To conclude things it would be fair to say that the GLB sets out to achieve being a more practical & spacious option than the GLA while being a little more compact than the GLC.
BHPian karan561 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Likes
- Diesel Engine & Gearbox Performance (400 NM + DCT)
- Interiors (Modern Enough, Functional & Spacious)
- CBU Build, Ride & Great Looking Alloys.
- 4Matic (Grip & Security)
Dislikes
- Not the most handsome looking Merc (Looks will take time getting used to, however the AMG line kit helps).
- Pricing (Well Priced for a CBU import from Mexico but still very expensive)
- Last Row Seats are unusable for Adults.
- Boot Space is tight with 7 seats up.
In the above video I discuss the Product Positioning of the GLB, Platform its riding on, Diesel Engine, Ride & Handling Performance.
You may access the above topics based on the timestamps provided under;
- 00:00 – Intro
- 00:43 – Product Positioning
- 03:13 – Platform
- 04:01 – Engine & Gearbox
- 06:26 – Handling & Ride
- 08:51 – Interior
- 10:01 – Final Thoughts
For those who prefer text may read on.
Product Positioning & Platform details
The mainstream media mention the GLB as a stretched GLA or funnily also mention it as baby GLS. Well they forget to mention a car which was in the Mercedes global line up called as the GLK:
Above product was also made to look like the bigger GLS (then known as GL), pictured as under:
Interestingly the GLK was that time based on the rear wheel drive C Class platform, currently there already is a product based on the RWD C Class platform called the GLC. Is the GLB the successor of the GLK ? Technically not, may be GLB’s predecessor may be the GLK, however one thing is clear now that the car impersonating the GLS is a FWD platform car made out of the stretched MFA 2 platform called the GLB.
Design
Mercedes have been able to give the GLB a more;
Upright Stance:
Kink in the shoulderline:
All this with a Longer Wheelbase accommodating 2 extra seats and made to look more serious than the GLA:
From my eyes the GLB’s design is an amalgamation of the Van, SUV & a Station wagon combined into one.
Driving Experience
The variant I tested was the 220d Diesel (Engine Code: OM654):
Buy the diesels till you can, another reason to buy the diesel over the other IC option is an underpowered Petrol motor. The drivability is amazing at any speed, the engine tune of the 220d with the 400 NM on tap feels more than sufficient in most situations. Outright performance is impressive considering its weight with the 100 hitting around the 7.5 sec. mark. Paddle shifters are a joy to use as they are made of full metal. This 220 diesel model gets a 8 speed DCT gearbox. Interestingly it isnt as jerky as a DCT would be. Some definite detuning has been done in the clutch actuations for sure especially for the 1st couple of gears. Comprehensively this engine & gearbox combo works out well to offer a balance of performance, fun & efficiency.
The GLB diesel handles well for its size & weight (1735 kgs) that’s not a surprise, because it’s the same platform of the GLA.
The steering is also very predictable in most situations and doesn’t spoil the handling. It’s got the moves & it’s agile enough to keep you engaged & on the limit the 4Matic AWD system will always be on the lookout for you & helping. It’s important to note that this is a full time AWD and not switchable system.
Though yes it is surely front biased which is felt when driving hard.
Overall suspension tuning is good as it does deliver a balance of handling & ride quality considering we are on a 19″ Setup.
Interiors
Front is identical to that of the GLA, in fact i remember driving the GLA 2 years back (Shared the review on TEAM-BHP as well) it had this same spec. interior, seats etc. so its interesting that Mercedes have carried forward this design, however Being a CBU import this cabin may hold a slight edge over the GLA.
Many may think that the only advantage the GLB has over the GLA is 2 extra seats, well thats not quite it, because the GLB trumps the middle row with much more space & legroom than the GLA (Note: 100 mm > wheelbase than the GLA). Is it a true 7 seater, well its best to call it a car which has 7 seats, if you know what i mean.
Final Thoughts
To conclude things it would be fair to say that the GLB sets out to achieve being a more practical & spacious option than the GLA while being a little more compact than the GLC & providing 2 more seats which both dont offer. I am aware that there is an full EV EQB (TEAM-BHP review is available in the Electric Cars part of our forum) on offer too but as an enthusiast my pick would be the Diesel.
Keyword: Video review: The Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d