Roominess, practicality, flexibility and fuel economy, not to mention driving pleasure go hand-in-hand with the Mercedes-Benz GLB, which was introduced into the Irish marketplace last May. It’s the German manufacturer’s second SUV launch in as many months, and developed to offer customers further choice in the ultra-competitive Sports Utility segment.
Also, the GLB is the first Mercedes-Benz in its class to offer a 7-seat option, and being fully retractable, the two extra seats provide ‘comfortable seating for passengers up to a height of 1.68m’, as stated by Mercedes-Benz. Within this layout, the second row seats also split 40/20/40.
This version driven locally over the second lockdown period is the 200d A/T Progressive 7-seat model, priced at €51,387 which features a long list of standard items and includes some optional extras fitted (see list below).
Mercedes-Benz cars have come a long way in recent decades, broadening its appeal with stylish, affordable cars, created to meet new customer trends and demands. The transformation began in earnest over twenty years ago with the arrival of the A-Class, and the new GLB joins other SUV derivatives within a family of Mercedes-Benz compact cars of which some seven million have been sold to date. The new GLB arrives against a backdrop whereby every third vehicle produced by Mercedes-Benz is an SUV and every fourth a compact car.
Well proportioned, with generous passenger capacity, the new GLB at 2,829mm, has the longest wheelbase of Mercedes-Benz’s current compact generation. Front headroom is 1,069mm.
Inside, it has a high-quality instrumentation and controls elements, a multi-functional sports steering column, spiral-look dashboard, doors and centre console highlights. Fitted with the acclaimed MBUX user experience and ‘Hey Mercedes’ command system, its other interior elements includes a 10-inch media displays with touch screen facility. Further appreciated from the two-tone beige/black Macchiato leather upholstery.
The word of note is that despite the fact that the doors are strong and sturdy, they need a firm closing action when both getting in and out of the car.
Powering this GLB is a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder (1950cc) Euro 6d diesel engine that produces 150 bhp, 320 Nm and its CO2 is rated 129 g/km. In tandem with the 8-speed DCT automatic transmission, delivery of this power is not found wanting and seamless in operation. This combined is geared to meet Real Driving Emissions (RDE) Stage 2 requirements.
Equipped with comfort suspension with steel springs as standard, the driver and passenger experience is indeed pleasurable, helped by the high seating position and well supported seats.
The other design and equipment line available is the range topping AMG version, which has numerous options. Coming soon special order Edition 1 model with exclusive boldly coloured bodywork. Also on the order book list is the 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a special off-road light which helps the driver to detect obstacles at low speeds.
Design wise, the GLB’s boxy outline will catch the eye as a true SUV which allows for ample room for all (7) occupants inside. A fine family car.
Spec Check
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz GLB 200d A/T Progressive 7-seater
Engine: 1950cc Euro 6d 4-cylinder diesel
Power: 150 bhp/320 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed DCT automatic
Performance: 0-100 km/h; 9 seconds. Top speed; 204 km/h
CO2: 129 g/km
Standard Equipment: (18-inch) 5-spoke light-alloy wheels aerodynamically optimised
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Active Parking Assistant (PARKTRONIC) with reversing camera Automatically dimming driver’s side door mirror
Comfort Seats
Communications module (LTE) for the use of Mercedes me connect services Cruise control
Digital radio
Double cup holder
DYNAMIC SELECT
EASY-PACK tailgate
Electrically folding exterior mirrors
Extended MBUX functions
Front arm rest
Heated front seats
LED High Performance headlamps
Load Compartment package
MBUX multimedia system
Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
Multifunction leather sports steering wheel
Multi-link axle
Pre-installation for car sharing
Preinstallation for Live Traffic Information
Pull-out sun visor
Rear arm rest
Reversing camera
Roof Liner in black fabric
Spectacles compartment for driver
Speed Limit Assist
Status display for rear seat belts in instrument cluster
Steering wheel shift paddles
Stowage compartment in centre console with retractable cover THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
TIREFIT
Touchpad without Controller
Velour floor mats
Windscreen wipers with rain sensor
Optional Extras:
Advantage Package
10″ Media Display
Mercedes Benz Navigation Mirror Package
Parking Package
Galaxy Blue Metallic Night Package
7 Seats
Jarlath Sweeney
