Mercedes-benz GLB 250 delivers comfortable ride
In one single generation, Mercedes-benz has gone from being a manufacturer of luxury sedans, as well as a couple of sporty coupes and convertibles, to a dominating force as a producer of high-end sport utility vehicles. Starting with the introduction of the game-changing ML320 in 1997, the German automaker now knocks out no fewer than eight models for the North American market.
MB'S GLB soft-roader, new last year, is described by the company as a “versatile SUV with off-road-oriented design and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive.” Its most distinguishing feature? Well, other than being built in Mexico, it's the company's first compact crossover available with an optional ($1,300) third row of seats, although to call it a seven-seater would be a stretch.
Slotted between the subcompact GLA and the GLC, the B is much closer in size to the latter than the former.
There's a look of comforting solidity to the crossover, and it comes with protective cladding and “simulated” front and rear underride guards. In other words, it's OK to meander along cottage roads or strap skis to the roof rails while taking a trip to the slopes, but anyone thinking of bashing about in the woods with this rig is a couple of sandwiches shy of a picnic. The GLB 250 is, like the vast majority of its ilk, a shopping mall assault vehicle. And there's no shame in that.
Like most of Mercedes' compact lineup — crossovers, coupes and sedans — the B in base form is powered by the company's ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, this one mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. And while 221 horsepower and 258 poundfeet of torque aren't exactly groundbreaking, the engine is well suited to the vehicle. It's as quiet and smooth as a boosted, small-displacement unit allows, and helps the 1,765-kilogram SUV move along with the flow of traffic. Mercedes lists a 6.9-second time to reach 100 km/h.
Typical of Mercedes' crossovers, there's also an AMG performance version for the motor heads. For an additional $11,000, the GLB 35 4Matic ($57,500 to start) bumps up the pony count to a more dramatic 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
As the milder of the two available GLBS, the 250 is designed more for comfort than sport, delivering a comfortably firm ride with handling that is responsive. Although Americans are offered a front-wheeldrive version, all GLBS destined for Canada are equipped with 4Matic and fully variable torque distribution.
The cabin has a bright, hightech layout, highlighted by a central touch screen. Air vents have a sporty turbine-like look — a signature Mercedes touch. Lots of aluminum trim, solid door handles, and bright red stitching complement the interior.
The tester was equipped with a $3,300 Premium Package, which includes 10.25-inch touch-screen centre media and digital instrument cluster displays, not to mention 64-colour LED ambient lighting with illuminated vents.
The navigation's map screen is highly functional, and includes helpful information such as gas station and bank locations. The gas station icons supposedly include the price per litre of regular fuel at each location, but the pricing was nowhere close to the actual figures posted at any of the stations I encountered.
With the rearmost seats folded flat, second-row legroom is quite acceptable. And these middle seats can also be folded flat, leaving a spacious luggage area of 1,755 L.
With a starting price of $43,990, the GLB 250 will provide buyers with a fairly inexpensive taste of the Mercedes experience. It won't be a full-measure experience, which might disappoint owners trading into a smaller Benz more than it would buyers new to the brand.