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Mercedes-Benz GLB 2019 revealed


The first ever Mercedes-Benz GLB small SUV has been revealed, taking the title of the most practical compact model in the brand’s range.

The new boxy-looking GLB model - which launches as Benz’s eighth SUV model, and will arrive in Australia around the third-quarter of 2020 - will be the first model from the German marque to offer buyers a compact seven-seat luxury SUV, as it’s based on the same underpinnings as the A-Class, B-Class, GLA-Class.

It’s not all that compact, though - the dimensions of the GLB are pretty close to the GLC model that sits above it. It spans 4634mm long (on a 2829mm wheelbase), 1834mm wide and 1658mm tall. So while it may be considered small, it actually sizes up larger than a Land Rover Discovery Sport.

It bodes well for the practicality elements of the GLB. In five seat guise, the boot capacity is 580 litres and that can be further expanded by 179L with a sliding second-row bench. No boot capacity figures have been offered for the seven-seat model, which has individual folding rear seats mounted in the third row.

The GLB is the first model from Mercedes to offer buyers a compact seven-seat luxury SUV. The GLB is the first model from Mercedes to offer buyers a compact seven-seat luxury SUV.

Benz is honest in stating that the rearmost seats are designed for youngsters, specifically “up to 1.68m” - and the rear seats have curtain airbag coverage, and can be specified with ISOFIX child seat anchor points and top tethers.

The interior borrows heavily from the A-Class, albeit with a more rugged and industrial look to the materials and finishes, and with the now-seemingly-mandatory ambient lighting also available.

The interior borrows heavily from the A-Class and features Mercedes' MBUX multimedia system. The interior borrows heavily from the A-Class and features Mercedes' MBUX multimedia system.

The brand’s MBUX multimedia system taking centre stage. Keeping everyone comfort in the back will be a plethora of USB ports, cup holders for all rows. There are second row face-height vents, but it’s hard to tell if there are third-row vents.

Buyers can expect a range of colours and trims available, including the AMG line pack you see on the blue example in these images.

The all-new GLB model is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2020. The all-new GLB model is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2020.

The new model will initially be offered with a choice of five different engines - two petrol, and three diesel. It’s understood the petrol variants will be the most important offerings for Australia.

The base model petrol is the GLB 200, which uses a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 120kW and 250Nm, and is front-wheel drive, using a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. The 0-100km/h claim for this model is 9.1 seconds, and fuel consumption is set at between 6.0 and 6.2 litres per 100km.

The high-grade petrol is the GLB 250 4Matic, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 165kW and 350Nm, and employing a new eight-speed dual clutch auto to send power to all four wheels. It uses a claimed 7.2-7.4L/100km, but offers a sprightly 0-100 time of 6.9sec.

The three diesel powertrains all use 2.0-litre four-cylinder units with eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. There’s the 200d with 110kW/320Nm with the choice or front- or all-wheel drive, and the 220d 4Matic with 140kW/400Nm. Fuel use ranges between 4.9L and 5.5L/100km.

The all-new GLB model is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2020, with pricing likely to start below $50,000.

Are you looking forward to seeing the new GLB in Australia? Tell us in the comments below.