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The rounded box”
With the GLB, MERCEDES-BENZ is launching a new SUV that actually wants to be a van. It impressed in the test, but one question remained unanswered.
The rounded box”
The new Mercedes-Benz GLB is different. The abbreviation indicates a positioning between GLA and GLC, but at the presentation in southern Spain the Mercedes employees speak of the little brother of the GLS. Confused? Us too. The GLB is actually based on the compact platform of the A-Class, but has the longest wheelbase among the star compacts: 2,829 millimeters.
And: The GLB is available either as a 5- or 7-seater. This makes the almost 4.6 meter long crossover suitable for families. According to Mercedes, people up to 1.68 meters tall can sit comfortably in the third row. Our test confirms this. Even slightly taller people can still find space. In general, the generous headroom in the GLB is noticeable. This is already apparent from the outside, as the SUV appears unusually high, almost box-like. The coupe-like aspect is reserved for the GLA and GLC, the GLB emphasizes its height (see interview).
WIDE ENGINE RANGE
Customers have a wide choice of engines: there are three petrol and three diesel engines. The petrol engines in the GLB 200 start with 120 kW (163 hp) and 7-speed dual clutch drives. The 250 comes with 165 kW (224 hp) and 8-speed DCT. The top model is the GLB 35 4Matic AMG, which squeezes an impressive 225 kW (306 hp) and 400 Newton meters of torque from its turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder. This means it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. Who needs that in the GLB? No one. But you wouldn't be Mercedes if you didn't have it anyway. The three diesel engines (180 d, 200 d and 220 d) cover a wide range from 85 kW (116 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp) and are overall a better fit for the new GLB. We were able to drive both the AMG and the 200 d and are convinced: the GLB is a diesel weasel.
SURPRISINGLY AGILE
The driving behavior is surprising. The AMG takes you along winding country roads in the Spanish hinterland. What's striking is how agile the almost 1.7-ton truck circles through the radii. The precise, sensitive steering is convincing, the chassis is great: balanced, mostly neutral, with an ideal mix of hardness and comfort. AMG did a top job there. Nevertheless: The GLB 200 d is the more harmonious car. Of course, this one is less fast-paced and emotional, but the GLB is not an athlete. The torque-oriented surfing with the diesel engine under the hood suits the new Mercedes much better. And the performance of the 220 d is more than enough for any lifespan.
FULLY DIGITAL
The interior is ultra-modern yet tasteful. Except for the fake carbon panels in the AMG, the interior matches Mercedes standards. Piano lacquer, aluminum, fine leather, foamed plastic - it's all there. Nothing rattles, the gap dimensions are exemplary. The focus is on the two fully digital screens (10.25 inches), which take over the speedometer and infotainment. High-resolution, high-contrast, colorful. Plus the head-up display. The driver's eye is spoiled. On board: MBUX, the new “Mercedes-Benz User Experience” operating concept. To put it briefly: the system works solidly to well, but the variety of functions overwhelmed us in the test. Likewise the endless number of sub and sub-sub menus.
CONCLUSION
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is finally an SUV worthy of its name. Because both its off-road mobility and its space and space are much better suited to everyday life than the decidedly coupé-like crossovers, which are more of a compromise than a solution. Well done.