The 2023 Mercedes Benz GLB is the newest member of the German brand’s SUV lineup. It is the luxury automaker’s first 7-seater compact sports utility vehicle that was recently introduced as their entry into the highly competitive segment. Through its wideness, generous interior space, shorter wheelbase, and complete technological features, the GLB has been dubbed as the “most versatile compact SUV” in its class. Powered by a 1.3-liter Turbocharged gasoline engine with a dynamic select system, the model can easily be brought from the city’s busiest streets to the speed up at open highways. Offered locally is the Mercedes Benz GLB 200 AMG Line variant that is equipped with the latest MBUX system hooked to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Launch
The Mercedes Benz GLB was officially launched to the Philippines on August 2020. Auto Nation Group, Inc. brought in one variant of the latest model which is the Benz GLB 200 AMG Line.
Exterior
The newest Mercedes-Benz SUV comes in a boxy exterior with a flatter front fascia that emphasizes the vehicle’s width. Its overall wheelbase however, is shorter than most SUV’s in the market, which makes it compact enough to be brought around the city. Generally, the GLB follows the German brand’s design philosophy of clean lines, prominent shape, and premium details that embody sporty elegance.
Up front is the signature Mercedes-Benz grille flanked with LED headlights and adaptive brake lights. It sports front and rear bumpers, polished aluminum roof rails, and side skirts that add to the athletic stance of the luxury SUV. Completing the look are 19-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels that come as standard.
Interior
The Mercedes Benz GLB’s cabin poses a similar layout and aesthetic with the A-Class hatchback. Inside is a sleek, clean, and minimalist cabin is decked in premium materials that exude sheer luxury. Its primary difference is that the SUV comes with more space and three rows of seats.
The SUV boasts of the German brand’s attention to details in its interior with chrome trims, LED ambient lighting, ARTICO synthetic leather upholstery, and a power adjustable driver’s seat.
Technology & Safety Features
The GLB is equipped with two 7-inch display screens. One is for the gauge cluster while the central touchscreen is the main entertainment display. The infotainment system is connected to the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) which provides driver-oriented services, much like an in-car personal assistant. It can be activated through the touch screen, voice command, steering wheel controls, or through the touchpad on the center console. The system provides the driver with easy access to the SUV’s safety features. Conveniently, it can also be connected to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to access smartphones.
Among the slew of safesty features furnished in the Mercedes Benz GLB are the automatic Active Brake Assist, hill start assist, reverse camera, and an active parking assist package. The latter comes with a self-parking feature and cameras that can be activated through the main touch screen display.
Platform & Chassis
The 7-seater, 5-door SUV’s suspension comes in the form of Independent McPherson strut in front and independent multi-link at the rear. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around as standard.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powering the Mercedes Benz GLB is a 1.3-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine that can produce 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission with standard cruise control, sending power to the front wheels.
Adding to the drive experience is a Dynamic Select system that allows the driver to switch from one drive mode to another. It adjusts the engine, transmission, chassis, and steering settings based on the road conditions, by choosing any one of the three modes which are Comfort, Eco, or Sport.