Mercedes-Benz PH unveils compact 7-seater GLB

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz Philippines formally unveiled (digitally) the all-new GLB last Friday, the eighth model featuring the brand’s so-called Modular Front Architecture (a front-wheel drive platform), and the first seven-seater in its compact vehicle line.

Auto Nation Group, Inc. (ANG) Chief Operating Officer Francis Jonathan Ang described the GLB as a “highly anticipated” and marks “another milestone” for the Philippine distributor of the Stuttgart-based luxury auto brand.

Meanwhile, ANG-Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars Product Planning and Development Senior Manager Benjie Bautista said that the target market for the GLB is comprised of “young and growing families, business athletes, executives with active lifestyles, and family-oriented young businessmen.”

Positioned as a versatile compact SUV, the GLB has Dynamic Select which allows for different drive programs tweaking the engine, transmission, chassis and steering. “In Sport mode the vehicle is more dynamic and in basic Comfort mode its setup is very balanced. Eco, on the other hand, places the emphasis on maximum efficiency and saves fuel and money,” said the company in a release. The GLB stretches 4,634mm, is 2,020mm wide, and stands 1,659mm tall.

Aside from being the first compact vehicle of Mercedes-Benz to offer a third row, the GLB banners “extensive safety equipment includes retractable headrests, seat belts with belt tensioners, and a side window airbag, which also protects the passengers in the third-row seats. Additionally, the GLB supplies Isofix and top-tether anchorages for suitable child seats, and these can be used to attach up to four child seats in the rear.”

Powering the sole variant available (the GLB 200 AMG Line) for now is a 1.3-liter, four-liter engine delivering 163hp and 339Nm from just 1,520rpm for “quick response off the line, and for passing, merging and climbing.” Standard on the model are LED dynamic headlights, along with the AMG Line Package with 19-inch five twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, side skirts painted in body color, polished aluminum roof rails and AMG Body Styling. Black Artico Dimamica microfiber covers the seats.

The GLB is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) which takes verbal and gestural instructions as well as touch inputs via seven-inch standard central touchscreen. It can also be controlled by a touchpad and steering wheel controls.

“Smartphone Integration merges the mobile phone with the infotainment system via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This gives convenient access to the most important applications on your smartphone (including) apps from third-party service providers such as Spotify quickly and easily,” continued the release.

The Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive, adaptive brake lights, and brake assist enhance safety in the GLB. “Parking is also made convenient with Parking Package. It comes with a reversing camera and Active Parking Assist to help the driver find suitable parking spaces.”

Replying to a question from ZIGWHEELS PH, Bautista said the GLB units we are getting are assembled in Aguas Calientes, Mexico, and feature a standard, two-year unlimited warranty, extendable for three more years.

With an introductory retail price of P3,790,000, the GLB is available at all Mercedes-Benz dealerships: EDSA Greenhills, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, and Cebu City. Visit www.mercedes-benz.ph/GLB for more information.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz Philippines

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