Introduced in 2019 rather cheekily as a mini-G-Class based on slab-sided styling, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the GLB facelift that is expected to arrive in South Africa later this year.
a strange beginning
A model that has experienced several delays in the local market, including its relaunch last year, the GLB premiered alongside its smaller sibling, the GLA, with both expected to return in another generation in 2025.
Once again based on the front-wheel-drive MFA2 platform, also used by the hatchback and sedans A-Class, B-Class, CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, the GLB remains the same dimensions, but like the GLA, receives subtle series. changes in the middle and outside.
new addition
In the case of the former, the grille has been renovated, the bumper changed and side graphics added to the shoulder line. A newly reworked LED taillight cluster, wheel sizes from 17 to 20 inches, plus the same Spectral Blue Metallic paint option as the GLA cover the exterior.
Also read: Can the Mercedes-Benz GLB live up to its ‘Baby G-Wagon’ nickname?
As the GLB range does not have a model designated ’45’ despite a 2020 patent document suggesting otherwise, the AMG GLB 35 continues to top the range with exterior tweaks that reflect the GLA 35.
Inside, the GLB benefits from the same changes as the GLA, although in this case, the steering wheel can be trimmed in Artico synthetic fiber or leather.
Seating is again provided for five or optionally for seven, the latter setup does not exceed the AMG GLB 35.
Petrol, diesel and batteries
Taking the lead from the GLA, all GLB engine options, including the 35, are now enhanced with a 48-volt EQ Boost mild hybrid system that adds an additional 10 kW for short bursts.
Unlike its sibling, the plug-in hybrid model is not available. The same transmission options apply however, namely seven-speed or eight-speed dual-clutch depending on the model.
On the power and torque front, the GLB 180 starts the range with 100kW/230Nm from the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, which rises to 120kW/270Nm in the same GLB 200 engine. -wheel-drive only.
The higher GLA 220 and GLA 250, however, are equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s own 2.0-liter engine that develops 140kW / 300Nm in the former, and 165kW / 350Nm in the latter. The 4Matic system that holds all the paws is standard fare.
On the diesel front, Benz’s 2.0 liter oil-burner has been tweaked to deliver three different outputs; 85kW / 280Nm in the front-wheel-drive only GLB 180d, 110kW / 320Nm in the GLB 200d that comes with the 4Matic system as an option, and 140kW / 400Nm in the 4Matic-equipped GLB 220d.
The GLB 35 completes the range with 225kW / 400Nm from the 2.0 liter turbo-petrol, harnessed to the road via an AMG eight-speed dual clutch box to all four wheels via the 4Matic+ system. Performance figures indicate a limited maximum speed of 250 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.
Unveiling is yet to be announced
Like the GLA, South African market availability for the GLB has yet to be confirmed, although an announcement is likely to be made by Mercedes-Benz South Africa in the second or third quarter of this year.