Seating seven in style
Written by Chris Van Hoven
As the compact seven-seater SUV category continues to gain popularity, Mercedes-Benz released their highly-anticipated offering to the segment in the form of the Mercedes-Benz GLB. The singular variant is the first seven-seater in the Mercedes-Benz compact car family.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB marks the eigth model in the German luxury automaker’s lineup of vehicles that utilize their Modular Front Architecture (MFA) platform, joining the likes of the A-Class, B-Class, CLA-Class and GLA-Class to name a few.
It is the industry’s premium option for those who want to explore a versatile vehicle for the family while keeping driving dynamics fun and compact. As a premium entry into the segment, it includes features such as Dynamic Select, which offers different drive programs with setting options for the engine, transmission, chassis, and steering in Sport, Comfort, and ECO modes. The Mercedes-Benz GLB also includes Intelligent Drive, which is a sensor-equipped safety suite, as well as Adaptive brake lights flashing, Brake Assist, a reverse camera and Active Parking Assist to help the driver find suitable parking spaces.
Being the first compact SUV with a third row for family use, Mercedes-Benz made sure to make safety a priority. The extensive list of safety equipment includes LED dynamic headlights, retractable headrests, seat belts with belt tensioners, and a side window airbag, which also protects the passengers in the third seat row. Additionally, the GLB supplies ISOFIX and TOP-Tether anchorages for suitable child seats, used to attach up to four child seats in the rear.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 163-hp and 250-Nm of torque, which ensures that you’re never left wanting for more power, specifically when carrying a full complement of passengers and luggage during overtaking or uphill driving scenarios. On the inside, you’ll find luxurious Black ArticoDinamica microfiber seats.
The AMG Line Package includes 19-inch twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, side skirts painted in body color, polished aluminum roof rails and AMG Body Styling.
The all-new GLB includes the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which acts as your own in-car personal assistant. MBUX can quietly respond to your touch as well as voice commands, using a seven-inch standard central touchscreen. It is also controlled by touchpad on the center console, steering wheel controls and natural-language commands.
Smartphone Integration includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, giving convenient access to the most important applications on your smartphone.
The introductory retail price for the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line is pegged at P3,790,000. It is now available at all Mercedes-Benz showrooms.