The Mercedes-Benz GLB 2020 arrives with seating for seven passengers

The long-awaited Mercedes-Benz GLB 2020 has just joined the star brand’s family as the latest addition to the German carmaker’s already vast SUV lineup. As its name suggests, the Mercedes-Benz GLB sits between the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, with a wheelbase of 111.4 inches.

The new SUV from the star brand will be available as a seven-seater, but Mercedes-Benz still refers to the vehicle as part of its “global family of compact cars”.

As for the seven seats, customers can opt for two individual fold-away seats installed in the third row. There are also side window airbags for third-row passengers, as well as two cup holders between the rear seats and several storage compartments that include USB-C ports.

If customers don’t need seven seats, they can buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB as a five-seater with a second row that folds in a 40:20:40 ratio and includes seatbacks with reclining adjustment.

Mercedes-Benz GLB, what is the much-anticipated Mercedes-Benz SUV like?

As expected, the exterior design of the Mercedes-Benz GLB is practically identical to the latest concept presented. Consequently, it features a robust front end with square headlights and different grille and bumper designs that vary depending on the option.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB also comes standard with a pair of roof rails, has muscular shoulders and includes several cladding areas. Customers can opt for high-performance LED front headlights for the Mercedes-Benz GLB and front fog lights with LEDs.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLB is equipped with some of the latest technology from the German brand in its cabin. For example, the infotainment system, MBUX, first introduced in models belonging to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, comes standard with a pair of large screens. In addition, the star manufacturer has taken all the advanced driver assistance systems from the S-Class and made them available on the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

Consequently, the Mercedes-Benz GLB can drive partially autonomously in certain situations. Other important pieces of technology found in the vehicle include the Active Steering Assistant, the Active Lane Change Assistant and the Active Parking Assistant with Parktronic.

The Mercedes-Benz permanent all-wheel drive 4Matic system with variable distribution is also available and includes the Eco, Comfort, Sport and Off-Road settings to alter torque distribution between the front and rear axles. Notably, the new Mercedes-Benz GLB will be sold exclusively in the United States under the designation GLB 250 4Matic. This model is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 225 CV at 5,500 rpm and 349 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLB features four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines thoroughly revised “on the occasion of the restyling of the compact car series”. Compared with the previous generation, these powertrains stand out for a clear increase in specific performance, greater efficiency and lower emissions.