Dr Weidner (left) and Jopp with the GLB 35.
PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today launched the new GLB luxury compact seven-seater sports utility vehicle (SUV).Our first encounter with the GLB was in Spain late last year where we first drove it. The launch also saw the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz G 350 d.
Positioned between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC SUVs, the new GLB line-up for Malaysia starts with the GLB 200 Progressive Line and gets priced on-the-road without insurance at RM269,118.
Next is the mid-range GLB 250 4Matic AMG Line at RM318,009 while the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic gets tagged at RM363,137.
With MBM's MobilityPlus programme, its latest Possi-B-ilities Financing starts from RM2,688 per month based on a five-year tenure and a 19% downpayment.
The GLB 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre (1,332cc) turbocharged engine producing 163hp at 5,500rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1,620 to 4,000rpm.
With its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the GLB sprints from 0 to 100kph in 9.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 207kph.
The GLB 200 is equipped with the German carmaker's Comfort Suspension system and provides drivers with Dynamic Select driving modes of Eco and Comfort,
The seven-seater is fitted with 18-inch five-spoke lightweight alloys with 235/55 series tyres and aluminium roof rails.
There's also anti-glare mirrors for the interior and power-folding exterior mirrors, front fog lights, full-LED headlights and the brand's Progressive Line Exterior kit.
In terms of amenities, this SUV comes with automatic wipers, powered front seats with memory function and folding rear 60:40 seats that expand the 570-litre boot with a powered tailgate to 1,805 litres.
The third-row seats are stowed flush in the GLB's rear floorboard and are accompanied by two cupholders between the seats and two stowage compartments - each housing a USB port.
Inside, the cabin is furnished with a leather multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle-shifters, automatic climate controls and Velour floor mats.
Entertainment comes from the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Multimedia system that's connected to an all-digital system providing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
An LTE communications module is provided should owners wish to make use of the Mercedes me connected services.
Other services include hard-disc navigation, Live Traffic Information, Media display, Mercedes-Benz emergency call system and a Touchpad without Controller.
Safety is emphasised with the GLB having Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, keyless-entry with push-start button, airbags, a reverse camera and tyre pressure monitoring system.
Moving up to the GLB 250, this variant adds the 4MATCIC all-wheel-drive system for added traction when moving off from standstill and benefits from a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
The GLB 250 4Matic has an eight-speed DCT to manage its 2.0-litre (1,991cc) turbocharged engine producing 224hp at 5,500rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,800 to 4,000rpm.
Power is sent to the 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution to help with traction.
This cuts century sprint times down to 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 236kph.
The GLB 250 is dressed up with AMG body styling that includes the diamond radiator grille with single louvre as well as sports seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather. Unfortunately, the front fogs have been removed here.
Further additions include the Off-Road Engineering package which provides Incline, Slippery and Trailer driving modes in addition to the Dynamic Select driving modes of Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual driving modes.
The GLB 250 now rolls on larger 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels with 235/50 series tyres.
Additional highlights include ambient lighting for the cabin, AMG floor mats, carbon-structure cabin trim and galvanised paddle shifters.
The performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic also uses the same powertrain, only its engine has been uprated to provide 306hp from 5,800 to 6,100rpm and 400Nm of torque from 3,000 to 4,000rpm.
This GLB flagship shaves the sprint times to 5.2 seconds while boosting top speed to an electronically limited 250kph.
With designo red seat belts securing driver in place, adding to the GLB's long list of abilities are the adaptive high beams, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Blind Spot Assist and a remote engine start system.
Present were Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president/CEO Dr Claus Weidner and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president of sales and marketing Michael Jopp. Dr Weidner is also Mercedes-Benz Cars SEA II regional head.
"The GLB is the most versatile in our premium SUV range," said Jopp.
"Its iconic design lends it an unmistakable character, showcasing its classic off-road boxy design from the G-Class."
Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 Progressive Line
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC AMG Line
Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC
