Mercedes GLB 220d AMG Line Premium Plus

The all-new Mercedes GLB 220d is in Singapore - it is a less-expensive SUV with a decent drive, boxy-cool styling, seven seat capability, and a whole lot of room. Discover the new GLB, one of the most flexible compact SUVs Mercedes-Benz ever built.

Despite some quibbles with its refinement levels, the fact that the GLB is a seven-seat SUV with the three-pointed star on its nose – along with the technology, driving qualities and an interior that lives up to the expectations that the famous emblem inspire – will be a deciding factor for many. Yes, the Q5 remains our preferred large SUV, but it lacks the option of a third row of seats. And while the Discovery Sport just gets the nod over the GLB, that’s primarily because it’s more spacious. Mercedes has produced a highly commendable all-rounder with no real weaknesses.

The Mercedes GLB sits between the GLA and GLC models, both of which are five-seaters.  Basically, the GLA is an entry-level SUV, while the GLC is marketed as more refined and upmarket. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is aimed at customers who want a flexible seven-seater SUV.

At 2829mm, the Mercedes GLB’s wheelbase is 100mm (10cm) longer than the B-Class hatchback’s. Thanks to this, passengers up to 1.68m tall can supposedly be comfortably accommodated in the rearmost pair of seats. The second-row seats can be moved fore and aft by 140mm.

The Mercedes GLB is claimed to be big on practicality. The seven-seater variant has a minimum boot capacity of 150 litres with all seats in place. Folding down the third row seats gives you 700 litres. When all rear seats are folded, total capacity expands to 1680 litres.

Unlike other cars in its category, it offers maximum comfort while taking up surprisingly little space. From a longitudinally adjustable second seat row and third row of seats to a digital widescreen cockpit and high-resolution MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, the new GLB is not only tailored to your needs, but gives you flexibility you didn’t even know you needed.

Although not relevant to the GLB 200, which is front-wheel drive only, a quick go in the 4MATIC all-wheel drive equipped Mercedes GLB 220d AMG Line proved the GLB is fairly handy off the beaten track. On a testing gravel off road course complete with severe up and down hills the Merc never looked likely to get stuck, it’s trick traction control keeping it moving. Only the aforementioned Land Rover is as impressive in these conditions.

The all-new Mercedes GLB 200 nor the GLB 220d is nowhere near the juicier GLB 35. Compared to the latter’s aurally satisfying exhaust note and Speedy Gonzales on-road behaviour, the GLB 200 falls short, and quite significantly, if I may add.

Check out our imported Mercedes GLB 220d AMG Line Premium Plus as well as the GLB 200 AMG Line Premium.

More information about the Mercedes GLB class can be found here.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page.

Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d 2.0 (A)