Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its impressive SUV lineup with the introduction of the 2020 GLB-Class, a vehicle that carves out a unique niche as a compact yet surprisingly spacious and versatile family SUV. This all-new model, positioned between the GLA and GLC, brings a distinctive boxy design, optional seven-seat configuration, and genuine off-road aspirations to the compact luxury segment. Having had our first drive of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, we’re bringing you the initial impressions of this compelling new contender.
The GLB immediately stands out with its powerful proportions and short overhangs, signaling its off-road intentions right from the first glance. This isn’t your typical sleek and sloping compact SUV; the GLB embraces a more rugged and upright stance, reminiscent of the iconic G-Class, albeit in a more manageable and city-friendly package. The design language emphasizes surfaces and minimizes lines, creating a clean yet muscular aesthetic. The upright front fascia, featuring striking headlamps and a prominent grille, further reinforces its off-road DNA. The vehicle’s shoulder line, particularly around the C-pillar, is robust, contributing to its solid and planted appearance. Protective claddings around the vehicle’s lower perimeter and simulated underguards at the front and rear underscore its adventurous spirit.
Image alt text: Front three quarter view of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class SUV showcasing its upright grille, LED headlights, and muscular front bumper, emphasizing its off-road design cues.
Stepping inside the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class reveals an interior that blends modern Mercedes-Benz design with a touch of ruggedness. The instrument panel is a single, visually continuous piece with distinct cutouts for the driver and passenger areas. The widescreen cockpit, a signature Mercedes-Benz feature, dominates the driver’s view, seamlessly integrating the digital instrument cluster and infotainment displays. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system is at the heart of the GLB’s technology, offering intuitive control through voice commands (“Hey Mercedes”), touchscreen inputs, and steering wheel controls. A distinctive new element is the off-road style tubular trim piece in an aluminum look that sits below the instrument panel, housing the three central air vents. This design element not only adds visual interest but also conveys a sense of robustness and adventurous capability. The center console and door panels continue this theme with tubular design elements and robust grab handles, reinforcing the GLB’s SUV character.
Image alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class dashboard highlighting the widescreen cockpit with MBUX system, circular air vents, and aluminum-look tubular trim, emphasizing the blend of technology and robust design.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is its exceptional interior space and versatility. With a wheelbase of 111.4 inches, the GLB offers impressive headroom and legroom, particularly in the five-seater configuration. The option to configure the GLB as a seven-seater is a segment-first for Mercedes-Benz and significantly enhances its appeal to families. Even in the third row, thoughtfully designed features like retractable headrests, seatbelt pretensioners, side window airbags, and USB-C ports demonstrate attention to passenger safety and comfort. The second-row seats are adjustable for inclination and can slide forward to increase cargo space, further adding to the GLB’s practicality. The cargo area itself is generous, ranging from 20 to 62 cubic feet in the five-seater model, providing ample space for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment.
Image alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class showcasing the optional seven-seater configuration with the third row seats folded flat, highlighting the vehicle’s spaciousness and versatility for families.
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class launches with powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines. The GLB 250 model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive gear changes. The available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system further enhances the GLB’s versatility and capability, offering variable torque distribution and multiple driving modes selectable via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch. In “Eco/Comfort” mode, the system defaults to an 80:20 front-to-rear torque split, while “Sport” mode shifts to a 70:30 distribution. For more challenging terrain, “Off-road” mode engages the all-wheel-drive clutch as an inter-axle differential lock with a balanced 50:50 torque split. The optional Off-Road Engineering Package, standard on the GLB 250 4MATIC, adds an additional drive program optimized for light off-road conditions, along with features like Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and an off-road driving situation display in the media screen.
Image alt text: Close-up view of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class MBUX display showing the Off-Road Engineering Package interface, illustrating gradient and inclination angles, highlighting the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
The GLB-Class also benefits from the latest Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems, many of which are derived from the flagship S-Class. These systems utilize advanced camera and radar technology to provide cooperative support to the driver, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLB can also be equipped with Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, further enhancing convenience in urban environments. The comfort suspension, featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle, delivers a well-balanced ride, while optional adaptive adjustable damping allows drivers to tailor the suspension settings to their preferences via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch.
In conclusion, the first drive of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class reveals a compelling and versatile SUV that successfully blends compact dimensions with surprising spaciousness and capability. Its distinctive design, optional seven-seat configuration, advanced technology, and available 4MATIC all-wheel drive make it a strong contender in the competitive compact luxury SUV segment. The GLB-Class is poised to appeal to families and adventurers alike, offering a practical and premium Mercedes-Benz experience in a unique and appealing package. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is expected to go on sale in the U.S. by the end of the year, and we anticipate it will be a welcome addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.
