Right after testing the Mercedes-Benz GLA200, it was time to take on the GLB 220d. While it felt like there were few differences they do vary in size, design and versatility. The GLB 220d is larger with a boxier shape than the GLA coupe-like design. Its versatility comes in the ability to add a third row to make it into a 7-seater.
Despite the additional space, the GLB is still classified as a compact SUV coming in with a significant price tag of over R1 million. While it is closer to SUV sizing than a compact SUV, you’re likely to find other options at a lower price with similar specifications.
The drive
GLB 220d is intended to give its drivers more rugged capability rather than the sportiness of the GLA. While I found it to have a firm and confident drive on the road, I’m not quite sure I would attempt adventurous off-roading. Its ruggedness will come in handy primarily for gravel or dust roads, perhaps for game parks enthusiast. Yet, at that price tag, if go off-roading often, I believe there are better options.
I can give the GLB due credit for absorbing imperfections on the road well. I generally try to avoid potholes so I can’t confirm how it handled these, but it does give that extra degree of confidence should one of those pesky potholes sneak up on you.
The GLB has just the right amount of responsiveness and energy. I also found that it met your needs as both a suburban, short distance vehicle as what it did on the open highway where you need to gain speed quickly, overtake or drive up steep inclines. Another instance where it displays versatility.
The test unit was the GLB 220d 4Matic Progressive. It comes with a 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 140 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. There is also a turbo-petrol option or the EQB electric option.
An 8-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission is mated with an all-wheel-drive system. Mercedes’ 4Matic AWD directs torque to the wheels with the most traction. It is mostly in front-wheel drive but rear wheel drive can also be engaged in low-grip road conditions – hence the versatility in the drive of the GLB.
Where I like to take images of test vehicles there is a little bit of off-road driving. It is more of a dirt road that even a hatchback can handle but after some heavy rain there were a few new ditches and I found that the ground clearance was not quite high enough.
Despite the GLB coming across as a compact SUV in SUV clothing, fuel consumption was definitely something to write home about. In a mixture of open road and suburban driving without much traffic, we managed to achieve an impressive 6.5L/100km.
I was so surprised by this figure that I immediately looked up the claimed figures, 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers, as well as what was achieved in other tests. Some were better, some slightly worse but all of them were around the 6.5 mark.
The design
The front bumper is redesigned to feature visual underbody protection points as part of its off-road appeal. Its grille has four horizontal louvres and the central star underlines this impression. The shoulder shape is modelled to be more athletic with side graphics that interplay light and shadow. The rear has also been widened.
Full-LED headlights and rear lights were added to the GLB. There is also four additional wheel designs and a new Spectral Blue Metallic colour. In basic trim, the GLB has 18-inch, five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black with high-gloss surfaces. The 19- to 20-inch wheels are optional.
Something Mercedes excels at is their ambient lighting. Like most brands it changes with the driving mode, or you can select the colour. The Mercedes difference is how effective it looks at night. It very successfully adds a feeling of luxury and sophistication to the interior.
The ambient lighting is not only on the door trims but also around the center console and circling the turbine-looking air vents. This helps create the sophisticated and sporty look of the interior.
The Mercedes-Benz 3-point star is not only largely and proudly displayed on the grill of the GLB but Mercedes-Benz also lights up the nameplate on the doorframe. Additionally, the logo shines on the ground from the side mirrors when the doors are opened.
One of the biggest differences in the GLB is the extra space. This means rear passengers benefit with more leg room and there is a sizeable boot. For drivers with families, this is something that will be considerably appreciated.
The other difference is that you can choose to add a third row of seating. If you do select this option there is still the versatility of choosing between boot space or extra space for your family. The third row makes it difficult to consider it a compact SUV. It is the only vehicle in the segment with this option.
The test unit had full black leather seats. It does also come with a brown and black combination. I am not sure if luxury vehicle brands that are increasingly using this combination have taken a few steps back into the past. I prefer the full black option especially with the ambient lighting set to the same colour as the GLB.
Stepping inside
A piece of tech that Mercedes includes in the GLB 220d, is swipe pads to control volume on the steering wheel. Once you become accustomed to sliding your finger up or down to adjust the volume it becomes unexpectedly efficient. It is thinking like this that sets these brands apart. I would not have expected how much more it reduced distraction than the usual volume controls on the steering wheel.
Mercedes is one of the brands you need to pay special attention to in terms of spec. Obviously, most test units are the top-of-the-line variants but remember that with Mercedes many specifications come at an extra cost. For the price that you pay for the basic model, there are some things one would expect to be included as standard.
Personally, this includes the 360° camera and wireless charging pad. There are plenty optional extras such as a sunroof, heat sport seats, adaptive dampers if you do plan on off-roading a fair amount, two 10.25‑inch wide-screen displays, electronically opening tailgate, Automatic seats adjustments or ARTICO man-made leather. Once you add on all the features you need, you will pay well over a million for a compact SUV. Ironically, more extensive standard equipment is one of the new features included in the new GLB.
Other standard features of the GLB 220d is a start button, rear aircon vents, freestanding double 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display screens for the instrument cluster and multimedia screens, MBUX interface with 3 modes,10 ambient lighting choices and the effective ‘Hey Mercedes voice commands, illuminated USB ports and an extra C-Port, leather steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
Safety
The safety features of the GLB 220d are surprisingly limited:
- Highbeam assist
- Reverse camera
- 7 airbags
- Semi-autonomous emergency braking
- Traction/stability control
You can get more safety features such as blind spot monitoring and lane assist but these come at an extra cost. Another optional feature is the ‘Parking Package’ with longitudinal parking and 360-degree visualisation for camera-assisted parking. For the first time, the GLB also offers Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, again as an extra.
While it is an enjoyable car to drive and has plenty of perks (if you can afford them) it remains a highly competitive market and it is undeniable that there are plenty of other options with more standard spec at a significantly lower price. What some of the competitors do not have, though, is the reputation of Mercedes-Benz and have yet to show their long-term might and reliability. As for other competitors, they have just as strong a reputation and ultimately it will come down to brand loyalty that will likely be the deciding factor for many consumers.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine
Transmission: 8-speed DCT
Power: 140 kW
Torque: 400 Nm
Fuel consumption(claimed): 5.5L/100km
Fuel consumption(achieved): 6.5L/100km
Price: from R1 116 100
Warranty and service plan: 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan
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