Mercedes-Benz GLB: Zabardast 7-Seater Luxury SUV Under 72 Lakh?
Are you in the market for a compact luxury SUV that offers the versatility of seven seats without compromising on style or performance?
Look no further than the Mercedes-Benz GLB. This latest addition to the Mercedes SUV lineup is turning heads with its boxy yet elegant design, spacious interior, and cutting-edge technology. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the GLB a standout choice in the competitive luxury SUV segment.
Design and Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz GLB boasts a distinctive design that sets it apart from its siblings and competitors. Its boxy shape gives it a rugged, adventurous look while maintaining the sophistication expected from a Mercedes. The front fascia features a bold grille flanked by sleek LED headlamps, creating an imposing presence on the road.
Moving to the side, you’ll notice the GLB’s long wheelbase and upright stance, which contribute to its spacious interior. The SUV sits on stylish alloy wheels, available in sizes up to 19 inches for the AMG Line variant. At the rear, wraparound LED taillights and a neatly integrated roof spoiler complete the modern look.
Color options are plentiful, with eye-catching choices including:
- Polar White
- Cosmos Black
- Mountain Grey
- Denim Blue
- Patagonia Red Metallic
These vibrant hues allow you to personalize your GLB to match your style and stand out on the road.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Mercedes-Benz GLB, and you’re greeted by a cabin that exudes luxury and technology. The interior design is modern and driver-centric, with high-quality materials used throughout. The dashboard layout is intuitive, featuring the latest MBUX infotainment system with dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and central display.
One of the GLB’s standout features is its versatile seating configuration. While it comes standard as a five-seater, an optional third row can be added to accommodate two additional passengers, making it one of the few compact luxury SUVs to offer seven-seat capability. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing for easy access to the third row or additional legroom when needed.
Some key interior features include:
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory function
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless charging pad
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
The GLB’s boxy shape translates to excellent headroom and a spacious feel inside the cabin. With all seats in place, you still get a respectable 570 liters of boot space, expandable to 1,805 liters with the rear seats folded.
Performance and Efficiency
The Mercedes-Benz GLB offers a range of powerful and efficient engines to suit different driving preferences. In the Indian market, you can choose between petrol and diesel options:
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3L Turbo Petrol (GLB 200) | 163 bhp | 250 Nm | 7-speed DCT | FWD |
| 2.0L Diesel (GLB 220d) | 190 bhp | 400 Nm | 8-speed DCT | FWD / AWD (4MATIC) |
The 1.3L turbo-petrol engine offers a good balance of performance and efficiency for daily city driving. If you’re looking for more power and torque, especially for highway cruising or fully loaded family trips, the 2.0L diesel engine is an excellent choice. The diesel variant is available with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Performance figures are impressive, with the GLB 220d 4MATIC capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. The top speed for both petrol and diesel variants is electronically limited to 210 km/h.
Ride and Handling
The Mercedes-Benz GLB offers a comfortable ride quality, soaking up bumps and road imperfections with ease. The suspension is well-tuned for Indian road conditions, striking a good balance between comfort and stability. In city traffic, the light steering makes maneuvering a breeze, while it weighs up nicely at higher speeds for confident highway cruising.
Despite its boxy shape and tall stance, the GLB handles surprisingly well. Body roll is well-controlled, and the SUV feels planted through corners. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, available on the diesel variant, further enhances traction and stability, especially in challenging weather conditions or light off-road use.
The GLB comes equipped with multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual, allowing you to tailor the driving experience to your preferences and road conditions.
Safety Features
Mercedes-Benz has equipped the GLB with a comprehensive safety package, earning it a 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. Some key safety features include:
- 7 airbags (including curtain airbags for all three rows)
- Active Brake Assist (autonomous emergency braking)
- Attention Assist (driver drowsiness detection)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- ISOFIX child seat anchors in the second and third rows
- 360-degree camera (on higher variants)
- Active Parking Assist
These features work together to ensure the safety of you and your passengers, giving you peace of mind on every journey.
Variants and Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is available in multiple variants to cater to different budgets and requirements:
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| GLB 200 Progressive Line | ₹64.80 Lakh |
| GLB 220d Progressive Line | ₹68.70 Lakh |
| GLB 220d 4MATIC AMG Line | ₹71.80 Lakh |
The Progressive Line variants offer a good balance of features and value, while the AMG Line adds sportier styling elements and some additional features for enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1. What is the seating capacity of the Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The GLB comes standard as a five-seater, but an optional third row can be added to accommodate seven passengers. However, the third row is best suited for children or short trips due to limited space.
Q2. How does the GLB compare to the GLA and GLC in terms of size?
The GLB sits between the GLA and GLC in Mercedes’ SUV lineup. It’s larger than the GLA, offering more interior space and the option of seven seats. While it’s slightly smaller than the GLC externally, the GLB’s boxy shape allows for comparable interior space and cargo capacity.
Q3. What is the fuel efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The official ARAI fuel efficiency figures for the GLB are 14.89 km/l for the petrol variant and 18.9 km/l for the diesel variant. However, real-world efficiency may vary depending on driving conditions and style.
Q4. Does the GLB have off-road capabilities?
While primarily designed for on-road use, the GLB 220d 4MATIC variant offers some light off-road capability. It comes with an Off-Road Engineering package that includes an additional driving mode and hill-descent control. However, it’s not intended for serious off-roading.
Q5. What are the main competitors to the Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The GLB competes with other compact luxury SUVs like the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Volvo XC40. However, its seven-seat option sets it apart in this segment, as most competitors only offer five seats.
Wrapping Up
The Mercedes-Benz GLB emerges as a compelling option in the luxury compact SUV segment, offering a unique blend of style, versatility, and technology. Its standout features include the optional seven-seat configuration, spacious interior, and robust safety package. While it comes at a premium price point, the GLB delivers on the promise of luxury and practicality, making it an attractive choice for families or individuals seeking a versatile premium SUV.
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