WeeklySA_AdminNUMEROUS INNOVATIONS:Now available in SA in a diesel engine option as either a 5- or 7-seater (the only 7 seater option in its segment)
By Ali Mphaki
How do you improve an exquisite product? Can you better what is good to be ultimately the best? Yes, you can.
How so?
Craft a new design with improved performance as the main focus. This was the brief given to Mercedes-Benz designers when time came for the Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV to go for a facelift.
The result is a spacious GLB compact SUV which is even more attractive for customers.
At first glance you are drawn by the updated Mercedes-Benz GLB new striking full-LED headlights and rear lights, which no doubt enhance the vehicle’s appearance. It wears in basic trim 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black with high-gloss turned surfaces . However, the GLB can also be configured with 19- to 20-inch wheels, which lends it an athletic stance.
Ingress and the interior is what we’ve come to expect from the German manufacturer, comfort seats in ARTICO/fabric, leather steering wheel but one of the highlights of the significantly upgraded interior is ubdoudtedly the freestanding double screen. Standard are a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display for the respective instrument cluster and multimedia screens, with two 10.25 inch wide-screen displays available as an option.
The basic equipment already includes Highbeam Assist, a reversing camera and the USB package, for example. It would not be a Mercedes-Benz if it did not boast intelligent voice assistant.
In the updated GLB Mercedes-Benz says intelligent voice assistant is becoming even more capable of dialogue and learning thanks to online services in the Mercedes me app that can be activated. The system gets to know the driver and remembers their typical settings or routes. At the appropriate moment, it suggests personalised infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions – precisely tailored to the respective driving situation.
Enhanced safety features
Apart from Active Steering Control, Lane Keeping Assist, a 360-degree visualisation for camera-assisted parking, for the first time, the GLB also offers Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, which facilitates reverse manoeuvring with camera support.
The new GLB is available in a GLB 220 diesel engine option as either a 5- or 7-seater (the only 7 seater option in its segment). The engine is perfectly paired with an eight-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission as standard.
The engines at a glance
Petrol engine GLB 220d 4MATIC
Displacement cm³ 1,950
Nominal power kW 140
at 1/min 3,800
Rated torque Nm 400
Fuel consumption combined, weighted (WLTP preliminary) l/100 km 6.4-5.7
Pricing
GLB 220d: R1 116 100 (incl. S&M incl. VAT)
GLB220d 7 seater: R1 133 700 (incl. S&M incl. VAT2
