The Mercedes-Benz GLB has been with us for a year and a half now. Although the GLB is formally under the GLC, they hardly differ in size. In fact, the GLB is even more spacious than its ‘big’ brother. Do you still get a little value for money for the starting price of more than half a ton? Time to dissect the entry-level version of the CAP.
Mercedes-Benz GLB 180 Business Solution
€ 51,095
The GLB is in fact Mercedes-Benz’s answer to cars like the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and the Peugeot 5008. Optionally, it is even available as a seven-seater, but more on that later. Where the GLA as a crossover is more aimed at buyers who are looking for a fashionable but higher-standing car, the GLB has the appearance of an SUV and is a lot bigger. The GLB measures 4.6 meters in length, making it 22.4 inches longer than the GLA and the wheelbase measures an additional 10 inches. Furthermore, the cap is 4.7 centimeters higher than the GLA. In terms of starting price, they differ from each other with about € 3,000 at the disadvantage of the GLB.
For the GLB, Mercedes-Benz offers a choice of four different petrol engines and three diesels. The 200, 250, 200d and 220d are also available with 4Matic all-wheel drive if required. The 306 hp range topper AMG GLB 35 is only available as a 4Matic. Today we take the 136 hp GLB 180 with it, as standard this engine is linked to the 7G-DCT automatic transmission. It is the GLB 180 Business Solution which is listed in the price list for the above amount. Therefore this version is the chosen one for this section.
Less to choose
The advantage of the Business Solution over more expensive versions is of course not without limitations. As standard, it rolls on relatively modest 17-inch alloy wheels with a five-twin-spoke design. The choice also consists of three other wheel designs, but you are immediately tied to additional equipment packages. With more expensive GLB versions, you can also choose from several types of wheels ex works without additional equipment. In terms of colors, the options are comparable with the Business Solution. As standard it is painted in the color night black. You pay € 254 extra for the color polar white and € 908 for the metallic paints. ‘Designo Patagonia Red Metallic’ is the most expensive paint color with an additional cost of € 1,150.
As a Business Solution, the GLB has a chrome strip at the bottom of the window line as standard. Black plastic is used for the bumpers and the bottom of the doors. Silver-colored inserts have been added to the front and back. LED headlights and taillights are included, as are front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera and parking assistant. Furthermore, the exterior mirrors are electrically foldable and you no longer have to manually open and close the tailgate.
May it be a bit more?
In the interior of the GLB it is also black that the clock strikes. As with the exterior, there are only limited options for the interior of the Business Solution to furnish it entirely according to your own taste. The upholstery is a combination of artificial leather and fabric as standard and the trim parts have a silver-colored ‘Ellipse look’. The digital instruments and the extensive MBUX interface, including navigation, are always present. Other comfort-enhancing items included in the price are seat heating, a light and rain sensor and an automatically dimming interior and left exterior mirror.
In terms of safety systems, the GLB has an active brake and lane assist. All in all, it seems as if on board the cheapest version of the GLB you don’t have much more to be desired. The head of this piece therefore refers more to the number of seats. As standard you can take five people with you in the GLB, but a third row of seats is optionally available for € 908. That makes the GLB quite unique, because Mercedes-Benz is the only German premium brand to offer a seven-seater SUV in this segment. BMW has the comparably priced 2 Series Gran Tourer, but that’s a completely different kind of car.
The options available with the GLB Business Solution are mainly part of larger total packages. With the Business Solution Luxury you get 18-inch wheels, mood lighting in the interior, MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation and fully leatherette seats for € 2,432. If you prefer a sportier outfit, you can tick the Business Solution AMG for € 3,784. Then you get the same options as with the Luxury, but both the exterior and interior are equipped with AMG style elements. On top of one of these two packages, the Business Solution Plus at € 1,936 is available. Electrically adjustable front seats with memory, a panoramic roof, Keyless Go and the extensive Multibeam LED headlights are a few things that you get on your GLB. For adaptive cruise control, you will still have to tick the driving assistance package for € 2,220. Although the GLB 180 Business Solution has few individual options, you can still add a considerable amount to the starting price.