The GLB 250 can turn either the front wheels, or all four using a turbo-four of 221 horsepower.
Automotive journalists often talk about an “all new” vehicle. Most of the time it’s a facelift, or a substantial reworking of an existing model. Although the new Mercedes Benz GLB-Class is a completely new machine, it draws heavily from the smaller A Class. While it’s a smaller, entry-level sedan or hatchback, the GLB class offers buyers a classic SUV design on a compact platform. It also has the option of three-row, seven-passenger seating.
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This is a great place to start to talk about the new GLB Class, which is the first compact Mercedes offering to offer such seating. An optional third row provides two-person seating, cup holders between the seats, and USB ports for smartphones or other devices. Mercedes also points out that the GLB’s side-airbags are designed for third-row passengers. There are anchor points available for child seats. We are not aware of headroom or legroom at the rear. However, Mercedes seems to be aiming the 7-seat capacity of the compact SUV at small children.
The new GLB is a five-seater and sounds more adult friendly. The people-movers can carry up to 62 cubic yards of cargo with the rearmost seats folded. With the seats pulled back, second-row passengers can also move the seats forward and back to make the vehicle more accommodating for people. The interior is very similar to that of the A-Class but with more headroom.
The dash features a digital cockpit featuring a 7.0 inch instrument screen and a center touchscreen display of 7.0 inches. This allows for easy access to many standard-issue tech such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Standard equipment includes the MBUX voice control system and a range of driver assistance systems, including active braking, crosswind aid, and rearview cameras. Options include blind spot assistance, navigation, parking help, larger 10.25-inch displays and an upgraded Burmester surround sound system. Heads-up display is also available.
Although the GLB-Class has a more conventional SUV exterior, it isn’t as bulky as some of the earlier camouflaged prototypes. Although there are A-Class bones beneath it all, the wheelbase is more than 5 inches longer than the GLA_Class and 1.7 inches shorter than the GLC_Class. The GLB can turn only the front wheels in its base form. However, most buyers will opt for the optional 4MATIC all wheel-drive system. This package adds an extra drive program to the GLB’s select modes. It conquers the roads less traveled with a 50/50 distribution. The rest of the power is split 70/30 between sport and eco modes.
You won’t be shocked to see the M 260 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder under the bonnet. The GLB-Class produces 221 horsepower (164 Kilowatts) as well as 258 pound-feet (355 Newton-meters of torque), which Mercedes claims is sufficient to propel the SUV to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds with all-wheel drive trim. The eight-speed DCT controls the shifting.
Mercedes-Benz will launch two models at launch – the GLB 250 4MATIC and GLB 250. The GLB’s launch date in the United States will be at the end of 2019, so pricing will be announced closer to that date.