Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today unveiled the latest addition to its compact vehicle range, the GLB seven-seater SUV, through a digital live premiere on its social media channels.
Available in two variants – GLB 200, GLB 250- alongside the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic, prices for the compact SUV starts at RM269,118.15 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions effective until the end of the 2020.
EXTERIOR
Taking inspiration from the brand’s G-Class, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is designed with significant off-road focus styling cues. These include its upright bodystyle compared to its other siblings such as the GLC, visible skid plates on the front apron, as well as chunky body cladding on the sides.
The GLB 200 is equipped with the Progressive Line exterior package, while the GLB 250 4Matic gets a sportier AMG Line exterior kit, which includes the larger 19-inch AMG Line wheels, as opposed to the 18-inch five-spoke design on the GLB 200.
Further differences between the two variants include the front grille – AMG Line gets a single-louvre design with diamond studs grille design, while the Progressive Line is equipped with a double-louvre front grille design with a simpler mesh backdrop.
The AMG Line on the GLB 250 4Matic also comes with the sportier front and rear bumpers in line with other Mercedes-Benz models, the latter dressed with mesh pattern and more pronounced diffusers. Otherwise, exterior highlights standard on both variants include the High-performance LED headlights, LED taillights, and a raised aluminium roof rails.
PERFORMANCE
The standard Mercedes-Benz GLB range will be offered with two different petrol powertrains under its hood. Starting at the lowest end is the 1.33-litre turbocharged inline-four engine for the GLB 200. Meanwhile, the GLB 250 4Matic gets access to a two-litre turbocharged inline-four mill.
| Model | GLB 200 | GLB 250 4Matic |
| Engine | M282 1.33-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol | M260 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission | 7G DCT 7-speed dual-clutch | 8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | Front engine, front-wheel driven | Front-engine, 4Matic all-wheel drive |
| Max horsepower | 163 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 224 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Max torque | 250 Nm @ 1,620 – 4,000 rpm | 350 Nm @ 1,800 – 4,000 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 9.1 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 207 km/h | 236 km/h |
The main difference between the two, aside from the higher engine output, is the addition of 4Matic all-wheel drive on the GLB250. The permanent all-wheel drive system with a fully-variable torque split between the front and rear axles should help with surefootedness during slippery situations during rain, and with the Off-Road Engineering package which comes as standard, the GLB 250 should even perform sufficiently in off-road conditions.
INTERIOR
The interior of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB is not unlike all other modern Mercedes-Benz models, highlighted by the twin widescreen cockpit display. Aside from the sports seats wrapped in leather and Dinamica microfibre fabric, and the Nappa leather flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, both variants are identical on the inside, with the following highlights:
- Twin 10.25-inch displays with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Mercedes me telematics and connected services
- Dual-zone climate control with rear vents
- Burmester sound system
- Tubular design elements on dashboard and door handles for extra off-road touch
The most significant feature of the Mercedes-Benz GLB is the addition of the third-row seats, a first for the brand in the compact SUV segment. Mercedes-Benz says that the rear most seats can accommodate adults up to 168 cm in height, and even comes with ISOFIX mounts, which means you’ll be able to fit up to four child seats at the back passenger compartment.
The third-row seats also comes with several creature comfort features such as cup holders in between the seats, as well as two USB ports. Three-point seat belts are standard, and the side curtain airbags also extends all the way to the back to ensure safety of the third-row passengers.
With the third-row seats in the usual seated position, the GLB still has approximately 130 litres of cargo space. With them folded down, the GLB boasts a rear cargo area of 500 litres, extendable by 140 litres by sliding the second-row seats forwards. With all seats folded down, the GLB can swallow up to 1,680 litres of goods at the back when filled to the roof height.
SAFETY
Safety and assistance kit is standard between the two variants, which includes the following features:
- Active Braking Assist with lane turn-off support for oncoming traffic
- Active Parking Assist with Parktronic
- Pre-Safe
- Keyless-Go
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Easy-Pack tailgate
PRICING
The Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 is priced at RM269,118.15, while the GLB 250 4Matic brings it up to RM318,009.26. Both prices indicated are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of 2020. Included in the price is a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
With the Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia’s Possi-B-ilities Financing plan, The all-new GLB can be yours starting at RM2,688 per month, based on estimates of a five-year tenure and approximately 19% downpayment for the GLB 200.
GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic
Mercedes-Benz GLB 200
