2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB Is A Seven-Seater Arriving Later This Year

The long-awaited 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB has just been launched as the latest addition to the German car manufacturer’s huge fleet of SUVs.

As its name implies, the Mercedes-Benz GLB slots nicely between the GLA and the GLC with its 111.4-inch long wheelbase. The SUV will be available as a seven-seater but Mercedes is still referring to the vehicle as forming part of its “global compact car family.”

Speaking of seven seats, customers can opt to have two retractable individual seats installed in the third row. There are also side window airbags for third-row passengers as well as two drink holders between the back seats and a number of stowage compartments which include USB-C ports. If customers don’t need seven seats, they can purchase the GLB as a five-seater with a second row which can be folded in a ratio of 40:20:40 and includes seats with backrest inclination adjustment.

As we expected, the exterior design of the GLB is virtually identical to the recent concept. Consequently, there is a beefy front end with square headlights and different grille/bumper designs depending on variant. The GLB also comes standard with a pair of roof rails, features muscular shoulders, and includes various areas of cladding. Customers can option both LED High Performance headlamps for the GLB and front fog lamps with LEDs.

The GLB comes equipped with some of the car manufacturer’s latest technologies in the cabin. For example, the MBUX infotainment system first featured in the new A-Class comes standard with a pair of large screens. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz has taken all the advanced driving assistance systems from the S-Class and made them available on the GLB. Consequently, the GLB can drive partially autonomously in certain situations. Other important pieces of tech found in the vehicle include Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic.

Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution is available and includes Eco/Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road settings to alter the torque distribution between the front and rear axles.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB will be sold exclusively in the United States in GLB 250 4MATIC guise. This model is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 221 hp at 5500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1800 and 4000 rpm. Local prices have yet to be announced.