Australian specs and pricing have been announced for the seven-seat 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV range ahead of a showroom arrival later this month.
At launch, Mercedes-Benz will offer the GLB 200 priced from $59,900 plus on-road costs, and the GLB 250 4Matic which starts at $73,900 plus on-roads.
Built on the latest front- and all-wheel drive MFA platform, the GLB will plug the gap between the existing GLA and GLC models.
Dimensionally, the GLB measures in at 4634mm long, 1834mm wide and 1662mm high with a wheelbase of 2829mm. For comparison, the GLB is only 35mm shorter than the GLC yet it has the option of seven seats in what is a 5+2 configuration.
With five seats in place, the cargo capacity is a reasonable 560-litres which can increase to 1755L with the middle row folded flat.
According to Mercedes, the third row can comfortably accommodate passengers up to 1.68 metres tall. Those in the third row get two cup holders between the seats, as well as two outboard stowage compartments, each fitted with a USB port.
The entry-level GLB 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 120kW and 250Nm. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels.
Equipment highlights on the base car include the MBUX infotainment system running on two 10.25-inch digital screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, keyless entry and start, comfort seats in Artico upholstery, automatic cruise control, an electric tailgate, illuminated door sills, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear-view camera, comfort suspension, rain-sensing wipers and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Safety is taken care of with 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 uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 165kW and 350Nm. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.
Additional features include 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, electric and heated front seats with memory function, adjustable damping suspension and the Sports Direct-Steer System.
Buyers of the GLB 250 4Matic also get the Off-Road engineering package which features Downhill Speed Regulation and an additional driving mode to adapt the power delivery of the engine, the characteristics of 4Matic system, and ABS intervention for off-road driving on easy terrain.
The 4Matic model also gets an off-road light function making it easier to see obstacles in rough terrain in the dark. With the off-road light, the cornering light on the LED headlamps is continuously switched on up to a speed of 50 km/h. This results in a wide and bright light distribution in front of the vehicle.
Later this year, the AMG GLB35 4Matic will join the range priced from $88,900 plus on-road costs.
The AMG variant is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 225kW and 400Nm.
Power is sent to the AMG calibrated 4Matic all-wheel drive system through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The torque split ranges from purely front-wheel drive to a 50:50 distribution between the front and rear axle.
In terms of performance, Mercedes-AMG claims the car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds.
Standard kit includes 20-inch alloy wheels, an AMG exhaust system (with silent start), an AMG high-performance braking system, AMG speed-sensitive power steering, AMG Ride Control sports suspension with electronically controlled damping, AMG specific bodywork, AMG Night Package exterior trims and dark-tinted privacy glass.
On the inside, highlights include the latest AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather fitted with an AMG drive unit controller for quick changes between drive modes, comfort sport seats trimmed in Lugano leather, carbon structure trim, AMG pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs and Energizing Comfort Control that can set the in-cabin atmosphere.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB pricing (excludes on-road costs):
GLB 200 - $59,900
GLB 250 4Matic - $73,900
AMG GLB35 4Matic - $88,900
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