Thabiso Malimela
Ever had difficulty choosing between the Mercedes GLA and GLC? Well, Mercedes-Benz’s new boxy compact SUV might be a mediator for your problem. Mercedes-Benz reveals the all-new GLB SUV and here are the top five things you need to know about it.
1) SEVEN SEATER
The new GLB is available with an optional third row of seats, although space is a bit insufficient for full sized adults, it’s the thought that counts.
2) MIDPOINT BETWEEN GLA AND GLC
The GLB borrows considerably from the A-Class, but there’s no ignoring the fact that its wheelbase is 127 mm longer than the GLA and 43 mm shorter than the GLC SUV, while also being taller than its larger SUV stablemate.
3) IT INHERITS MERCEDES’ MAGICAL INTERIOR
Inside the GLB SUV, you’ll find the much praised MBUX infotainment system with the “Hey Mercedes” Apple Siri-esque voice assistant. Along with this system features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a digital instrument display of the same size. Of course, just like in the A-Class of which is lends the system, both screens can be augmented to 10.25-inch.
4) OFF-ROAD DRIVING MODE
Being an SUV, some variants of the new GLB also feature the 4MATIC all-wheel drive drivetrain with an Off-Road Engineering Package. This off-road driving mode splits the engine torque equally between the front and rear axles (50/50 torque distribution), hill descent and a low speed cruise control.
5) ENGINES
Across the range of the new GLB SUV, expect choices of petrol and diesel engines. Initially, the GLB is available in four flavours – two petrols and two diesels (although this might differ with the South African launch). The entry level GLB 200 receives a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo with a 7-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive. The GLB 250 also receives this 2.0 litre engine, however it is mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission and an optional all-wheel drive system. For team diesel, there is the GLB 200d and the GLB 220d model, which is arrives, as standard, with the aforementioned 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Expect pricing to be announced towards the end of the year and also, don’t be quick to write-off possibilities of an AMG GLB 35 or even the full fat 45!
