Mercedes-Benz GLB
This is the Mercedes-Benz GLB, and it’s the German manufacturers latest SUV. It ditches the dramatic swoopy coupe roof and boasts good old-fashioned SUV lines, almost like a mini Mercedes-Benz GLS. It’s also available with optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a third row of seats to accommodate 7 passengers. Here’s all you need to know about the new GLB, expected to arrive in South Africa from Q2 2020.
"There is a growing interest for SUV’s, while Compact Cars are also seeing an increase in sales. So a compact SUV such as the GLB blends all the success factors of our two segments", says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. "The GLB also boasts some special features which we have not previously offered our customers in this segment, for example seven seats."
As its name suggests, the GLB is closely related to the B-Class in terms of dimensions. The wheelbase measures in at 10-cm more than the B-Class, translating into a compact shape with ample room. The boot capacity sits at 570-litres with the rear seats up and 1805-litres with the seats folded. In addition to this, the rear seats can slide backwards and forwards increasing the capacity by up to 190-litres.
There will be two models available at launch; the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 and 220d 4MATIC. The GLB 250 is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing 165kW of power and 350Nm of torque. Its diesel sibling, the GLB 220d, is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140kW of power and 400Nm of torque. There’s a clear choice between performance and efficiency between the two models, with the high-performance petrol model offering a 0-100km/h acceleration of 6.9-seconds and a top speed of 236km/h and the diesel model offering the most torque and a claimed combined fuel-economy cycle of 5.4-litres/100km.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Celebrates 140 Years with an Epic Glob and the Mercedes-Benz Gla.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 starts from around R695,000, while the GLB 220d 4MATIC with diesel power kicks off at approximately R745,000 in South Africa.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB worth buying?
The GLB is worth buying if you need a compact luxury SUV with seven seats and genuine Mercedes quality, but it's pricey for what you get compared to rivals like the BMW X1 or Audi Q3.
Q: How many seats does the Mercedes-Benz GLB have?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB offers seating for up to seven passengers with its optional third row, making it one of the few compact SUVs in this segment to offer proper family hauling capability.
Q: What's the fuel consumption of the GLB 220d?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d 4MATIC delivers a claimed fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, making it the more efficient choice between the two engine options.
Q: Does the Mercedes-Benz GLB come with all-wheel drive?
The GLB 220d comes standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, while the GLB 250 petrol model is available with optional 4MATIC for those who need extra traction in tricky conditions.
Should You Buy It?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB is a solid choice if you're after a premium compact SUV with genuine seven-seat capability, but at R695,000 to R745,000, it's not exactly a bargain. The GLB 220d 4MATIC makes the most sense with its 400Nm of torque, decent 5.4L/100km fuel economy, and standard all-wheel drive, even though it costs R50,000 more than the petrol model. For families needing those extra seats and wanting the three-pointed star badge, the GLB delivers proper Mercedes quality and practicality. However, if you can live with five seats, the BMW X1 or Audi Q3 offer similar luxury for less money. Buy the GLB if seven seats and Mercedes prestige matter more than value for money.
