Mercedes-Benz GLB first ride

The baby G.

That’s how Mercedes-Benz likes to describe its latest model, the GLB.

The catchy label suggests the new SUV has, in some way or another, a direct link to the German car maker’s original military grade off-roader, the G-class.

Don’t be fooled, though. While its upright exterior and may display some vague similarities to its recently upgraded stablemate, the GLB is a vastly different proposition to the G-class, and not just on price, which expected to start at around RMB300,000 in China.

The GLB is based on Mercedes-Benz’s second-generation MFA platform – the same structure used by the latest A-class, albeit with a stretched wheelbase to allow it offer a seven seat interior layout  – for a start. It is also planned to be sold exclusively with transversely mounted four-cylinder engines, offering a choice of both front- and four-wheel drive.

But before we get into the detail of the GLB, it’s worth pointing out it will slot into the Mercedes-Benz line-up above the upcoming second-generation GLA and below the recently facelifted GLC.

Mercedes-Benz knows that although the GLA sells well in many markets and helps to add volume to its compact car ranks for improved economies of scale it lacks the outright accommodation and versatility of established premium brand SUVs such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.

 “We wanted a roomier car. More multi-functional from an everyday point of view with the ability to accommodate seven occupants when required,” says Jochen Eck, Mercedes-Benz engineer responsible for overall vehicle testing in the compact segment, of the difference between the GLA and its new sibling, the GLB.

The idea for the new model came after Mercedes-Benz management decided against developing a long wheelbase version of the recently introduced third-generation B-class to go up against the BMW 2-series GranTourer.

“It doesn’t just compete with existing SUVs on looks. It is extremely space efficient and with three rows of seats it rivals the practicality of MPVs,” says Eck, who has overseen the GLB’s development along with each of its Mercedes-Benz compact car siblings over the past two years.

The GLB is planned to go on sale in China in 2020, so the camouflaged prototype you see here is very much a pre-production example. Not that its styling is any great secret any more. With the unveiling of the Concept GLB at the Shanghai motor show last month, Mercedes-Benz closely previewed the appearance of its newest SUV.

The definitive production version shares the same steel bodywork as the well-received Concept GLB but its detailing is a good deal less flamboyant and a lot less off-road orientated. Still, it makes an impression when you see it up close. The eighth member of Mercedes-Benz’s compact car line-up is undoubtedly a confident looking car. And that’s important in a class loaded with premium brand competition.

Dimensionally, the GLB is the largest of Mercedes-Benz’s compact models, running to a length of 4634mm. The wheelbase is put at 2829mm – some 100mm longer than that used by the fourth-generation A-class hatchback.

Production of the GLB for the Chinese market is planned to take place at a joint venture factory operated by Mercedes-Benz and BAIC in Beijing – the same site earmarked to produce the A-class L sedan. For other markets, the new model will be produced at a joint venture plant run by Mercedes-Benz and Renault-Nissan in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

At this late stage in its development the German car maker’s engineering team is still refining the adaptive damping control of the GLB in a bid to provide it with what Eck describes as the smoothest ride of the company’s compact car line-up.

The prototype we’ve been invited to ride in is the most powerful of the standard models planned from the outset sales, the GLB250 4Matic. Up front is the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz’s M264 four-cylinder gasoline engine. The transversely-mounted turbocharged 2.0-litre unit develops 165kW and 350Nm of torque.

Other engines, including a more powerful version of the M264 powerplant in a GLB35 performance model from AMG, will also likely be available when Chinese sales begin next year.

The roads around Arvidsjaur in north Sweden on which Mercedes-Benz is evaluating the GLB are among the most demanding on its long list of global test locations.

Our very first acquaintance with the new Mercedes-Benz model comes in early February. Along with sub-zero temperatures, there is also a fresh covering of snow for Eck and his engineering team to contend with as they rack up valuable kilometres on one of over 100 prototypes of the GLB constructed so far.

Stepping into the new Mercedes-Benz is fairly straight forward, as you’d expect from a car conceived with a clear focus on versatility; the sill is quite low and the door apertures large enough to allow unimpeded entry to the first and second row of seats.

Most of the prototype’s interior is covered in felt fabric, because Mercedes-Benz doesn’t want any secrets about the uniquely styled parts of the cabin to leak out before the production version of the GLB is officially unveiled in June.

But as the recent Concept GLB has subsequently revealed, it receives a new dashboard facia and centre console among other detailed changes. There’s also a digital panel housing instruments and infotainment functions, as in other recent new compact Mercedes-Benz models. It is coupled with the company’s excellent MBUX interface, allowing touch, spoken and gesture controls in more comprehensively equipped models.

The front seats, taken from the A-class and coupled with their own unique mounting points for a more commanding view of the road and improved visibility to each corner, are typically firm. But they’re also supportive and prove terrifically comfortable for the duration of our outing.

In the second row, there’s plenty of legroom when the seat, which offers 140mm of longitudinal adjustment as well as eight-stage inclination of the 40:20:40 configured back rest, is set all the way back. The near vertical side glass and an almost complete lack of tumble home to the roof also adds to the impression that the GLB boasts more headroom than any of its rivals. 

 To ease entry to the pair of seats in the third row, the outer seats within the second row receive a standard easy-entry function, which allows them to slide forward. When the third-row seats, which will be an option in China, are not required, they can be manually stowed within the floor of the luggage compartment. So configured, Eck claims the GLB boasts class-leading luggage capacity, helped no doubt in part by an almost upright tailgate.  

Once underway, the engine proves strong and well mannered. Mechanical refinement is one of the new Mercedes-Benz model’s key attributes. It’s as quiet at posted limits as more expensive siblings. Its stiff body structure, which Eck claims possesses levels of rigidity consummate with that of the A-class hatchback, also suppresses road noise quite well.  

In 4Matic models like the prototype we rode in, drive is channelled though a standard eight-speed dual clutch gearbox and multi-plate clutch four-wheel drive system featuring eco, comfort and sport driving modes. Each drive mode apportions a different amount of torque between the front and rear axles.

The GLB delivers sufficient grip and traction to be convincing even on icy roads. Despite being the tallest of Mercedes-Benz’s MFA based models, its centre of gravity is claimed to be quite low in comparison to rival SUVs, and this is demonstrated by the way it can be made to carry a good amount of speed into corners without the need for it to rely on the stability control system.

 Where it really excels, though, is in the calmness of its ride. With greater wheel travel and a longer wheelbase than other models in Mercedes-Benz compact car line-up, its progress is impressively smooth. The McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension absorbs bumps and ruts with proper authority in combination with the adaptive dampers, which will likely come as an option on all standard GLB models.  

However, a lack of ride height means its off-road prowess will be limited, in line with what Eck describes as customer expectations. “We could give it more ground clearance and scope for true off-road driving, but that’s not what the customer wants. In this class it is on-road performance that counts and we’ve developed the GLB accordingly,” he says.

The seasoned Mercedes-Benz engineer doesn’t rule out the chance of the GLB eventually being offered with an off-road package that will allow buyers to specify equipment similar to that showcased on the concept. However, he says it is not planned from launch.

That’s a pity, because in other areas the GLB looks to have the bases covered. It is distinctive in appearance and highly versatile inside. In GLB250 4Matic guise, it’s also strong on performance and every bit as refined as you’d expect from a car wearing the three-pointed star.  

Without true off-road features such as adjustable ride height and low range gearing, it’s definitely no baby G. But from what we’ve seen and experienced so far, the GLB appears a very credible rival to the likes of the Q3, X1 and XC40.