Mercedes is pulling back the curtain on its redesigned GLB SUV, set to debut on December 8th. The new model follows in the footsteps of the updated CLA, boasting a tech-forward interior and seating for up to seven passengers. While full details are still under wraps, Mercedes has unveiled several key features that point towards a significant upgrade.
The MBUX Superscreen Takes Center Stage
One of the most striking elements is an optional “MBUX Superscreen.” This expansive setup integrates three large displays: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster flanked by a 14-inch central infotainment screen and another identical 14-inch display for the passenger. This tech-heavy approach aligns with Mercedes’ recent focus on advanced driver interfaces, mirroring the setups seen in vehicles like the EQS and S-Class.
Beyond the sheer size, the Superscreen will utilize the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System, powered by an MBUX Virtual Assistant featuring avatars and integrated Google Maps navigation. Expect a heavy emphasis on artificial intelligence to personalize the driving experience.
Interior Design: Upscale Comfort and Convenience
Complementing the tech-forward dashboard are circular air vents that add a touch of classic elegance and a floating center console designed for convenience. It houses generously sized cup holders, an optional wireless smartphone charger, and a redesigned steering wheel. The GLB offers both five- and seven-seat configurations, catering to families seeking extra passenger space.
Mercedes has focused on enhancing comfort in the new model. While precise figures haven’t been released, they highlight “noticeably more headroom” in the front two rows, along with increased legroom and thigh support for second-row passengers. Third-row access is also improved, with seats that fold flat into the cargo floor when not needed.
A Range of Luxury Roof Options
A panoramic glass roof comes standard, but those seeking even more indulgence can opt for a unique variation. This version shifts from clear to opaque at the touch of a button, offering privacy on demand. Another option is an illuminated roof that simulates a starlit sky for a touch of celestial magic.
Further underscoring Mercedes’ attention to detail, this glass roof features heat-insulating laminated safety glass and an infrared-reflecting coating. This dual-action design helps maintain a comfortable interior temperature year-round: staying cool in the summer heat and minimizing heat loss during colder months.
Advanced Driver Assistance Takes the Wheel
Safety and driver assistance are paramount in the new GLB. Mercedes promises a “comprehensive range of systems” supported by a sophisticated sensor suite: eight cameras, five radar sensors, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and a powerful, water-cooled high-performance computer designed to handle increasingly complex tasks. This robust setup enables over-the-air updates that will keep the GLB’s capabilities current and capable of handling future driving assistance functions.
Putting the New GLB Through its Paces
With the debut just weeks away, Mercedes is finalizing testing at their Technology Center in Sindelfingen, Germany. The GLB undergoes rigorous trials in climatic wind tunnels that can simulate temperatures as low as -40° F (-40° C) and snow cannons capable of recreating blizzard conditions with snowflakes striking the vehicle at speeds up to 124 mph (200 km/h).
These demanding tests have already yielded positive results. Notably, the upcoming GLB EQ demonstrates significantly faster interior heating compared to its predecessor. In a 20-minute drive during -7° C temperatures, it heats twice as quickly and uses half the energy of the outgoing EQB. This efficiency gain, partially attributed to an innovative heat pump that recovers waste heat from various sources (motors, battery, and ambient air), translates directly into increased driving range for electric variants.
Electric Powertrain Options Expected
While specific performance figures remain under wraps, Mercedes hints at an 85 kWh battery pack for the GLB EQ and anticipates offering at least two powertrains. A possible entry-level model could feature a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. Higher trims will likely feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive system generating a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque, promising potent performance for those seeking more spirited driving.
The redesigned GLB SUV positions itself as a premium contender by merging spaciousness with cutting-edge technology and electrification. It’s poised to appeal to families and individuals alike who value both practicality and a luxurious, digitally-immersive experience on the road.
