Facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLB Lands Locally From RM 290,888

This baby Mercedes-Benz 7-seat SUV lands locally in hum-drum GLB 200 and hotter GLB 250 4MATIC guise. 

While it may have first been launched globally over a year ago already, the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLB has nevertheless since finally made it to Malaysia. This updated seven-seater baby Benz SUV arrives over here in two standard guises, with those being the hum-drum GLB 200 and the spicier GLB 250 4MATIC, priced at RM 290,888 and RM 341,888 respectively.

Now as with this being a facelift, this updated GLB naturally nets a slightly spruced up front end aesthetic. New grille designs (four horizontal louvres on the GLB 200, chrome pin inserts on the GLB 250 4MATIC) have given this baby Benz a slightly more pronounced snout than before, with this then joined by a set of full-LED headlights with new daytime running lights (DRLs) graphics and a slightly reworked bumper. 

A revised set of rear light graphics meanwhile make an appearance round its rump, with both variants now further gaining blacked-out exterior trim courtesy of a newly-standard Night Package. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has since added a new Spectral Blue Metallic paint colour to the available hues on offer with this baby seven-seat SUV as well, following on from the recently updated GLA 250. 

The facelifted GLB 200 continues to come with a Progressive Line exterior package, while the GLB 250 4MATIC nets the AMG Line treatment, which adds an AMG front apron with front splitter and AMG rear apron with visible tailpipes. The sportier of the two trims is further differentiated by riding on slightly larger set of 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, instead of the 18-inch items that comes standard on the GLB 200. 

Moving onto changes under the hood, the facelifted GLB250 4MATIC has gained a 48 V belt-driven starter-generator to the outgoing iteration’s 224 hp 2.0-litre M260 turbocharged four-pot and 8-speed wet DCT pairing. Mercedes-Benz is currently touting for this mild-hybrid supply provides an additional 10 kW and 150 Nm of EQ Boost to increase the agility of this compact all-wheel drive SUV, while simultaneously increasing driving comfort and fuel efficiency by enables coasting with the combustion engine switched off.  

As for the GLB 200 on the other hand, this lower spec of baby Benz SUV continues on with its 1.33 litre turbocharged four-cylinder and 7-speed wet-dual clutch transmission setup. Power output on this Renault-sourced power plant remains the same as before at 163 PS, but its torque figure has improved a bit from 250 Nm to 270 Nm with this update. 

Touching on the changes within now, the twin 10.25-inch digital display screens in the GLBs have had its Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) upgraded to the latest NTG7 generation. This thus has brought with it wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, in addition to a more capable Intelligent Voice Assistant and some new display themes. 

These updated GLBs also now sport a new multifunction sports steering wheel (upholstered in leather on the GLB 200 and Nappa leather on the GLB 250 4MATIC), along with additional USB-C port and increased USB charging power. Among the standard cabin kit worth noting on these baby Benz SUVs include an interior ambient lighting system with 64 colours and THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, while its standard safety kit includes Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Parking Package with reverse camera. 

The comfort seats on the GLB 200 are to be upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather, while ARTICO man-made leather / MICROCUT microfibre covers those on the GLB 250 4MATIC. The  lower tier baby Benz SUV also comes with a Star-pattern trim, whereas its all-wheel drive counterpart nets a Star Pattern backlit trim that ‘interacts with the ambient lighting’.

Amanda Zhang, CEO & President, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said of these updated SUVs, “The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the most versatile SUV in our luxury SUV segment. Its iconic design lends the GLB an unmistakable SUV character, showcasing its classic off-road boxy design from its big brother, the G-Class. Its spacious interior can host up to seven individuals, and with a boot capacity of 1,805 liters. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a road trip, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is designed to exceed your expectations, offering connectivity, adjustable seating, and unmatched versatility for every journey.”

The updated Mercedes-Benz GLB at a glance:

*On the road without Insurance. With 10% Sales Tax.