THE new Mercedes-Benz GLB compact SUV is set to change the shape of the premium SUV market in Australia, with its powerful proportions, off-road-oriented design and remarkable capacity to carry up to seven occupants.
Already widely praised in Europe, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is keenly anticipated by Australian customers eager to experience the clever packaging that allows for three rows of seating within the dimensions of a compact SUV.
It’s all packaged together with a compelling suite of technology, safety and comfort inclusions, plus a choice of engine and equipment specifications.
The GLB is the first compact vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to offer a third row, with two additional individual seats offering a comfortable position for passengers up to 1.68 metres tall.
These seats are also fitted with extensive safety equipment including retractable head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners, a side window airbag, plus ISOFIX and top-tether anchorages for suitable child seats.
Passengers in the third row are also served by two drinks holders between the seats, as well as two outboard stowage compartments, each fitted with a USB port. When lowered, the two seats sit flush with the load compartment floor to maximise cargo capacity.
Further flexibility is added to the loading area by second-row seats that can be moved fore and aft by 140 millimetres, and a seat-back that splits 40:20:40. A multi-stage backrest ensures second-row passengers experience optimal comfort as well.
Muscular, purposeful design, and powerful proportions underscore the design of the GLB. Reduced lines and precise seams are a feature, while the upright front section with striking headlights is clear evidence of its off-road genes.
External quality finishes carry through to the interior, with the widescreen cockpit featuring the benchmark MBUX multimedia system, which frames the driver and front passenger area.
Luxurious comfort seats provide solid support, and the SUV character is further underlined by horizontal grab handles sculptured as a milled aluminium tube.
The GLB will come with a number of specification and engine options, including the GLB 200, powered by a 1.3-litre, direct injection turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, sending 120kW and 250Nm via a 7G-DCT 7-speed auto transmission to the front wheels.
The 200 features side-by-side 10.25 inch digital screens, key-less entry and start, an electric tailgate, comfort seats in artico upholstery, thermotronic automatic cruise control, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Wireless phone charging also features, as does advanced satellite navigation, third row seats, illuminated door sills, a leather multi-function steering wheel with shift buttons, reversing camera, comfort suspension, and rain-sensing wipers.
It rides on 19-inch multi spoke alloy wheels and has aluminium roof rails. Standard safety features include active parking assist, adaptive high beam assist, blind spot assist, traffic sign assist, and active lane keep assist.
It also grabs active brake assist with semi-autonomous braking, and nine airbags. All models in the GLB range can be registered with Mercedes me Connect, the app that can control numerous vehicle functions and features from a compatible smartphone.
The GLB 250 4MATIC utilises a powerful 2.0-litre, directed-injected and turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 165kW and 350Nm via an 8G-DCT eight-speed auto, sending power where it’s needed via the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
In addition to the comprehensive specification of the GLB 200 model, the GLB 250 4MATIC adds a panoramic sunroof, electric and heated front seats with memory function, adjustable damping suspension, and a sports direct-steer system.
The 250 also rides on 19-inch wheels with a 5 x twin spoke design, and has an OFF-ROAD engineering package, that includes downhill speed regulation and an additional driving mode to adapt the power delivery of the engine and ABS intervention for off-roading.
An animation of the driving situation can be called up on the media display to assist in this process. All 4MATIC models are also equipped with an off-road light function making it easier to see obstacles in rough terrain in the dark.
At the top of the range sits the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC, powered by an AMG-tuned 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine outputting 225kW and 400Nm in conjunction with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT eight-speed auto via 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
An extensive suite of AMG performance focused features includes an AMG exhaust system (with silent start), an AMG high performance braking system, AMG speed sensitive power steering, and AMG ride control sports suspension with electronically controlled damping.
Other exclusive features include an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, fitted with an AMG drive mode controller. Comfort sports seats in Lugano leather, and the Energizing Comfort Control feature that can set the in-cabin mood.
AMG pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, a carbon structure interior trim, AMG specific bodywork, and AMG Night Package exterior trim features are all included, as is dark tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar to the rear, and black roof rails.
The pinnacle model, which is priced at $88,900 plus on-road costs, rides on 20-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels. It will arrive in Australia later in the year. The Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 and the GLB 250 4MATIC are available to order now.
First deliveries of the two lower models will commence later this month. The GLB 200 is priced at $59,900 plus on-roads, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC is priced at $73,900, again, plus on-roads.
