All-new Mercedes-Benz GLB
There is just no end to South Africa’s love affair with Mercedes-Benz. The new GLB fits into the compact SUV segment and is set to arrive on our shores during the second quarter of 2020.
Off-road exterior design
The versatile-compact SUV is the first in its segment that is optionally available as a seven-seater and boasts an offroad oriented design as well as an optional 4matic all-wheel drive. Fitted with an off-road light which may be handy in detecting animals crossing the gravel road or an unexpected rock in front of the vehicle at low speeds.
The model overall was built to be a competent off-roader without compromising its good looks. It has a stunning front-end design with appealing LED headlights. With elevated roof rails, you are able to carry more luggage for your journey.
Other elements of the Off-Road Engineering Package:
An animation of the driving off-road situation can be called up in the media display. The realistic presentation of the gradient, inclination angle and technical settings helps the driver to judge driving manoeuvres better when going off-road. The hill-start assistance system with Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically adheres to a preselected, slow speed between approx. 2 – 18 km / h. With targeted brake applications the assistance system helps retain control during steep downhill driving.
Engines
The GLB models have efficient petrol and diesel four-cylinders in its line-up with reduced emissions. The GLB 250 has a petrol engine while the GLB 220 d 4matic has a diesel engine both mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With the latest driving assistance systems enabling driver support and an operated infotainment system, the new model has all the strengths of the current generations from Mercedes-Benz. It has a combined fuel consumption of 7.4 – 7.2 litres / 100 km with cylinder deactivation.
CoCEO and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz SA, Johannes Fritz says, “There is a growing interest for SUV’s, while compact cars are also seeing an increase in sales. So a compact SUV such as a GLB blends all success factors of our two segments. The GLB also boasts some special features which we have not previously offered our customers in this segment, for example, seven seats.”
All aboard!! Up to seven seats
The GLB is the first compact SUV from Mercedes to offer a third seat row as an optional extra with two individual seats. It has extensive safety equipment too that includes head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners. The GLB also has a side window airbag for passengers in the third row seat plus ISOfix anchorage points for suitable car seats for your little ones.
The GLB’s boot compartment has a capacity of 570 to 1 805 litres. The rear backrest angle is adjustable in several stages as standard and optionally the second row can be moved forward or back enabling the boot to be enlarged by an extra 190 litres and put to its versatile use.
The driver has an optional widescreen cockpit with control and display via MBUX as standard. A new feature is an off-road tubular element in the dashboard. Below the round air-vents are the climate control buttons for air conditioning.
Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz SA, Selvin Govender says, “It’s iconic exterior and trendy interior lends the Mercedes-Benz GLB an unmistakable SUV character. The GLB will allow for Mercedes-Benz to speak to a new audience. The clear forms with reduced lines and powerful surfaces convey our design philosophy of sensual purity.”
The GLB should make a versatile family-friendly vehicle. This is what most drivers are looking for when purchasing a car. Something that is luxurious, comfortable and an off-roader all at once.
-END-
Image: Motorpress