Along with the GLB, Mercedes has also launched its electric equivalent, the EQB, that’s underpinned by the same platform.
Mercedes-Benz has launched the all-new, three-row GLB luxury SUV in India, with prices starting from Rs 63.8 lakh for the petrol 200 variant, going up to Rs 69.8 lakh for the top-spec diesel 220d 4Matic variant (ex-showroom, India). The GLB is Mercedes’ second 7-seater SUV in India, after the GLS, and is imported as a fully built unit from Mexico.
- GLB gets petrol and diesel engine options
- Based on MFA2 platform like the EQB
- Available in Progressive Line and AMG Line trims
Mercedes Benz GLB: exterior design
The GLB has a very familiar Mercedes SUV design, as it almost looks like a shrunken GLS. The upright nose, the long and flat bonnet and roofline, the squarish headlamps, the D-pillar, the squared wheel arches, and even the segmented rear tail-lamps are all very reminiscent of the GLS. The proportions are bang on too. It, however, gets a unique kink near the C-pillar that raises the shoulder line at the rear.
The GLB is available in two trims – Progressive Line and AMG Line – which also differ in styling. The Progressive Line trim gets you a dual-slat grille, a faux silver skid plate, chrome trim on the exterior and 18-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the AMG Line package gets a sharper-looking bumper, single-slat AMG-themed grille and 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels.
Mercedes Benz GLB: interior and features
On the inside, too, the GLB borrows heavily from its younger sibling, the GLA. The dashboard layout is all familiar, with the twin 10.25-inch touchscreen and instrument panel, the twist-to-close turbine-like AC vents, the stack of HVAC controls below and even the trackpad on the centre console. The sloping dash, the door pads and even the seats look quite similar to that of the GLA. There’s also the high-quality steering wheel that blends leather, chrome and knurled buttons beautifully.
The biggest talking point about the GLB’s interior is its 7-seat layout. And while space on the third row isn’t the most generous, it sure adds to the practicality. The second-row seats can also slide and be adjusted for recline to improve space for the third-row passengers.
In terms of features, the GLB comes equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice prompt, a wireless charger, powered front seats with memory, 64-colour ambient lighting and a large sunroof, to name a few.
Mercedes Benz GLB: powertrain options
Under the hood, the GLB gets the option of one petrol and one diesel engine. The petrol is a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces 163hp and 250Nm and comes mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to the front wheels only. This engine also does duty on the A-Class sedan.
The oil-burner is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that produces 190hp and 400Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and while it’s offered with front-wheel drive as standard, it can also be specced with the 4Matic AWD system.
Mercedes Benz GLB: rivals
As an entry-level 7-seater SUV, the Mercedes GLB does not have a direct rival in India. However, for its price, it will see competition from the likes of the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Also See:
Mercedes Benz GLB review: Expensive but worth it
Mercedes-Benz GLB India video review