MERCEDES-BENZ GLB: GELENDVAGEN FOR THE PEOPLE

By Lukas Müller On Oct 30, 2022

The choice of compact crossovers today is wider than ever. It seems that there are already all possible options on the market, but this novelty can surprise. The GLB is the largest of the compact and truly versatile vehicles.

The GLB crossover was presented in Shanghai in the spring of 2019. Officially, it was then called a concept car, but in reality it was almost a production car. Sales in Europe began at the end of the year, and the model will arrive at current dealers in late spring 2020. The crossover is built on the MFA2 modular platform, which is distinguished by a transverse engine and basic front-wheel drive. This architecture underpins the new A- and B-class as well as the CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA models. Despite the technical relationship with the most compact crossover GLA, in terms of its dimensions, the GLB almost exactly matches the older GLC model. Selling “more car for less money” is not the Mercedes way. Has the concept changed this time?

Take a closer look at the GLB from different angles, and you will see how it looks like the iconic G-class, also known as the Gelendvagen. Although the GLB does not have sharp edges, round headlights and drainage grooves on the roof, short body overhangs, a high roof, almost vertically standing side windows and a small windshield tilt angle speak of kinship with the progenitor of all off-road Mercedes. However, the general mood of the compact novelty is different: more playful and modern. If the G-Class is a purely niche product, and only the wealthiest drivers can afford the GLS, then the GLB will suit a wider audience.

Today, almost any new car is similar to other models of the same manufacturer, and for a number of brands, the entire model range is the same. Original car design rarely appears, and the more valuable cars with a distinctive appearance. GLB is one of those. Almost smooth sides, a break in the window sill line, a canopy over the vertical tailgate – we have not seen such cars yet. The size of the “small Gelendvagen” allows you to judge the surprise that is hidden in the cabin.

The driving character of the GLB matches the larger and status models of the German manufacturer. Comfort and smoothness combined with excellent handling

SEVEN ON STORE

The GLB has three rows of seats! Miracles do not happen: tall passengers in the gallery have nothing to do. However, there is plenty of space for children and teenagers. The manufacturer reports that the third row is designed for people with a height of up to 168 cm. The gallery has its own cup holders, shelves with USB-C sockets and Isofix child seat mounts. By the way, in total, five child seats can be placed in the car! However, with such a load, the trunk volume tends to zero: there is only room for a thin briefcase. In case of a family trip, you can install a roof rack. If you abandon the third row, the cargo compartment holds as much as 570 liters. It is equipped with a practical system for securing loads and a convenient underfloor where the curtain can be removed. Even more luggage space can be obtained by moving the second row of seats 14 cm forward.

The GLB has three rows of seats! Miracles do not happen: tall passengers in the gallery have nothing to do. However, there is plenty of space for children and teenagers. The gallery has its own cup holders, shelves with USB-C sockets and Isofix child seat mounts

Unusual space for this class and the passengers of the second row. Both in front of the knees and above the head there is a large supply of free space. The basic equipment includes the ability to change the angle of the backrest. However, a flat and hard sofa does not allow talking about a high level of comfort.

The driver's seat in the GLB is almost exactly the same as the new A-Class with comfortable seats and well-adjusted ergonomics. The instrument panel and the screen of the multimedia system merge into one, taking up most of the front panel. The new operating system pleases with beautiful and clear graphics, high-resolution screens and speed. Most commands can be given by voice, artificial intelligence is trained to understand the Russian language well.

QUALITY MARK

Mercedes has been taking GLB sales seriously lately and offers a wide range of engines. Basic versions will be equipped with a 1.3-liter petrol turbo engine. This unit was developed in collaboration with Renault specialists, and in the current market it is known for the Arkana coupe-crossover. The French adjusted its power to a tax-favorable 150 “horses”. The Germans left the European 163 liters. with. and 250 Nm, which will certainly please future GLB owners. The difference in the tax rate even in the capital will be a little more than two thousand a year. Such a motor is paired with a 7-speed robotic transmission (Arkana has a CVT) and exclusively front-wheel drive. If you consider the GLB as a family city car, then the base engine is a reasonable choice. According to the manufacturer, acceleration to hundreds – in 9.1 s.

If you want to go faster, you can look at the GLB 250 4Matic. It is equipped with all-wheel drive. In normal modes, 80% of the power goes to the front axle, and in sport mode, 30% of the torque is transmitted to the rear wheels. The two-liter engine develops 224 hp. with. and paired with an 8-speed “robot” accelerates the crossover to 100 km / h in 6.9 s. This is a very good result, the owner can only not forget about the numerous cameras for fixing violations. There are also diesel options that are suitable for those who want to get four-wheel drive at a lower financial cost. Under the hood of the 200 d and 220 d versions there is a two-liter engine with different boost levels: 150 and 190 hp. with. Compared to gasoline versions, diesel cars are only slightly inferior in dynamics, but they consume noticeably less fuel. The most noticeable disadvantage of heavy fuel engines is their noise; the GLB cabin is perfectly isolated from other sounds. And this is one of the features of the Mercedes corporate identity, which is fully felt in this car.

Many Mercedes owners show exemplary loyalty to the brand, in other words, when changing cars, they go to the showroom of the same brand. The driving character of the GLB matches the larger and status models of the German manufacturer. Comfort and smoothness combined with excellent handling. Even on large wheels (fashionable, but usually less comfortable), the crossover seems to smooth out bumps and pits. The comfortable GLB allows you to drive recklessly, change lanes sharply and take steep turns at high speed. Does not spoil handling and a large 20-centimeter clearance.

THERE IS A CHOICE

If you want to go faster, you can look at the GLB 250 4Matic. It is equipped with all-wheel drive. The two-liter engine develops 224 hp. with. and paired with an 8-speed “robot” accelerates the crossover to 100 km / h in 6.9 s. There are also diesel options that are suitable for those who want to get four-wheel drive at a lower financial cost. Under the hood of the 200 d and 220 d versions there is a two-liter engine with different boost levels: 150 and 190 hp. with.

In European countries, GLB will be supplied from a factory in Mexico. There are no plans to localize the model lately, cars with a longitudinal engine are assembled at a plant in the Moscow region. The most affordable gasoline GLB 200 Comfort is priced at 2,520,000 rubles. All-wheel drive cars with a diesel engine cost from 2,910,000. For the most powerful versions with rich equipment, you will have to pay about 3.5 million, and this is without additional options like electronically controlled shock absorbers or an off-road package.

However, the novelty will also be of interest to today's Mercedes owners. After all, the younger model GLA 200 (163 hp) is more expensive – from 2,790,000 conventional units due to the rich Progressive package. The older model GLC 200 4Matic with a 2 liter engine (197 hp) and all-wheel drive will cost from 3,770,000 conventional units.

Directly comparing the GLB with competitors is up to the buyer who chooses his car. The difficulty is that the new Mercedes is larger than the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, but smaller than the X3 and Q5. This model stands apart in terms of size, style, and the presence of a third row of seats. The GLB is truly versatile, stylish and distinctive. It is designed for the widest audience in all its qualities. Except the price. AG