Mercedes Teases Redesigned GLB Ahead of December Debut
The second-generation GLB will debut next month with new technology, a more spacious interior, and an assortment of powertrains.
Key Features of the New GLB
- Mercedes teases the redesigned GLB ahead of its official debut next month.
- The crossover adds an MBUX Superscreen and offers seating for seven.
- We can expect electric and hybrid powertrains with up to 349 hp at launch.
Interior Upgrades
Mercedes has kicked off the teaser campaign for the new generation GLB, ahead of its debut on December 8. It follows in the footsteps of the CLA and features a high-tech interior with seating for up to seven people.
The GLB will feature an optional MBUX Superscreen, which combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment screen and a matching 14-inch passenger display. Buyers will also find the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System, featuring an MBUX Virtual Assistant with avatars and Google Maps navigation.
Interior Design and Features
The GLB has circular air vents and a floating center console, housing large cup holders and an available wireless smartphone charger. They’re joined by a new steering wheel and five- and seven-seat configurations.
- The GLB has “noticeably more headroom in the first two rows of seats.”
- Second-row passengers will also find additional legroom, added thigh support, and an adjustable backrest.
- Third-row occupants haven’t been forgotten, as entry and egress have been improved. When not needed, the rear seats fold into the load floor.
Roof Features
A panoramic glass roof comes standard, and customers can upgrade to a fancier version that can transition from clear to opaque in milliseconds. Customers can also get an illuminated roof featuring a “starry sky.”
Technology and Safety
The GLB will come with a “comprehensive range of driver assistance systems” supported by eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance computer.
Testing and Performance
With a debut less than a month away, the automaker is wrapping up testing at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen. The GLB is being subjected to cold-weather testing in climatic wind tunnels that can simulate temperatures of up to -40° F (-40° C).
Electric and Hybrid Powertrains
Mercedes didn’t mention performance specifications, but the GLB EQ will presumably have an 85 kWh battery pack and at least two powertrains. The entry-level variant could have a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. We can also expect a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Customers can also look forward to an assortment of hybridized powertrains consisting of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor.
