STUTTGART: The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB compact SUV (sports utility vehicle) gets a significantly upgraded interior, more extensive standard equipment, and an updated front and rear design.
It is offered in Europe with four petrol and four diesel engine options, and the range includes four‑cylinder units with seven- or eight-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission) as standard.
The two most powerful petrol engines come with variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard.
To reduce consumption and emissions, all petrol units are electrified.
These mild hybrids are equipped with an additional 48-volt electrical system for the belt-driven starter generator.
Its briefly available additional power of 14ps supports agile starting and is used for faster acceleration via boost.
The starter-generator also increases comfort: in addition to low-vibration and low-noise engine starting, it enables coasting with the combustion engine switched off.
In addition, it recuperates during braking and acceleration – and in this way supplies the 12-volt on-board network and the 48-volt battery with electrical energy.
The four turbocharged petrol engine models are the GLB 180 and 200 (1.33-litre), and 220 4MATIC and 250 4MATIC (2.0-litre).
The GLB 180 outputs 136ps at 5,500rpm and 230Nm of torque, while the GLB 200 produces 163ps at 5,500rpm and 270Nm of torque.
The GLB 220 4MATIC outputs 190ps at 5,500rpm and 300Nm of torque, while the GLB 250 4MATIC produces 224ps at 5,500rpm and 350Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is offered in three power and torque levels from 280Nm to 400Nm, and features single-stage turbocharging with variable turbine geometry.
The cylinder head and crankcase are made of lightweight aluminium.
The Nanoslide coating developed by Mercedes-Benz reduces friction between the cylinder wall and the steel piston, and thereby reduces consumption and emissions.
The four 2.0-litre diesel models are the GLB 180 d and 200 d, as well as the 200 d 4MATIC and 220 d 4MATIC.
The GLB 180 d outputs 116ps at 3,400rpm and 280Nm of torque, while the GLB 200 d produces 150ps at 3,400rpm and 320Nm of torque.
The GLB 200 d 4MATIC outputs 150ps at 3,400rpm and 320Nm of torque, while the GLB 220 d 4MATIC produces 190ps at 3,800rpm and 400Nm of torque.
Its updated exterior gets a redesigned front bumper with visual underbody protection, as well as new full-LED headlights and rear lights.
In the cabin, one highlight is the freestanding double screen.
Standard are a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display for the respective instrument cluster and multimedia screens, with two 10.25‑inch wide-screen displays available as an option.
Comfort seats come as standard in the new GLB, which are upholstered in Artico man-made leather and black fabric.
As for the kit, basic equipment includes Highbeam Assist, a reversing camera and the USB package.
Buyers can configure vehicles individually in terms of colours, upholstery, trim and wheels.
For further connectivity, the GLB now has an additional USB-C port and increased USB charging power while all USB ports are illuminated.
The Mercedes-Benz intelligent voice assistant is becoming even more capable of dialogue and learning thanks to online services in the Mercedes me app.
It can suggest personalised infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions.
As for safety, the new GLB shines with Active Steering Control, an upgrade of the Driving Assistance Package that enables more comfortable control of Lane Keeping Assist.
The next generation of the Parking Package also supports longitudinal parking with 360-degree visualisation for camera-assisted parking.
For the first time, the GLB also offers Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, which facilitates reverse manoeuvring with camera support.
The prerequisite is the trailer hitch with ESP trailer stabilisation in conjunction with the Parking Package with 360-degree camera.
