The all-new 2019 Mercedes GLB family SUV is on sale now, with the first customer deliveries expected this December.
Announced in June, the standard five-seat Mercedes GLB will sit between the Mercedes GLA and Mercedes GLC, the GLB will be a more practical SUV with the option of seven seats.
Like the regular B-Class, the GLB is based on the A-Class platform and measures in at 4.63m, which provides enough space inside for a third row of seats if required. According to Mercedes, the rear seats can comfortably accommodate passengers up to 5’6” tall.
Thanks to a longer wheelbase (the distance between front and rear wheels) than the A-Class, the GLB is only 22mm shorter than the GLC - and is actually slightly taller. The space for seven seats means the GLB is boxier than its siblings. In fact, it more closely resembles a baby Mercedes G-Class or GLS.
The choice of engines is broadly similar to the A-Class hatchback, only without the option of the entry-level 1.3-litre petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engines. Apart from the GLB 200 petrol engine, all are 2.0-litres in size and offer 148hp or 187hp. In time, we expect a more powerful Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 model to join the line-up, offering just over 300hp.
The GLB 200 petrol gets from 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds and returns up to 47.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 138g/km. If diesel is a better lifestyle fit, the GLB 200d is available with front- or four-wheel drive, getting from 0-62mph in around nine seconds and returning 56.5mpg. The range-topping GLB 220d 4Matic with 187hp gets from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and returns up to 51.4mpg with emissions of 146g/km.
The GLB won’t be available with a six-cylinder engine or the option of air suspension. All models come with an automatic gearbox; the range-entry petrol has a seven-speed automatic gearbox, while all other versions come with an eight-speed dual-clutch auto. 4Matic all-wheel drive is available on the GLB 200d and is standard on the 220d.
The cabin of the GLB shares much from the A-Class parts bin, along with a uniquely shaped dashboard. The twin widescreen digital dial and infotainment screens are lifted straight from the A-Class and feature Mercedes’ excellent MBUX infotainment system, complete with the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported and up to three USB-C ports are offered in the front.
Trim levels start with Sport, getting 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control and Artico faux leather upholstery. AMG Line trims add 19-inch wheels, a sportier looking AMG body kit, privacy glass and a combination of Artico and microfibre upholstery.
Five-seat GLB models will have a 560-litre boot, which is 55 litres more than the boot of a BMW X1. Fold the rear seats down and a whopping 1,755 litres of space – 200 litres more than the X1 – becomes available. However, with all seats up in a seven-seat model, there’s just 130 litres of boot space, which is only enough room for two or three soft bags.GLB
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