Mercedes-Benz recently introduced its new GLB SUV, which will slot in between the GLA and the GLC.
It makes complete sense, seeing as how one in three Mercedes-Benz cars is now an SUV, and one in four a compact model. A compact SUV like the GLB therefore combines all the success factors of the company’s highest-volume segments.
The GLB will be aimed at adventurous families. It features seven seats and can be ordered with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive.
The load compartment capacity of 560 to 1755 litres (figures for the five-seater) is impressive.
On the inside the instrument panel consists of a single piece, which has optical cut-outs in the driver and front passenger area. The driver faces a widescreen cockpit, with control and display via MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). A new feature is the characteristic off-road tubular element in an aluminium look which rounds off the lower section of the instrument panel and houses the three round centre air vents. These give the dashboard support an impression of robustness, power and a certain fun factor. Below the nozzles is the air conditioning control panel, whose buttons create the impression that they have been milled from a solid aluminium cylinder.
The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, which were completely updated to relaunch the compact model series, include the 200 petrol (120kW/250Nm), 250 petrol (165kW/250Nm) and 200d with 110kW and 320Nm of torque. The range-topping model is equipped with a 220d engine, developing 140kW and 400Nm of torque.
As mentioned earlier, the GLB can be equipped with the permanent all-wheel system 4Matic, with fully-variable torque distribution. This system includes the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the automated dual clutch transmission, and the rear axle differential with an integrated multiplate clutch.
More details on this seven-seat SUV will become available closer to its South African debut.