Mercedes-Benz is making the GLB, its spacious compact SUV, even more attractive to buyers. The new-design front bumper with a prominent underbody guard hints at the car's offroad genes, while the SUV's radiator grille trim with four horizontal grilles and a central Mercedes star intensifies that impression. The sporty shoulder shape, with coherently shaped lines, creates an interesting play of shadows and visually emphasises the width of the rear of the car.
Striking new headlamps and all-LED taillights enhance the look, while the range of options has now been enriched with four additional wheel designs and the new Spectral Blue metallic paint colour. Standard equipment on the new GLB includes 18-inch five-spoke design alloy wheels in high-gloss black. However, the GLB can also be configured with 18- to 20-inch wheels.
One of the main features in the significantly upgraded interior is the independent dual screen. Standard equipment includes a 7-inch instrument display and a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, while two 10.25-inch wide screens are available with the advantage package. The round, turbine-style air intakes exude sporty elegance and contrast with the straight, characteristically offroad aluminium interior elements. The current-generation steering wheel included as standard equipment is trimmed in leather and is available with ARTICO synthetic leather upholstery on request. In addition, a heated steering wheel is available for the AMG Line equipment line for the first time.
Simplified logic of the offered equipment packages with rich basic equipment
Standard equipment on the new GLB includes comfort seats, with ARTICO synthetic leather and black fabric trimmed with three-dimensional embossed patterns. They are optionally available in the modern sage grey. The three interior colours - black, macchiato beige and sage grey - are available in the Progressive equipment line. The ARTICO synthetic leather seat cover/microfibre fabric MICROCUT of the standard equipment is now also available in bahia brown in the AMG Line. A total of four trim colours are available: black, bahia brown, sage grey and the new red pepper/black colour scheme. The fabric cover for the comfort seats is made from 100% recycled materials, while the ARTICO/MICROCUT seat cover has a ratio of 65% on the backrest and 85% on the seat.
The basic equipment of the GLB has been significantly upgraded and its logic has been adapted to specific wishes expressed by customers with even greater precision. For example, the standard equipment includes the large-lighting ladder assist system, reversing camera and USB package, as well as the leather steering wheel and LED front headlights. The Progressive trim line is included as standard equipment as well as the Parking Package and the Mirror Package. Further functional equipment items have been bundled into packages that are based on actual customer choices, allowing new owners to personalize their vehicles in terms of design features such as colors, trim, trim and wheels.
Intuitive handling and customisable software in the latest generation of MBUX
The GLB is now equipped with the latest generation of MBUX with a new design screen style. The "Classic" style provides all the important information for the driver, while the "Sporty" style impresses with its dynamic tachometer. Those who are content with the basic content can opt for the discreet "Discreet" style. Combined with the three Navigation, Assistance and Service modes and the 10 worlds of ambient lighting colours, customers have a wealth of personalisation options at their disposal. All previous functions, such as Inside, Phone or Vehicle, are still available and can be conveniently operated from the touchscreen or the fingertip navigation pads on the steering wheel.
The new design and improved performance were the main points of emphasis during the telematics system renewal. For further connectivity, the GLB now features an additional USB-C port and increased USB charging power, and all USB ports are backlit.
Intelligent voice assistance learns with you
The Mercedes-Benz intelligent voice assistance system is gaining more and more dialogue and learning possibilities thanks to online services that can be activated via the Mercedes me app. The system slowly learns the driver and memorises the settings or routes he or she usually takes. At the right time, it suggests personalised infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions, perfectly tailored to the driving conditions. Of course, the driver can reject the suggestion with the "Do not suggest now" function or delete it permanently with the "Do not suggest again" function. The vehicle shall memorise these wishes. It is also possible to activate certain actions without saying "Hey Mercedes", and voice assistance can now also explain vehicle functions.
The optional Burmester surround sound system now offers, in combination with the latest generation of MBUX, the immersive Dolby Atmos sound experience, which adds more space, clarity and depth to music. What's more, the system adapts to any playback environment, which means music lovers can hear music with crystal clear clarity equivalent to studio recording.
Minigames as digital additional equipment
A new, digital add-on makes its appearance in the GLB with the optional personalisation package for Mercedes me connect services. Selected minigames, specially designed for the touchscreens and steering wheel touch controls, turn the compact SUV into a mobile games console where the driver can play alone or with his or her passengers. Classic games such as Sudoku, Shufflepuck, Pairs and Match 3 are currently available, as well as a quiz.
Safety assistance systems are another area in which the new GLB excels. Thanks to active power steering, the upgraded driver assistance package allows more comfortable control of the lane-keeping assist system. The next generation of the Parking Package also supports parallel parking with a 360-degree view of camera-assisted parking. For the first time, the GLB also offers Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, which facilitates reverse manoeuvring with camera assist. A prerequisite is that the towbar with ESP trailer stabilisation system in combination with the Parking Package with 360-degree camera is fitted to the vehicle.
Even more hybrid drive options
The new GLB is available in Greece with four petrol and three diesel engine options. The range includes four-cylinder units with a seven- or eight-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission. The two higher-performance petrol engines are available with the 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive system.
To reduce consumption and emissions, all petrol engines are electrified and have an additional 48-volt electrical system for the belt-driven starter-drive. The 10 kW of extra power available from this mild hybrid system instantly supports instant starting and is used for faster acceleration via the boost function. The starter-dynamo also ensures more comfort: in addition to starting the engine with low levels of vibration and noise, it allows driving at a constant speed with the internal combustion engine switched off. In addition, it recovers energy during braking and acceleration and supplies the vehicle's 12-volt electrical circuit and 48-volt battery with electricity.
Smooth operation and high power output combined with modern efficiency are the hallmarks of the 2-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine. It is available in three power levels and features single-stage turbocharging with variable turbine geometry. The cylinder head and crankcase are made of lightweight aluminum alloy. Mercedes-Benz's NANOSLIDE coating reduces friction between the cylinder wall and the steel piston, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
