IT’S CALLED THE “BABY G”
The GLB is based on the what could be considered the ‘Godfather of SUVs’ (especially if you work for Mercedes-Benz), the G-Class. 43 years of this unique status symbol and the GLB shares its DNA. Now look, I know you’re probably thinking that it is a bit of stretch to compare this to something as capable as the G-Class, but remember, the GLB is actually pinned as a luxurious all-rounder. Meaning it can actually tackle a bit of rough terrain. In fact, here are just two things the GLB can do if you opt for the Off-Road Engineering Package:
- An animation of the driving situation can be called up in the media display. The realistic presentation of gradient, inclination angle and technical settings helps the driver to judge driving manoeuvres better. All at the press of a button!
- The hill-start assistance system Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically adheres to a preselected, slow speed between approx. 2 and 18 km/h, it can be read out in the instrument cluster and in the optional head -up display.
YOU’VE ALREADY SEEN IT ON THE ROAD
The GLB launched back in 2019, but due to a certain Pandemic, we were unable to see it arrive in South Africa for some time. It finally hit our shores, but Mercedes-Benz wasn’t able to give it the attention it so deserved and that is why the media has only now being re-introduced to it. Even though we have seen them on our roads since late 2020.
IT CAN ACTUALLY SEAT SEVEN PEOPLE
Most seven-seaters out there are essentially better off as five-seaters with a massive boot, but the GLB can actually seat an adult or two in its third row. I know because we tested this. I asked (read: forced) two colleagues to get in to the third and second row, behind another rather tall driver. All fit in, albeit not completely comfortably, but certainly for a trip to the shops or around town. I would still probably use the boot space more than I would the third row, but that’s only because I pack like a beast.
IT’S AS SAFE AS AN S-CLASS
What I love about this is that the GLB gets its safety features from a more expensive fancy car, the S-Class. This includes driver assist systems such as Active Distance Assist Distronic, for which it also uses map and navigation data. As a new function of the Active Steering Assist, among other things, there is also the intuitive Active Lange Change Assist. And thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the GLB is able to see up to 500 metres ahead and drive in semi-automated mode in certain situations.
YOU CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO ENGINES
First up is the GLB 250 which is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 165 kW and 350 Nm. Then there is the GLB 220d which has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 140 kW and 400 Nm. Both are mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. What’s even more exciting to know is that the GLB35 AMG is due here later this year, hopefully! If it’s all-wheel drive you’re after, go for the diesel model or wait for the 35.
If you just came here for the pricing of the GLB, then fine, here you go:
- Mercedes-Benz GLB250 Progressive: R918 537
- Mercedes-Benz GLB220d 4Matic Progressive: R925 438
- Mercedes-Benz GLB250 AMG Line: R 956 537
- Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d 4Matic AMG Line: R963 438
Look out for a more in-depth video review…once I have had it on test that is. But first, check out these two beefcakes 😉
