbase of the company’s current compact generation. Rear legroom in the five-seat version is 967mm.
The interior comes with high quality materials and high end technology including the brand’s MBUX user experience and ‘Hey Mercedes’ command system; two 7-inch instrument cluster and media displays, a sports steering wheel with touch control. Includes 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 help when driving off-road and on rough terrain, optional lighting and adaptive main beam features can be introduced.
The new GLB is available in two design and equipment lines - Progressive and AMG. A special order Edition 1 model with exclusive boldly coloured bodywork will come later.
Power is from updated 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all with increased power, improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Petrol models - all with 7G/8G automatic transmission - are: 200 (1332cc/Nm 250 torque), 250 (1991 cc/Nm 350) and 35 4MATIC AMG (1991cc/Nm 400).
Diesels - all 1950cc with 8G automatic transmission - are 180d, 220d and 200d 4MATIC, and 220d 4MATIC, each certified to Euro 6d.
The brand here expect the Progressive 180 Automatic priced from €42,350 and the Progressive 180d Automatic from €43,190 to be the main focus for Irish customers.
Every third vehicle from Mercedes-Benz is now an SUV and every fourth a compact car.
