Pricing and specifications for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB seven-seat SUV have been revealed.
Mercedes-Benz welcomes its first compact seven-seat SUV into the Australian lineup with pricing starting at $59,900 excluding on-roads for the entry-level model GLB 200.
The new GLB is claimed by Mercedes to “change the shape of the premium SUV market in Australia,” and indeed it is a unique offering. The wheelbase on the GLB increases 100mm over the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, measuring in at 2829mm long. That provides enough room in the third-row for passengers up to 1.68 metres tall, according to Mercedes, with the added benefit of a 140mm sliding second row.
In the final row of seating are USB ports, cupholders, storage for loose items, and plenty of safety credentials to keep children safe – retractable head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners, a side window airbag, and ISOFIX and Top-Tether anchorages for child seats.
With the third row folded neatly flat into the floor, the boot space measures 560-litres, expanding to 1755L with the third and second row both stowed. Other benefits of the GLB’s design include increased front-row headroom and spacious legroom for the second row.
Standard safety systems for all models are active Parking Assist, adaptive high beam headlights, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, active lane keeping assist and active brake assist with semi-autonomous braking.
The model lineup kicks off with the $59,900 GLB 200, powered by 120kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine powering the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Standard equipment includes the three-pointed star’s ubiquitous MBUX multimedia system with a widescreen cockpit featuring side-by-side 10.25-inch digital screens, keyless entry and start, electric tailgate, comfort seats in Artico upholstery, automatic cruise control, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, advanced satellite navigation, illuminated door sills, leather multi-function steering wheel with shift buttons, reversing camera, comfort suspension, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels and aluminium roof rails.
Middle of the range is the GLB 250 4MATIC priced from $73,900 before on-roads. It is motivated by a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo petrol with an output of 165kW and 350Nm, spinning all-four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch auto. Extra features for this model include a panoramic sunroof, electric and heated front seats with memory function, adjustable damping suspension, sports direct-steer system, unique 19-inch wheels, and an off-road engineering package to take advantage of the all-wheel drive system.
Finally, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC is expected to arrive later this year priced from $88,900 before on-roads. The sports SUV model houses an AMG-tuned 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 225kW and 400Nm via an AMG-spec dual-clutch eight-speed auto with all-wheel-drive.
Additional gear on that model includes AMG exhaust system with silent start, high-performance braking system, speed-sensitive power steering, AMG adaptive dampers, Lugano leather interior, ‘Energizing Comfort Control’ that can set the in-cabin mood, AMG pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, Carbon interior trim elements, AMG specific bodywork, AMG Night Package exterior trim features, dark-tinted privacy glass on the rearward windows, black roof rails, AMG-specific body styling and lettering, plus 20-inch alloy wheels.
Both GLB 200 and GLB 250 are available to order from dealers with deliveries expected soon, while the AMG GLB 35 will arrive later this year.