KUALA LUMPUR – Here comes a brand new Mercedes-Benz SUV to fill in the space between the current GLA and GLC. Fully imported for now, Mercedes will decide on local assembly after they look at the sales numbers of this new SUV. Nicknamed as the baby G-Class, this compact 7-Seat Benz arrives with all the great Mercedes cabin features and safety equipment.
Cabin Features
At 2,829 millimetres, the GLB has ten centimetres more wheelbase than, for example, the new B-Class. Together with the function-oriented greenhouse, this is decisive when it comes to the generous amount of space. The headroom in the first seat row is 1,069 millimetres – an optimum in this segment. At 967 millimetres, the effective legroom in the rear of the five-seater is at an especially comfortable level.
The load compartment has a capacity of 570 to 1,805 litres. The backrest angle is adjustable in several stages as standard. The second row can be moved fore and aft. This enables the boot to be enlarged up to 190 litres and put to versatile use.
The GLB is the first compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz to offer a third seat row on request with two additional individual seats. The seats offer people up to a height of 1.68 metres a comfortable amount of space.
Driving Assistance
Like with all new Benz models, this GLB is equipped with MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), which has revolutionized the way a car is operated. The system features as standard two 7-inch displays for the instrument cluster and media display with touchscreen, sports steering wheel with Touch Control buttons on the left and right, USB port (Type C), Bluetooth® connection for telephony and audio sources. The latest generation of the Mercedes me connect is also a feature that comes as standard in this GLB.
Engine Features
Yes, the GLB 200 comes with a 1.3L Turbocharged engine and the GLB 250 has a 2.0L Turbocharged engine. So the question on most buyer’s minds will be ‘can the GLB 200 go up Genting with 7 people on board’? Well, the answer will be yes, but not in a manic rush like you see what most youtubers are doing. This is after all a family vehicle and you should be driving up calmly and carefully.
Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 Specifications
Engine: Inline 4, turbocharged
Capacity: 1332cc
Gearbox: 9G-TRONIC
Max power: 153bhp @ 5500rpm
Max torque: 250Nm @1620-4000Nm
Top Speed: 207km/h
0-100 km/h: 9.1 secs
Selling Price: RM269,118.15.
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 AMG Line Specifications
Engine: Inline 4, turbocharged
Capacity: 1991cc
Gearbox: 9G-TRONIC
Max power: 224bhp @ 5500rpm
Max torque: 350Nm @1800-4000Nm
Top Speed: 236km/h
0-100 km/h: 6.9 secs
Selling Price: RM318,009.26
Purchase Decision
Well, the selling price difference of RM49,000 between the two models might be of little concern for most three pointed star buyers and we are quite sure that after a test drive of both variants, most Malaysian buyers will decide on the GLB 250 with the higher engine power and the added AMG Line trim. However, if you do not really need the small third row seats, it is better to just buy the current, larger and sexier looking Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 which retails for RM299,888 and until December 31st 2020 you get the RM13,000 sales tax discount.
This article is powered by www.dsf.my. For more automotive updates, follow DSF.my on Facebook and Instagram. – Daniel Fernandez, September 23, 2020
