Why Mercedes-Benz birthed GLB in its compact class

The new GLB which is the eighth entry into Mercedes-Benz’s compact class has debuted in Nigeria to join the A-Class, B-Class, CLA, GLA, A-Class Saloon, CLA Shooting Brake and the long-wheelbase A-Class Saloon.

The new GLB which is the eighth entry into Mercedes-Benz’s compact class has debuted in Nigeria to join the A-Class, B-Class, CLA, GLA, A-Class Saloon, CLA Shooting Brake and the long-wheelbase A-Class Saloon.

It is the newest member in Mercedes-Benz’s passenger car segment with a strong Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) DNA. Auto enthusiasts said the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB was specifically developed for China, where a third row – regardless of how tiny and cramped it is – was considered.

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The exterior design of the GLB comes with great off-road appeal with its front apron with a visual skid plate that emphasises its unmistakable SUV character.

The radiator grille comes with a double louvre finished in chrome inserts and there is the option of a diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome for the AMG line. Another highlight on the front end is the headlamps which come with the multi-beam LED lighting technology.

The side view comes with recognisable feature like a raised roof railing in chrome finish, 17 to 20-inch light alloy wheels, door panels and wheel arches (claddings).

The rear view features two-piece tail lamps with the reflectors relocated to the bumper, a chrome plated loading sill protector and visible tail pipe trim elements that complement the overall design of the vehicle.

The interior of the GLB aptly stands out with several comfort and luxury features. The dashboard wears a technical avant-garde look, with the widescreen cockpit free-standing positioned on the lower part of the dashboard, while the air-conditioning control panel wears an analogue look with buttons in an aluminium finish.

Other standout features include three different seat variants that offer good ergonomics and a high level of comfort, ambient lighting provided exclusively by energy-saving LED and a centre console that comes with a stowage compartment which houses a cup holder, a 12 V socket and an USB port.

The GLB impresses with plenty of space combined with compact dimensions. At 2,829mm the GLB has the longest wheelbase of the current compact-class generation from Mercedes-Benz. The headroom in the first seat row is 1,069mm – an optimum in this segment.

At 967mm, the effective legroom in the rear of the five-seater is at an especially comfortable level.

The GLB is equipped with MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), the system features as standard two 7-inch displays (optionally: 2 x 10.25-inch), a sports steering wheel with touch control buttons on the left and right, a USB port (Type C) and Bluetooth® connection.

The new GLB places its trust in the four-cylinder petrol engine which has been completely updated to relaunch the compact model series. Unlike the previous generation, it is characterised by significantly increased power and torque.

The GLB 200 uses a 1.66-litre M282 petrol engine with an output of 163hp (120kw) and a peak torque of 250mm; while the GLB 250 4MATIC uses a 2.0-litre M260 petrol engine with an output of 224hp (165kw) and a peak torque of 350mm. The GLB 200 and the GLB 250 4MATIC engines are paired with the 7G-DCT and 8G-DCT automatic transmission systems respectively.

The GLB is also equipped with the permanent all-wheel system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution. This sporty all-wheel drive configuration allows the driver to use the dynamic select switch to influence the characteristics of 4MATIC.

The latest driving assist systems from the S-Class are also on board the new GLB. With the improved camera and radar systems, the GLB is able to see up to 500 meters ahead and drive in semi-automated mode in certain situations. This includes the convenient speed adjustment ahead of bends, junctions or roundabouts carried out by Active Distance Assist (DISTRONIC).

The Active Lane Change Assist also features as a new function of the Active Steering Assist in the GLB, as well as the Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC.

Weststar Associates Limited, Authorized General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, through its MD/CEO, Mr. Mirko Plath, said, “The new GLB caters to a growing demographic which we have also identified here in Nigeria. We strongly believe that our customers will embrace this new product as they have with our better-known products.”