Mercedes-Benz GLB has a wheelbase 100 mm longer than the standard B-Class, so is the first compact vehicle from the upmarket Germany marque to offer a third row of seats.
Ideally occupants of the two additional individual rearmost seats should ideally be under 1.68 metres tall. The third row seats do have IsoFix and Top-Tether anchorages for suitable child seats, the total of four IsoFix points makes it an excellent vehicle for carrying youngsters.
The third row has two drinks holders between the seats, as well as two outboard stowage compartments, each fitted with a USB port.
When lowered, the two seats stow flush with the load compartment floor to maximise cargo capacity.
Further flexibility is provided by second-row seats that can be moved fore-aft by 140 millimetres, and a seat-back that splits 40:20:40.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre, turbo-petrol engine with 120kW and 250Nm. It’s mated to a seven-speed transmission driving the front wheels.
The GLB 200 has the Mercedes MBUX multimedia system with a widescreen cockpit having side-by-side 10.25-inch digital screens. There’s smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus wireless phone charging for compatible devices.
Standard safety features include Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, Adaptive High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Lane Keep Assist, Active Brake Assist with semi-autonomous braking, and nine airbags.
The GLB 250 4MATIC has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 165kW and 350Nm. It has an eight-speed automatic, sending power where it’s needed via the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
The GLB 250 has a panoramic sunroof, powered and heated front seats with memory function, adjustable damping suspension,
Finally, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC is powered by an AMG-tuned 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine outputting 225kW and 400Nm. It has an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT eight-speed auto (with AMG Dynamic Select) and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
Other exclusive features in the GLB 35 include an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather fitted with an AMG DRIVE UNIT controller for quick changes between drive modes, Comfort Sport Seats in Lugano leather, the Energizing Comfort Control feature that can set the in-cabin mood, AMG pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, Carbon Structure interior trim, AMG specific bodywork, AMG Night Package exterior trim features, dark-tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar to the rear, black roof rails, AMG-specific body styling and lettering, plus 20-inch 5-Twin-Spoke alloy wheels.
All models in the GLB range can be registered with Mercedes me Connect, the app that can control numerous vehicle functions and features from a compatible smartphone.
Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 and the GLB 250 4MATIC are available to order now, with first deliveries to commence in May. The GLB 200 is priced at $59,900 (MRLP). The Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC is priced at $73,900 (MRLP).
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4 MATIC will be priced at $88,900 (MRLP) when it arrives in Australia later this year.
