Skip advert
Advertisement

First Mercedes GLB revealed – yet another compact-ish SUV

Mercedes’ next SUV seats seven, is based on the A-class and might spawn a 415bhp variant

So the product offensive from Mercedes continues, as it launches the ninth SUV model – the GLB – in its sprawling range. It hits a point in the market not previously covered by Mercedes-Benz in offering a smaller, more versatile SUV with seating for up to seven. Of course, being a Mercedes-Benz, there is a very high likelihood of an AMG version arriving soon, and with the all-new M139 four-cylinder having recently been detailed, the age of a 415bhp seven-seat compact SUV might just be upon us.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The reason this GLB will feature AMG’s new high-performance four-cylinder engine is its derived underpinnings. Unlike the larger, yet less versatile GLC, the GLB will sit on the smaller A-class platform. As a result, the GLB engine range is made up from a combination of transversely mounted three- and four-cylinder engines paired with dual-clutch transmissions.

> Click here for a full technical rundown on Merc's new M139 power unit

At launch, the GLB’s engine range will kick off with five units (two petrols and three diesels), topped by a 222bhp GLB250. All four-cylinder power units are connected to a fresh eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, but it’s only the two diesels (GLB200d and GLB220d) that will feature 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

An AMG GLB35 is on the way, with the same 302bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine as found in the A35 and CLA35, but this version will be a mere precursor to the full-fat GLB45, which will eventually top the range and bring a unique capability to the range, namely how to make five children violently ill in the shortest time possible.

In order to package seven seats into the car’s relatively compact footprint, Mercedes has created a tall and upright silhouette for the GLB – one that doesn’t look that dissimilar to a Skoda Yeti. In addition to this, the GLB has an extremely long wheelbase in relation to its overall length, taking maximum advantage of the transversely mounted powertrain and unlocking as much interior space as possible.

Despite the blocky appearance, the GLB does remain resolutely an on-road SUV and is by no means a baby G-class. This is exemplified by the optional AMG-line styling package, which swaps out the standard model’s chunky elements for the usual combination of gaping front grilles, low bumpers and big alloy wheels.

The interior is typical of a modern Mercedes and combines the A-class’s MBUX infotainment system with a new, boxy dashboard and a greater emphasis on space efficiency. For those to whom it will appeal, Mercedes’ liberal use of colourful ambient lighting and new illuminated trim inserts can light the interior up to levels only usually seen inside a Vegas all-you-can-eat buffet.

So the new GLB might well attract a new customer to the Mercedes-Benz range, but does little to blip our radar. However, the notion of a GLB45 S AMG is a rather different kettle of fish, and might well live up to its big brother, the G63, in terms of ridiculousness if not outright theatre.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mercedes CLK DTM: the anatomy of the 2000s V8 touring car
Mercedes CLK DTM
Features

Mercedes CLK DTM: the anatomy of the 2000s V8 touring car

In 2000, the DTM was reborn with a new rule‑set, a new ethos and a new hero car, the Mercedes CLK DTM. We look under its skin
2 Jul 2025
Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats
Best Mercedes AMG models
Best cars

Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats

From track-honed supercars to thundering sports saloons, Mercedes-AMG has produced countless performance car icons over the years. These are the best …
25 Jun 2025
Your move, Singer: HWA to race the Mercedes 190E Evo restomod at the Nürburgring
HWA Evo front
News

Your move, Singer: HWA to race the Mercedes 190E Evo restomod at the Nürburgring

The makers of the Mercedes CLK GTR and Pagani Huayra R’s screaming V12 are taking their modern take on the iconic Mercedes 190E Evo II racing
19 Jun 2025
Mercedes-AMG’s 1000bhp Lotus Eletre fighter spied testing
Mercedes-AMG electric SUV front
News

Mercedes-AMG’s 1000bhp Lotus Eletre fighter spied testing

Don’t ask and ye shall receive, as development of Mercedes-AMG’s monster performance electric SUV continues at pace
5 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement
Ferrari Amalfi front
News

New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement

The Ferrari Amalfi picks up where the Roma left off, as a more capable, debugged super GT that’s finally brought back buttons
1 Jul 2025
Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025