The German automaker has finally unveiled the ‘all-new’ 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class SUV with up to seven-seats option, sitting between GLA-Class and GLC-Class. Appearing almost same as its concept revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2019 because of its lights and boxy shape, there are a few subtle changes in it such as a touch dissimilar lower grille insert, heavy tires, and a sturdier appearing roof rack. The size is the same as the concept, which is around an inch and a half smaller than the GLC-Class and over 5 inches longer than the GLA-Class.
Bear in mind, we are not overstating here when we say ‘all-new’, this is an all-new vehicle in every sense of the word. What surprises us the most is the choice for third-row, seven-passenger seating, which seems impossible on its compact platform.
Talking about the seven-passenger seating, the buyers who would opt for the third row would get two seats as well as cup holders between the seats and USB ports. The third row is also protected by the side airbags, which is very welcoming. The automaker has also offered anchor points for child seats. Two things we don’t know about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class are headroom and legroom. We believe these seats would be best for kids and not for adults and we will hold out to this claim until we see it here in the UAE.
When we see the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class as a five-seater, we see it gives a comfortable ride to adults giving them up to 62 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Second-row passengers can move the seats in front or behind and get 38 inches of legroom with the seats pushed behind. The cockpit looks similar to the A-Class and CLA-Class but offers a little extra headroom. It differs itself with tubular-appearing aluminum trim bits on the dashboard and door pulls.
The cockpit includes a 7.0-inch instrument screen and a 7.0-inch center touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The MBUX system with voice control as well as driver assist systems comes standard. The driver assists comprise of active braking, crosswind assist, and a rearview camera. The optional features encompass blind spot assist, navigation, parking assist, bigger 10.25-inch displays, an updated Burmester surround system, heads-up display, and lots of other facilities.
Talking about the exterior of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, it is boxy with similarities to A-Class. The standard model offers front wheel drive while the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is optional. Customers who would opt for Off-Road Engineering Package will get 4MATIC as standard, thus giving them an extra drive mode with 50/50 power distribution. In the eco mode, 80% power goes to the front wheels while the sport mode divides it 70/30.
Talking about the power unit, it is not as brawny as you get in bigger SUVs. It receives a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 221 horsepower (164 kilowatts) and 258 pound-feet (350 Newton-meters) of torque. Perhaps, this is best for a compact SUV enabling it to hit 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and tops at 236 km/h. The engine is mated to an eight-speed DCT.
The automaker plans to introduce the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class here in the second quarter of 2020. In the start, we will get two trims namely the GLB 250 and the GLB 250 4MATIC. The pricing details are not announced yet. Stay tuned for more details!