All Aboard
All-new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB is a practical seven-seat compact SUV
Article Jeff Zurschmeide
Images Daimler Global Media
Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled the all-new GLB compact SUV to automotive journalists. The preview event did not include the chance to drive the GLB, but we were able to sit in it and compare it side by side with the rest of the Mercedes SUV lineup.
Seating for seven
The boxy GLB joins the coupe-styled GLA in Mercedes’s compact class, but it measures eight inches longer overall, with about six inches more wheelbase than the GLA. These differences are necessary to accommodate the optional third-row seating that makes the GLB truly special. Only the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mitsubishi Outlander currently offer three-row seating for seven passengers in a compact-crossover SUV platform. This feature makes the GLB unique in the compact luxury SUV segment.
The GLB’s squared exterior styling recalls the larger GLS model, with just a hint of G-Wagen DNA. There’s no doubt this is a Mercedes-Benz; fans of the late and lamented GLK will find much to admire in the new SUV. Mercedes has given the GLB a capable stance on large trendy wheels and an upright aspect to the cabin. The package offers easy access and exit with a ride height that provides excellent visibility while remaining suitable for shorter drivers.
The front seats are as comfortable and spacious as you’d expect from any Mercedes SUV, and 6-foot adults will fit easily in the second row; these seats slide fore and aft up to 5.5 inches and also recline a bit, helping keep everyone comfortable. The third-row seats will be tight for American adults, but nearly ideal for kids and teens. Both back rows include a drink holder, a personal storage bin, and a USB port.
Confident performance
Full U.S. specs have not been released, but the GLB250 4Matic is expected to include a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated up to 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Together with an 8-speed twin-clutch transmission, this driveline should take the GLB from 0-60 in about 6.9 seconds. We may also see a front-wheel-drive GLB200 with a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine rated at 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
The 4Matic system included with the GLB uses a default Eco/Comfort mode with 80 percent of power delivered to the front wheels, and a Sport mode with 70 percent of power directed forward. Finally, an Off-Road mode locks the center differential to enforce a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels. An optional Off-Road Engineering Package will be available.
This extra tech for the frequent off-road driver provides an animated display of the current driving situation including gradient, inclination angles, and other technical information. The system also includes hill start assist and downhill speed-regulation functions. Finally, the package includes LED corner lighting to provide wide and bright light distribution to the sides of the GLB when driving off-road.
All the tech
The GLB offers access to every current Mercedes-Benz technology feature. This includes the full Distronic advanced autonomous driver-assistance system from the S-class. Distronic uses the GPS navigation system to automatically adapt speed as the GLB approaches a corner, crossroad, or a roundabout. Distronic active-steering assistance guides the GLB around curves and helps with lane changes. An adaptive suspension is also available, with driver-controlled comfort and sport settings.
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment and navigation system is available, providing a heads-up display, large screen-based interface, and advanced navigation visualization. This system displays a camera view of the road ahead on the center screen, with floating tags to clearly identify upcoming streets and navigation instructions. Voice and gesture controls put all functions at your service.
Additionally, the system provides internet access through the now familiar, “Hey Mercedes” voice control. If you haven’t tried this function, it works like Siri or Alexa.
Finally, Mercedes-Benz has made the complete Energizing Comfort Control system available in the GLB. This package provides several types of warming and massage to front-seat passengers, plus programmed music and mood lighting to relieve stress. If you pair the GLB with your Mercedes Vivoactive 3 smartwatch or your compatible Garmin fitness tracker, the system will recommend programs designed to improve your sleep and reduce stress levels.
Available Soon
The GLB is expected to go on sale as a 2020 model before the end of 2019. It is likely that the top-trim 4Matic model will arrive first, followed shortly by the front-wheel-drive model. Mercedes has not yet released any pricing information on the GLB, so stay in touch with your dealer for specifics.
Captions
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a versatile 7-seat SUV with powerful proportions and short overhangs that offers 4Matic all-wheel drive and an optional Off-Road Engineering Package.
Mercedes-Benz offers a complete range of safety, luxury, handling and driver-assistance technology packages on the multi-talented 2020 GLB, with its spacious, flexible interior.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 4Matic
The interior space belies the compact exterior dimensions.
SPECIFICATIONS
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 4Matic
BODY STYLE: 7-passenger, four-door-plus hatchback
ENGINE: 1991cc turbocharged 4-cylinder
HORSEPOWER: 221 at 5,500 rpm
TORQUE: 258 pound-feet at 1,800-4,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed twin-clutch automatic
WHEELBASE: 111.4 inches
CARGO CAPACITY: 20 cu. ft. behind third row, 62 cu. ft. behind first row
PERFORMANCE: Zero-60 in 6.9 sec (est)
TOP SPEED: 130 mph (electronically limited)