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Launched internationally back in 2019 in Spain, a trip I was on, and destined for Mzansi shortly thereafter, the Mercedes-Benz GLB almost became the brand’s forgotten SUV.
All because a thing called Covid-19 shut the world down, along with the delivery of this vehicle to South Africa.
Mercedes-Benz quality
Fast forward to 2022, and finally, we got to hang with the now ‘‘almost new’’ GLB.
Nothing has changed since it debuted in 2019, and that is the good news because this is another competent family offering from Mercedes-Benz.
There is no over-complication of the engines and models on offer. For now, you can choose either the 2.0-litre turbo diesel or the 2.0-litre turbo petrol, with both running an eight-speed double-clutch auto gearbox.
The GLB 220d pushes out 140 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque, and the GLB 250 produces 165 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque.
ALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz GLB relaunched with seven seats as standard
AMG in the pipeline
Later this year we will see the AMG GLB 35 debut as a limited number offering and this somewhat hotter under the hood model will offer 225kW/400Nm. And a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.2 sec and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
I am not sure how much faster you would want to get the kids to school, so this AMG should fill a nice niche in the market.
But back to everyday reality. I drove the R918 000 GLB 220d first, and I wasn’t in love with this offering.
This is despite it being offered standard with the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and an Off-Road Engineering package that sees the likes of Downhill Start Assistance, Hill Start Assist and five driving modes being offered, along with a better claimed fuel consumption number of 5.7 L/100 km.
I have no doubt it is competent, well as competent as a sporty SUV can be in the dirt, but due to the heavy rain we had, the off-road part of our launch drive was cancelled, which means the only reason I would want to buy a GLB 220d was not tested.
This said, I still say 95% of all GLB’s would live on-road, and thus the R907 000 GLB 250 for me, despite being only front wheel drive and returning a claimed fuel consumption of 8.4 L/100 km was the smoother, more responsive, better all round package.
Mercedes-Benz safety
Being touted as a family-orientated SUV, the GLB is kitted out with all the modern safety systems offered by Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive like Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Brake Assist, Pre-Safe system, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Assist to name just a few.
You also have the now-familiar Mercedes Me and MBUX system doing duty as your media/communication interface with the car, and the usual plethora of add on cost options should you desire even more than this.
The big upsell is probably that you have a decent amount of space and versatility in what is still a compact SUV.
You can opt for the third row of seats, which are suitable for anyone up to 1.68m tall along with a second seat row that is easily adjustable.
I think you will find the Mercedes-Benz GLB meets the needs of most who want a premium badge on their SUV.
Baby G-Wagon moniker justified?
Perfectly positioned between the GLA and GLC, is the GLB the new ‘Baby G-Wagon’?
Only time will tell if the buying public agrees with Mark Raine, president of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
“It’s iconic and bold look lends the Mercedes-Benz GLB an unmistakable SUV character,” says Raine.
“The powerful proportions of the GLB design with its off-road orientation, in combination with its luxurious value perception and high degree of digitalisation, makes it the perfect versatile lifestyle SUV. The obvious SUV genes and striking similarities to the G-Wagon are undeniable and give the GLB the ‘GNA’ inherited from the Godfather of all SUVs.”
For more information on the Mercedes-Benz GLB, click here.
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