Motoring
Cruising in the Mercedes-Benz GLB
THERE’S A CABAL of motoring writers who scratch their heads when people opt for big wheeled, high-centre of gravity, gas guzzling, SUVs - only to brave suburban traffic. But no matter how level-headed their admonishments or treacherous our potholes, the world cannot get enough of the SUV shape and form. And after a weekend with the GLB - I’m reminded exactly why.
WHERE IT SITS
Your optical perspectives aren’t lying to you and neither are we. This car really is categorized as a compact-to-mid sized SUV. Boxy and squat, the only other seven-seater in Merc’s line-up is the pricey GLE 450 4Matic (RM633,888). With the exception of the slightly shorter Land Rover Discovery Sport, not even BMW, Audi, or Volvo have this seat configuration.
Despite divided opinions on the its looks and that passenger window kink, there’s no denying the GLB 200 (RM269,118) and the GLB 250 (RM318,009) are posh peoplemovers that I could easily live with everyday.
HOW IT RIDES
I had a genuinely good time rushing this car over deserted swathes of highway.
Even if it was devoid of passengers and slightly skittish over humps and various irregularities, the GLB 250’s 224 PS (221HP) and 350Nm of torques still felt good. With a full load, I reckon it might take a smidge longer to reach cruising speeds.
But once you’re sailing on the open road, the GLB effortlessly cruises at the 130km/h150km/h range - topping out at 236km/h. But if you’re wearing your sensible pants, the general consensus is an impressive 7.7L/100km consumption rating.
Caution is advised in all corners but this is still an easy to handle car. Through rutted backlanes or narrow multi level parking lots, I would be delighted to have this as a daily ride, especially comfort mode. In sport, the 250’s rev needle sticks to the upper reaches and provides more than enough over-taking power or a good kick when you need to turn out into fast moving traffic.
HELPFUL FEATURES
On that note, what a gorgeous dash to show off the latest iteration of the MBUX - Mercedes Benz User Experience. The sideby-side 10.25inch displays show off each driving mode’s gorgeous meter cluster, designed even with faux-shading to make things extra pretty. If there are screaming children in the rear, control connections with the central touchscreen or touch pad. Otherwise connect to your favourite podcasts via Voice Control or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.
And once you get used to the wide-angle reverse camera, Active Parking Assist, active brake-assist, and easy-park tailgate, it’s hard to go back to life before the Enlightenment. Special note - the GLB 250 comes with the Off-Road Engineering package and a Downhill Speed Regulation system.
FUSS FREE OWNERSHIP
Mercedes knows they have a best-seller on hand, and to make the GLB an even more compelling proposal - enter the EaseProtect Financing offer. New and improved over the Agility Financing program, installments begin at RM2,788 for the GLB 200 and RM3,288 for the GLB 250. With a downpayment of approximately 20 percent and serving a minimum tenure of five years, Mercede guarantees the car’s future value, along with a comprehensive motor insurance and tyre and rim replacement in the first year of ownership.
If you’ve got bodies to move and places to see, plus a view for unparalleled safety credentials, the GLB is going to fit your niche like no other car. Not to mention the zippy drivetrain and ideally weighted steering wheel to keep a driver engaged.