Why would I buy it?
- Gets third row for seating, added space when folded down
- Both diesel and petrol engines on offer
- Practical cabin loaded with features
Why would I avoid it?
- Seating for adults in the third row not comfortable
- AMG Line version is expensive
Engine and Performance
In terms of powertrain, the GLB is available in both petrol and diesel engine choices. The GLB200 gets the same 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine as the A-Class and GLA, with an output of 161bhp and 250Nm. For this review, we are driving the 2.0-litre diesel with an output of 188bhp/400Nm. Although the petrol is paired to a seven-speed DCT, the diesel gets an eight-speed DCT sending the power to the front wheels, except in the AMG line which has the 4Matic AWD.
On idling or moving, the turbodiesel is slightly noisier but it’s more heard than felt. It has good grunt lower down the rev range, and even the mid-range has good shove when there’s a need for overtakes and that too with minimal lag. Moreover, the GLB gets the usual three modes — Eco, Comfort, and Sport, apart from Individual, which alters the throttle response and weighs up the steering. However, for that throatier exhaust note, one needs to be in Sport mode. With this 4Matic version, you also get an Off-road mode which changes the torque supply, with the top speed clocked at 110kmph. Even the ABS is tuned differently for off-road driving and it also gets hill descent control.
Where the petrol version gets a seven-speed DCT gearbox, here in the 220d, you get an eight-speed automatic. Unlike the newer nine-speed unit which constantly runs through the gears every time you accelerate or brake to find the right gear, this one is more familiar – more conventional. It tends to upshift around 2,000rpm. And in the Sport mode or when accelerating hard, it would easily hold the gear for longer, thus giving you a strong mid-range grunt when you want to go uphill or while overtaking on highways.
Ride and Handling
Going almost three turns lock-to-lock, the steering isn’t very quick, but it is direct. Driving on the ghat section from Kodaikanal, its direct nature combined with the grippier Pirelli tyres was too much fun. More fun than you’d expect from a three-row, family SUV. As for the ride quality, we experienced smooth surfaces on highways and some bad sections on the ghat. Although on the stiffer side, the ride wasn’t very jarring, and it took in everything nicely. We wanted to try driving the GLB with seven people on board, but that’s something for another day.
Exterior
The GLB is based on the same MFA platform as the A-Class and the GLA. But in terms of styling, proportions, and stance, it looks more like a baby GLS. It has a squarish headlamp design, an upright nose, a flat roofline, and boxy rear. It doesn’t look as imposing and large in metal, but just the right size for a family crossover. The LED headlamps with Mercedes Benz Digital lamps come as standard. Depending on the variant, you get a different grille and bumper design. In the progressive trims, there’s a two-louvre grille, whereas in the AMG version you see here, it gets a single slat with chrome garnish mesh. Even the bumper is more imposing in this version. Similarly, the AMG spec alloy wheels are an inch larger with a lower profile.
Looking at it from the side, the flat roof of the GLB gives it a nice character. Move to the back and you get these LED tail lamps much akin to the GLS. More similarity to the GLS comes in the form of the squared-off lighting element inside the tail lamps. Adding sportiness to the GLB is the roof-mounted spoiler, chrome garnish around the bumpers with faux exhaust tips, and some diffusers.
Comfort, Convenience, and Features
Inside the GLB you get a familiar Mercedes cabin seen in the GLA as well. It has a floating panel with two 10.25-inch digital screens integrated with the latest MBUX system. The steering wheel design has nice-looking brushed aluminium finished buttons. Part of the MBUX system is a touchpad that controls the screen and we liked how there’s a place to rest your palm when using this touchpad. Then, there are two cup holders and a place to keep your phone which doubles up as a wireless charger. This being an AMG version, gets beautiful upholstery with a much more expensive Alcantara-like finish with contrast red stitching.
In the second row, there’s ample legroom at the back and the flat roof with head scoops provides enough headroom. Even the seats offer good comfort with the same sportier upholstery and support. You can squeeze in three here, but the middle passenger will have to manage with a protruding backrest with a hard cushion. Further, the second row can be moved back and forth and gets a 40:20:40 split. Then, there’s a single USB Type-C port and a recess below the rear air vents.
Moving to the third row, it’s best suited for kids or preteens. Since the second-row seats do not tumble down, there’s a very narrow space to access the third row. Once inside, the headroom is just enough for my size (I am 5’5”) with the knees propped up against the backrest of the second row. Thankfully, the quarter window at the back is large enough. Further, the individual seats here have two cupholders in the middle, a USB Type-C port on each, and a recess on either side for knick-knacks.
Lastly, at 130 litres, the boot space with the third row up, is good enough only for a couple of soft bags or backpacks. Fold the third row and the space extends up to 500 litres. And if you want to move a house, then folding down the second row elevates this boot space up to 1,680 litres.
Regarding the feature list, you get all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a car at this price point. Apart from the powered front seats with memory functions, you get dual sunroof, electronic tailgate, 64-colour ambient lighting, wireless charger, two-zone climate control, and sportier seats in this AMG line. We’d have loved it if the feature list included a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, and a fancier sound system. On the safety front, you get seven airbags and ISOFIX in the second and third row, along with active brake assist. Not to mention, the GLB has scored five stars on the NCAP test.
Conclusion
Prices for the all-new GLB start at Rs 63.8 lakh for the 200 Progressive trim with the petrol engine. Meanwhile, the diesel version of the 220d Progressive is priced at Rs 66.8 lakh. What we have driven here, the 220d 4Matic in the AMG Line carries a price tag of Rs 69.8 lakh.
Currently, the GLB makes for an alternative to the BMW X3, Volvo XC60, and Audi Q5, and offers third-row practicality and everything else the Mercedes-Benz badge comes with as default. There are both petrol and diesel engine option to choose from. The GLB can also be a good upgrade for those moving up from, say, Skoda Kodiaq, or the likes of X1, Q3, and its stable mate GLA, or other full-size seven-seater SUVs into a premium badge.
With a baby GLS stance, the GLB will occupy the space that the outgoing GLC will vacate. And since the new-gen GLC – which is due next year – will get more expensive, the GLB has a high chance of getting the same popularity that the GLC had enjoyed in India all these years. For the buyers who found the GLC to be an enticing deal, the GLB now offers almost all of that but with the addition of a third row.
Pictures by Kapil Angane
