Mercedes GLB

The SUV market continues to grow and grow. Today buyers have changed their purchasing policy so much that the most classic segments are disappearing. The arrival of models like the Mercedes GLB has caused that the days of minivans are numbered. A crossover with the look of an SUV, but with the characteristic modularity and space of a large family car.

Oddly enough, there is room for him. Although his measurements place him very close to his older brother the Mercedes GLC, the reality is that you don't want to target the same potential buyer. While the GLC goes for a more classic approach, the Mercedes GLB is committed to a more familiar and versatile buyer.

The GLB has two or three rows of passengers. That's between five and seven passengers maximum. But it is not only about how many occupants it can include, but about the modularity that those three rows of seats present. The second of its lines of seats can be folded, unfolded and even longitudinally adjusted. In this way we can adapt the interior of the car to the needs that may arise. In the purest style of Mercedes B-Class, although with greater capacity.

Technical characteristics of the Mercedes GLB

Although the GLB has a lot to do with the GLC, at least as far as measures are concerned, the reality is that uses the MFA-2 platform. This structure is used by the smallest models of the house, such as the Mercedes A-Class or Mercedes GLA. Since it is a scalable structure, in the case of the GLB it has been stretched to give it a longer wheelbase, which translates into better interior habitability. 

The total measurements of the Mercedes-Benz GLB are: 4,63 meters long, 1,83 meters wide and 1,66 meters high, this last variable in four millimeters depending on whether the model is five or seven seats. To these dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,83 meters. An excellent wheelbase, 10 centimeters more than a Class B, which allows it to offer great interior roominess.

And that is clearly noticeable in the load capacity. As the rear seat is longitudinally movable, the trunk can vary its minimum capacity between 500 and 570 liters depending on the number of seats. If more volume is needed, the second row can always be folded down in its 40:20:40 ratio, reaching a maximum of 1.805 liters. With three rows of seats, the trunk is almost completely eliminated.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mercedes GLB

As we have already said, the Mercedes GLB makes use of the same platform as the A-Class family. That means that it uses an offer that is made up entirely of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Four petrol and two diesel versions. All of them send power to the front axle, with the exception of those units that can transfer power to all four wheels through a 4MATIC system.

Diesel versions offer a single engine with two power levels. At the bottom we find OGL 200 d. Develops 150 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. Above is the GLB 220 d 4MATIC that raises performance to 190 horsepower with 400 Nm of torque. Both units come standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox called 8G-DCT.

The branch of gasoline engines is more varied. As a novelty from 2023, all the units have an MHEV system with an ECO label. The access version, the GLA 180 develops a maximum of 136 horses. It is followed by the GLA 200 with 163 hp and the GLA 250 4MATIC with 224 hp. From there we reach the top of the range that is signed by the denomination AMG GLB 35 4MATIC with 306 hp. All units arrive with automatic gear change, seven-speed for access versions and eight for the most powerful.

Equipment of the Mercedes GLB

As usual in Mercedes, the equipment offer is very open and customizable, improved from 2023. As such, it does not have a scheme of finishing or equipment lines. On the one hand, we have aesthetic lines for the exterior: AMG Line and Progressive. This will allow us to give the Mercedes GLB a more traditional style or a more sporty one thanks to the personalized elements of the AMG package.

When it comes to jumping inside, we can also adapt a large number of elements to our liking. Not so much in terms of customization, which will be limited to upholstery and moldings, but as far as the number of gadgets is concerned. In this section the GLB is quite a wonder, and is capable of showing off an impressive list of elements that make life on board more comfortable and safe. As usual in Mercedes we have cutting-edge technology that will not leave anyone indifferent.

The list of equipment for the interior is practically endless. Mercedes includes some components in packages to reduce costs and make setup easier. If we look closely we can see instruments such as the panoramic sunroof, electric and heated seats, professional COMAND system, digital instrument panel, Head-Up Display, and of course a large number of active and passive safety elements on board. And that is only a small part.

Video test of the Mercedes GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB according to Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP is the European body that checks the safety of all cars that go on sale. Before being launched on the market, engineers and experts subject each car to harsh crash tests in order to find out its resistance. The Mercedes GLB has obtained the highest possible score. Five stars out of five possible. This makes it one of the safest models in its category. It is especially good at protecting adult and child occupants, achieving a rating of 92 and 88 out of 100, respectively. These ratings do not change after the 2023 update.

The Mercedes GLB of Km 0 and second hand

Despite its young age, the GLB has caught on with European drivers for its balanced commitment between interior space and versatility. As usual in all Mercedes products, depreciation is low given the renowned reputation for durability and behavior. The Mercedes GLB continues that tradition, showing a devaluation of 27%, a standard data within the category.

If we look in the secondary channels we see how there is a good range of options for sale. The most numerous are found in the used and second-hand market where it is possible to buy a GLB for a minimum price of 35.000 euros For 2020 models with more than 120.000 kilometers. The Km 0 offer is much more limited. In this case, the price list starts at around 47.000 euros.

Rivals of the Mercedes GLB

Mercedes has seen a market that none of its premium class rivals have been able to see. Currently neither Audi ni BMW offer an SUV of this size with capacity for seven passengers. For that reason we have to take a look outside that category. Scanning the market we see that by size its most direct rivals are the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq. All three are between 4,65 and 4,7 meters. And all three have as an option a trunk capable of holding two additional seats. Of course, the price difference between the Mercedes and its direct rivals is significant.

Highlight

• Modularity
• Interior space
• Equipment

To improve

• Price
• Access to the third row
• access equipment

Mercedes GLB prices

When talking about prices, it is necessary to take into account the premium character of Mercedes. The starting price of the Mercedes GLB is 48.243 euros, without offers or promotions. This value corresponds to a GLB 200 model with 163 horsepower, front-wheel drive, automatic gearbox and basic equipment. On the opposite side of the price table is the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC with a starting price of 72.439 euros. At an intermediate point we have the diesel units, the cheapest of all being the GLB 200 d with a minimum price of 48.993 euros.

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