Mercedes-Benz GLB headed for South Africa
We are not sure why it has taken Mercedes-Benz to introduce the GLB into the South African market but it is on the way.
The compact SUV segment has over the past few years become very popular and many manufacturers have a contender. Mercedes-Benz South Africa has finally seen the advantage of introducing the GLB into our market and here is what you need to know.
The GLB has been designed to retain a somewhat larger SUV like look with bold design elements and an extended side profile. The GLB features an upright front section and other design elements evident of its off-road genes. The car also features short overhangs at the front and rear. Most contenders within this segment employ compact dimensions but the GLB offers something unique, an optional third row of seats making this a seven-seat offering. As always, an optional AMG body kit is available and it offers sportier bumpers at the front and rear as well as sportier wheels.
Inside the new Mercedes-Benz GLB, one will find a similarly designed interior to that found in the new A class and B class. Most noticeable are the twin LCD screens atop the dashboard as well as three rounded air vents below the infotainment screen. The facia is void of unnecessary buttons as most of the controls bar the climate control functionality is done via the MBUX infotainment system. The luggage compartment capacity is stated at 570 to 1805 litres for the five-seater, the qualities of an estate car.
According to Mercedes-Benz S.A, the GLB will initially be available with two engine derivatives; a GLB220d 2.0-litre turbo diesel which develops 140 kW/440 N.m and the sportier 165 kW/ 350 N.m 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol GLB250. The above-mentioned models will receive the new eight-speed dual-clutch that debuted on the B-Class and 4Matic models getting an on-demand all-wheel-drive system with an 80/20 front/rear power split in Eco and Comfort, 70/30 in Sport mode and 50/50 in Off-Road mode.
On the safety side of things, the GLB can be had with features such as Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic and Active Lange Change Assist. Customers can expect the car to reach South African showrooms from the second Quarter of 2020 with no official pricing being stated at the time of this article.
