The compact family of Mercedes gets SUV offspring. In addition to the GLA, there will in future be the larger GLB, which is characterized by plenty of space and a third row of seats.
SP-X / Stuttgart. Even before the new edition of the GLA Mercedes has now officially presented the larger sister model GLB with seven seats. The SUV, which is based on the MFA2 front-wheel drive platform, has a length of 4,63 meters, with the technology known from the A- and B-Class under the metal skin. The new family member is expected to hit the market this year.
Although the GLB relies on the current compact undercarriage, compared to its platform brothers, it offers a ten centimeter longer wheelbase with 2,83 Meter, which provides significantly more space inside. In addition to the grown leg room in the rear of the five-seater variant Mercedes also promises a particularly high headroom front. The trunk is generously dimensioned with 560 to 1.755 liters. The GLB also offers an upscale variability and a correspondingly versatile usability. In principle, the rear row of seats can be moved lengthwise by 14 centimeters, the backrest inclination can be adjusted, and the 40: 20: 40 can be partially folded and folded down. Optionally, the passenger seat can be folded down, which allows the entrainment of long items. Finally, there is a surcharge for a retractable in the trunk floor third row of seats, according to the manufacturer for up to 1,68 meter tall people two comfortable seats. Features include extendable headrests, side window airbags and child seat attachments. There are also USB charging sockets and storage compartments.
For the market launch are four four-cylinder for the GLB to choose from. The two gasoline engines 200 and 250 make 120 kW / 163 PS or 165 kW / 224 PS. Alternatively, there are the diesel 200 d and 220 d with 110 kW / 150 PS or 140 kW / 190 PS. All drives are coupled with an automatic. For the base gasoline there are seven forward stages, otherwise eight. The weaker diesel can be combined with all-wheel drive, the Topdiesel and Topbenziner distribute the power basically on all four wheels. The GLB 200 is only available with front-wheel drive. All drive versions sprint from zero to zero in less than ten seconds, all reaching over 100 km / h. In the case of the GLB 200 250Matic, a sprint time in 4 seconds is possible, with a maximum of 6,9 km / h in it. With consumption from 236 to 7,2 liters, it is the thirstiest drive variant. For five liters, the most efficient 7,4 d.
Who wants to use the GLB off paved roads, can order an off-road package. It offers a special off-road light and additional driving programs with special ABS control and downhill assistance as well as an animated display of the gradient and inclination angle in the infotainment display. Especially helpful is the four-wheel drive, which supports with a special Offroadmodus in the area. Instead of a front-heavy force distribution, the four-wheel drive used as a longitudinal lock then ensures a fixed 50: 50 power distribution.
The command center of the GLB corresponds to those of A and B class. The MBUX infotainment system and two large displays are used. In addition, the big brother of the future GLA still offers a variety of driver assistance systems, such as a Abstandstempomaten, which can automatically adjust with the use of navigation data and the tempo in front of curves, intersections or roundabouts and allows in some traffic situations according to semi-automated driving.
Mercedes does not yet mention prices for the GLB, but these should be a few thousand euros above the GLA. At present, the current generation of the GLA, which has been built since 2013, costs around 200 Euro in the 32.000 version.