Skip advert
Advertisement

First Mercedes GLB revealed – yet another compact-ish SUV

Mercedes’ next SUV seats seven, is based on the A-class and might spawn a 415bhp variant

So the product offensive from Mercedes continues, as it launches the ninth SUV model – the GLB – in its sprawling range. It hits a point in the market not previously covered by Mercedes-Benz in offering a smaller, more versatile SUV with seating for up to seven. Of course, being a Mercedes-Benz, there is a very high likelihood of an AMG version arriving soon, and with the all-new M139 four-cylinder having recently been detailed, the age of a 415bhp seven-seat compact SUV might just be upon us.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The reason this GLB will feature AMG’s new high-performance four-cylinder engine is its derived underpinnings. Unlike the larger, yet less versatile GLC, the GLB will sit on the smaller A-class platform. As a result, the GLB engine range is made up from a combination of transversely mounted three- and four-cylinder engines paired with dual-clutch transmissions.

> Click here for a full technical rundown on Merc's new M139 power unit

At launch, the GLB’s engine range will kick off with five units (two petrols and three diesels), topped by a 222bhp GLB250. All four-cylinder power units are connected to a fresh eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, but it’s only the two diesels (GLB200d and GLB220d) that will feature 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

An AMG GLB35 is on the way, with the same 302bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine as found in the A35 and CLA35, but this version will be a mere precursor to the full-fat GLB45, which will eventually top the range and bring a unique capability to the range, namely how to make five children violently ill in the shortest time possible.

In order to package seven seats into the car’s relatively compact footprint, Mercedes has created a tall and upright silhouette for the GLB – one that doesn’t look that dissimilar to a Skoda Yeti. In addition to this, the GLB has an extremely long wheelbase in relation to its overall length, taking maximum advantage of the transversely mounted powertrain and unlocking as much interior space as possible.

Despite the blocky appearance, the GLB does remain resolutely an on-road SUV and is by no means a baby G-class. This is exemplified by the optional AMG-line styling package, which swaps out the standard model’s chunky elements for the usual combination of gaping front grilles, low bumpers and big alloy wheels.

The interior is typical of a modern Mercedes and combines the A-class’s MBUX infotainment system with a new, boxy dashboard and a greater emphasis on space efficiency. For those to whom it will appeal, Mercedes’ liberal use of colourful ambient lighting and new illuminated trim inserts can light the interior up to levels only usually seen inside a Vegas all-you-can-eat buffet.

So the new GLB might well attract a new customer to the Mercedes-Benz range, but does little to blip our radar. However, the notion of a GLB45 S AMG is a rather different kettle of fish, and might well live up to its big brother, the G63, in terms of ridiculousness if not outright theatre.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Mercedes-AMG CLE53 – two more cylinders for £25,000 less than a C63
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
News

New Mercedes-AMG CLE53 – two more cylinders for £25,000 less than a C63

The new CLE coupe has gained a straight-six engined AMG version, with prices starting from £72,990
24 Jan 2024
Mercedes 190E Evo II to return as £700,000 HWA-built restomod
HWA EVO
News

Mercedes 190E Evo II to return as £700,000 HWA-built restomod

The firm responsible for AMG and numerous motorsport icons has offered a first look at its limited-run restomod of the iconic 190E 2.5-16 Evo II
9 Jan 2024
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE63 S E Performance spied – 671bhp hybrid spotted in drop-top form
Mercedes-AMG CLE63 cabriolet
Spy shots

2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE63 S E Performance spied – 671bhp hybrid spotted in drop-top form

AMG's new four-seat coupe and cabriolet ranges will be topped by a 671bhp AMG flagship, spied testing in Germany
9 Nov 2023
The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door gets a bigger grille and a £179,325 price tag
Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door – front
News

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door gets a bigger grille and a £179,325 price tag

The facelifted Mercedes AMG GT 4-door is available exclusively in 831bhp 63 S E Performance guise, sporting a series of design and tech updates
9 Oct 2023
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024