Three GLB models will be available at launch, including a 306 hp four wheel drive AMG variant.
As with every automaker chasing the money-making SUV trend nowadays, Mercedes-Benz appears to be making good on its promise to jack up both the ride height and the price of its traditional range. Following on from the ever expanding range of three-pointed star SUVs, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced the arrival of the latest in its GL range, the GLB 7 seat SUV.
Mercedes claims that the design of this new three-row SUV has been inspired with by its boxy-brother, the legendary G-Wagen, and there is some truth in that. That being said though, there is an unmistakable hint that Mercedes also threw in a hodgepodge of design cues from other models in its SUV lineup too.
The front end design may be more angular than the rest of the range, but it still wears a similar face as the rest of the family. Unlike the G-class with its distinct slab fronted look. The same story could be said for the sides and the rear too, with its design more reminiscent to Mercedes’ old GL-class instead of the G-Wagen. And much like the GL-class of old, it seems to be suffering from first-generation Porsche Cayenne syndrome, that is the fate of having a sleek sedan front grafted onto the boxy SUV rear, making it look a tad disjointed to some.
All is not lost however as the boxy rear means that this SUV is at least practical inside. Measuring up at 10 cm longer than the B-class on which part of its name is derived, this new GLB has a cargo capacity of 1,805 litres. A figure that is on par with its rivals.
Two seats in the third row also means that the GLB is a more practical proposition for families than its larger GLC brother, which only seats 5. It has to be said though that those rear seats, like any other three-row compact SUV in this segment, is only good for kids, as both leg and headroom will be at a premium behind for any adult with fully formed appendages.
While on the subject of the interior, the dash design is interesting to say the least. The two conjoined seven inch screens that consist of the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen appear to be perched on top of scalloped portion of the dashboard. To the right of those screens is what Mercedes themselves describe to be an ‘off-road-like aluminium-look tubular element’. The rest of the interior though appears to be far more normal with the usual Mercedes fare with ergonomic controls and a premium feel.
There also seems to be an adequate amount of safety tech for this family-centric SUV. Active Brake Assist not only autonomously brakes the GLB in the event of an impending collision, but also intervenes when it detect that the driver is about to be hit by an oncoming car when turning off at a junction or performing a lane-change. Parking this SUV is also a breeze now thanks to the Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC. Enabling the GLB to virtually park itself into a spot by controlling steering while the driver operates the throttle and the brakes.
Three variants of this three-row SUV are available at launch. Starting at the bottom of the range is the GLB 200 Progressive line that costs RM 269,118.15. Featuring a 1.3 litre turbocharged four cylinder mated to a 7 speed dual clutch transmission and driving only the front wheels, this powertrain combination puts out 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque, thus yielding a century sprint time of 9.1 seconds.
A step above from the GLB 200 lies the RM 318,009.26 GLB 250 4Matic AMG line. Powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder mated to an 8 speed dual clutch transmission, it outputs 224 hp and 350 Nm of torque that goes to all four wheels. Thus being capable of propelling this 7-seat box on wheels to 100 km/h in a respectable 6.9 seconds.
The racing-driver family man however will probably be most interested in the GLB 35 4Matic. With a 2.0 litre turbocharged AMG-tuned four cylinder delivering 306 hp, and an 8 speed AMG Speedshift dual clutch transmission driving all four wheels, this variant is capable of smoking hot hatches off the line thanks to its 0-100 km/h time of just 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h. All this power doesn’t come cheap though as this variant costs RM 363,136.52. Also it is worth noting that this particular variant of the three-row SUV does without the third row. Meaning that the maximum carrying capacity of the GLB35 being limited to only 5 occupants.
With the only rivals in this segment being things like the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Peugeot 5008, the Mercedes GLB is the only truly premium three-row SUV in this segment. So with this in mind, there would be no doubt that these will be a common sight around the international schools of KL in no time. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but that three pointed star up front does seal the deal for most prospective buyers.
PRESS RELEASE: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia completes its extensive premium SUV portfolio as it proudly presents its eight model, the all-new GLB, further underlying its claim as the leading luxury brand in the segment.
“Mercedes-Benz is not only the inventor of the automobile but also the forerunner of the premium SUV segment. The Mercedes-Benz SUVs are synonymous with strength, confidence and power while carrying that hallmark of luxury status and exclusivity. They embody all the traits and quality of our brand while having the capacity to keep up with the speed and agility and constant drive for more that our customers strive for. With the introduction of the new GLB, we offer our customers a new variety that promises all the traits of the brand with practicality,” says Dr. Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
“The GLB is the most versatile SUV in our premium SUV range. Its iconic design lends the GLB an unmistakable SUV character, showcasing its classic off-road boxy design from its big brother, the G-Class. With a boot capacity of up to 1,805 litres and a third seat row, it is the perfect companion for those who desire a life with more possibilities. ” says Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Off-road orientation: the exterior design
The powerful proportions of the GLB underscore the off-road focus of the design: the design emphasises surface, and reduced lines and precise panel gaps. This conveys superior sportiness and modernity.
The upright front section with its striking headlamps is clear evidence of the off-road genes, as are the short overhangs at the front and rear. The front apron with visual skid plate emphasises the unmistakable SUV character. Another key feature of the front-end design is the distinctive air intakes in the front apron that are tailored to the contours of the radiator grille.
On the sides, the GLB is donned with attached panels under the doors and the wheel arches that further underscores the off-road impression and at the same time, protect against stone chips. The muscular and sensuously contoured vehicles shoulder dominated the side view, an effect reinforced by the rising beltline at the height of the C-pillar.
The GLB has a clear rear-end emphasising width with two-piece tail lamps and reflectors relocated to the bumpers. The precise interior design of the tail lamps also ensures a high recognition value at night. The elevated roof rails are made of polished aluminium.
Interior with space for more possibilities
At 2,829 millimetres, the GLB has ten centimetres more wheelbase than, for example, the new B-Class. Together with the function-oriented greenhouse, this is decisive when it comes to the generous amount of space. The headroom in the first seat row is 1,069 millimetres – an optimum in this segment. At 967 millimetres, the effective legroom in the rear of the five-seater is at an especially comfortable level.
The load compartment has a capacity of 570 to 1,805 litres. The backrest angle is adjustable in several stages as standard. The second row can be moved fore and aft. This enables the boot to be enlarged up to 190 litres and put to versatile use.
The GLB is the first compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz to offer a third seat row on request with two additional individual seats. The seats offer people up to a height of 1.68 metres a comfortable amount of space. The extensive safety equipment includes extendible head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all outer seats, a side window airbag which also protects the passengers in the third seat row plus ISOFIX and TOP-Tether anchorages for suitable child seats. These can be used to fasten up to four child seats in seat rows two and three.
Comfort details in the third row include 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 in order to extend the load compartment.
High-quality aluminium detailed interior
On the inside, the instrument panel consists of a single solid, which has a cut-out in the driver and front passenger area. The driver faces a Widescreen Cockpit, with control and display via Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). A new feature is the off-road-like aluminium-look tubular element in the dashboard on the front passenger side. Below the round air vents, next to it are the air conditioning controls. The buttons of the air conditioning controls create the impression of having been milled out of an aluminium cylinder.
The robust character of the interior continues in the centre console. Tubular elements in said milled look provide a solid support for the components and controls here as well.
Next-level technology and driving assistance systems
The GLB is equipped with MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), which has revolutionised the way a car is operated. The system features as standard two 7-inch displays for the instrument cluster and media display with touchscreen, sports steering wheel with Touch Control buttons on the left and right, USB port (Type C), Bluetooth® connection for telephony and audio sources. The latest generation of the Mercedes me connect is also a feature that comes as standard in the GLB.
The new GLB is enhanced with Active Braking Assist includes the turning-off function, which comes into play when the driver intends to turn off across the oncoming lane: if there is a risk of collision with oncoming traffic when starting off, the GLB can brake autonomously. Braking intervention takes place when the driver activates the turn signal indicator signalling an intention to turn off, and the vehicle can be braked to a standstill before passing over the lane marking. If not, no braking takes place, so as to enable the GLB to leave the opposite lane swiftly. Oncoming vehicles are detected via an intelligent fusion of radar and camera signals.
Other safety features include Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, a driver-assistive technology that helps the driver with parking. It uses an array of advanced sensors in the bumper to determine if the vehicle is able to fit into a certain parking spot. It will then steer the vehicle into the space while the driver controls the brakes and gear selection.
The new GLB places its trust in the four-cylinder engines which are completely modernised for the new edition of the compact SUV series. In comparison to the previous generations of compact model series, the GLB engines are characterised by significantly increased specific outputs and by improved efficiency and emissions.
The GLB is available in three engine variants: GLB 200 Progressive Line, GLB 250 4MATIC AMG Line and a variant from its performance division, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC.
GLB 200 Progressive Line
Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 Progressive Line is powered by the 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine combined with the 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic transmission. It develops 120 kW (163 hp) and a maximum torque of 250 Nm, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.1 seconds.
GLB 250 4MATIC AMG Line
Powering the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC AMG Line is the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with the 8G-DCT 8-speed automatic transmission. It rates at 165 kW (224 hp) and produces a maximum torque of 350 Nm, accelerating the car from 0-100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 AMG Line is equipped with the permanent all-wheel system 4MATIC with fully variable torque distribution.
The AMG Line reinforces the vehicle’s attractive sporty appearance both on the exterior and in the interior. The AMG bodystyling and the diamond radiator grille with single louvre, in particular, are exclusive features. The sports seats promise optimum seating comfort behind the sports steering wheel in fine nappa leather with flattened bottom section.
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC
The turbocharged AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 225 kW (306 hp) and guarantees impressive driving enjoyment in combination with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 8G-DCT 8-speed automatic transmission and variable AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It is capable of an acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds.
Possi-B-ilities Financing with Mercedes-Benz Financial
The most versatile SUV paired with Possi-B-ilities Financing. Enjoy the strong and distinctive presence of your Mercedes-Benz GLB while we ensure you are being taken care of with unrivalled benefits such as lower monthly instalment, flexible end of agreement options, MobilityPlus programme and most importantly, we guarantee the future value of your car no matter what happens.
Perfectly tailored for individual who seeks value, unrivalled benefits and peace of mind at the wheel, the Possi-B-ilities Financing starts from RM2,688 per month and for a limited time only. For more details call 1-800-88-1133 or speak to a Finance and Insurance Executive at your nearest Mercedes-Benz Autohaus.
