2019 Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 7AT FWD (163 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz introduced a new crossover vehicle in its lineup in 2020 slitted between the CLA and the GLC and based on the same platform as the CLA: the GLB.

With an increased demand for premium crossovers and SUVs, Mercedes-Benz decided to offer customers a serious, seven-seat contender in the compact segment of this car category. As a result, the GLB overtook its main rivals in terms of passenger capacity without impacting the vehicle’s exterior look. Since the automaker built the GLB on the same platform as its smaller siblings, the A-Class, the GLA, and the CLA, it could provide the vehicle with either a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive system. In addition, customers could get the car with all the comfort features that Mercedes-Benz could offer and still enjoy a decent price tag.

Designed like a shrunk GLS, the GLB featured a flat front fascia where the automaker placed a front fascia with a single or a double-slat chromed grille, supporting the three-pointed-star badge. From its profile, it resembled the GLS with its horizontal, flat hood and steep windshield. The side windows were almost vertical to create a wider interior. At the back, the automaker placed an almost vertical tailgate adorned by a small roof spoiler on top of it. Under the rear bumper, the automaker installed fake exhausts for most versions. Customers could get the car with an AMG package, which added an aggressive spoiler at the front with a lower A-shaped grille flanked by large side scoops.

Inside, the high-mounted seats offered as standard included a fabric/fake leather upholstery, but the top trim versions were granted with expensive materials. As an option, Mercedes-Benz offered high-bolstered seats at the front that supported their occupants better during high-speed cornering maneuvers. Fronting the driver was a two-screen layout, one for the instrument cluster and the second for the MBUX infotainment system. The middle row could provide enough room for three adults, while the third row was adequate for people under 1.68m (5.5 ft), mostly for short trips.

Since Mercedes-Benz developed the vehicle together with Renault, some of the engines came from the French automaker and were adapted and mated with the German carmaker’s transmissions.

Under the hood, the GLB offered a wide choice of engines, either gasoline or turbodiesel, depending on the market, ranging between 150 PS (148 hp) and 224 PS (221 hp). There was also an AMG version for it, the 306 PS (302 hp) GLB 35. All versions were paired with either a seven- or eight-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox. Depending on the version and options, the GLB was offered as a front-wheel-drive vehicle or an al-wheel-drive one. In the latter situation, torque distribution was front-wheel biased in an 80-20% split. A 70-30% was engaged when the car was put into the “sport” setting, while the “off-road” program distributed the torque in equal percentages between the front and rear axles.