The demand for SUVs is one that’s taking the world by storm and Mercedes-Benz has produced the GLB to fill the the compact SUV segment. The GLB is the first is the first Mercedes-Benz in the compact segment that is optionally available as a seven-seater, and is powered by completely updated four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
The GLB has short overhangs and off-road-oriented design. It comes standard with LED headlights, as well as 4MATIC all-wheel drive in the GLB 220d. The doors reach over the sidebar, improving ease of access, and keep the door apertures free of soiling as well as increasing protection in a side impact. The rugged-looking design of the GLB is topped off by stylized skid plate at the front and rear. “Its iconic exterior and trendy interior lends the Mercedes-Benz GLB an unmistakable SUV character. The GLB will allow Mercedes-Benz to speak to a new audience,” says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.
The GLB features Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system with the classic voice activated “Hey Mercedes”. Inside is also space galore, the third row seat configuration includes two drinks holders between the seats as well as two stowage compartments with rubberised insert on the left and right in the load compartment trim, each housing a USB port. The seats can be lowered so that they are flush with the load compartment floor to extend the load compartment.
The South African market will be able to choose from the GLB 250 and the GLB 220 d 4MATIC at launch. The GLB 250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 165 kW and 350 Nm of torque with power being sent to the front wheels via an 8G-DCT transmission. The GLB 220d on the other hands is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque with power sent to all four wheels via an 8G-DCT transmission. The Off-Road Engineering Package is standard on the GLB 220d 4M and includes an additional drive mode that adapts the power delivery of the engine for off-road driving in easy terrain.
When it comes to safety features the GLB borrows some tech from the new flagship S-Class with improved camera and radar systems that allow the GLB to see up to 500 metres ahead and drive in semi-automated mode in certain situations.
Pricing
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 R831 000
Mercedes-Benz GLB 220 d 4MATIC R841 000
Images: Mercedes-Benz SA
