Small outside, smart inside

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One-third of Mercedes sales are based on crossovers, and here comes another one ... CAP is different from the rest in that it manages to compact a seven-seater compact, and also modestly pretends to be modest. We went to Spain to see how he kept his promises

Rami Gilboa

Depending on which side of the barricade you stand on, there is one argument: one is the fad or crossover pandemonium. Manufacturers are looking for differentiation and temptation to deepen and bite the cake.

In terms of Mercedes' internal model positioning, the new GLB was pushed between GLA and GLC, very close to those of the more prestigious GLC; The B is shorter than C by 22 millimeters but is 24 millimeters taller than it and its carriage is more upright. The square chassis allows for a third row of seats to be pushed into the trunk, making the new GLB a relatively accessible alternative to multiple luggage families. "Relatively accessible" maybe, but certainly not "cheap"; It is reasonable to assume that for this Mercedes we will be asked to pay around NIS 300,000, for base versions. It's not cheap but still, about half the price of GLE that costs over NIS 600,000.

The square backside holds a third row of seats. Waistline is relatively low

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

at a glance

The design of the GLB does not fall into the topical trap of slanted aerodynamic components, with pointed headlights and shriveled side windows. The GLB goes in the direction of classic SUVs; It is square and solid, the lighting units are rectangular, the roof stretches back without a gradient trying to resemble 'coupe' components. The low waistline leaves significant window space including a degree that rises to the delicacy of the tail, I liked. The design is different from the usual stanz and it may enchant those who seek maximum utility, and fantasize a little about seeming space.
Modern front design with luxurious lighting units, a symbolic ventral shield, and a huge Mercedes logo on the bow. The hood is diligent in two impressive tin folds.

The front grille of the 200 and 250 models comes with horizontal and massive chrome strips. In the sports AMG version they are vertical, just make it easy to spot. The useful approach gives the GLB a massive feeling I like, as does the backside boasting two exhaust pipes, and the awning on the roof. Mercedes emphasizes the much usability of the GLB, as well as the surface capabilities of the 4-MATIC models; The cube assembly supports this approach, giving GLB its own design uniqueness, in a category flooded with overly elegant assemblies.

Red and hot AMG version, in crossover terms

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

The family room

With 4.63 meters from bumper to bumper, the CAP is a few inches short of more popular 5 + 2 vehicles like Outlander, Kodiak or Santa Fe. What he lacks in inches, the Mercedes completes in a luxurious and luxurious cabin, completely modern. The lower plastic diffusers are less impressive but everything above the lap line is performed at the highest level. Excellent leather, plastic and aluminum, precisely tailored and meticulously finished. What catches the eye are five silvery, turbine-like air conditioners; They are not only noticeable but also useful for operation, equipped with LED lighting that varies according to the air conditioner temperature.

The dashboard is invested and effective. A huge display spread across the car, impressive air conditioning openings, fluent human engineering, albeit overflowing

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

Above them lies a huge wall-to-wall multimedia display, frameless glass consisting of a pair of 10.25-inch (or 7-inch) screens, whichever importer chooses to bring to the country. The screens appear to be one bright and colorful unit, giving full control over vehicle systems, navigation, etc. Mercedes did not give up convenient and clear physical switches, those who do not like to dive into the depths of the menus. There are also touchpad and classic steering wheel controls.

The third row of seats is enough to transport passengers shorter than 1.70 meters. The view out is good, there are four isopix connections for toddler seats

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

With an impressive 283-inch wheelbase and relatively vertical, no space left on the GLB. The front seats are wide and electrified, with the 200 version only electrically powered by the driver's seat. Finding a good sitting position is easy to find, even though we have found perfect ergonomic support in the AMG sports seats. The sitting position is relatively high, the low waist belt leaves a good view out (despite the left roof, too thick for my taste). The second row of seats has an excellent space thanks to a non-sloping roof, and an excellent kneecap - including tilting the seat back and moving the seat back and forth. The dip materials are good, there are plenty of charging jacks, and the big sun roof puts light.

Using the seven seats leaves a small trunk

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

The GLB's uniqueness is in the third row of seats, which should accommodate two passengers up to 1.68 meters high. I did not try to squeeze in, but it looked totally not bad, certainly for short floors that do not go on a dry land journey. Getting back in is not the easiest (we already said, even an outlander is 7 inches long from the CAP), but a 5 + 2 magic formula for many customers. The GLB is also manufactured in a 5-seater version, with only 5 + 2 models coming to Israel. The trunk is very large; With five open seats you have 560 liters, seven seats will only leave 179, totally not bad. Fold both rows of seats and throw in 1,755 liters.

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

The power plants

Mercedes offers in Europe three diesel engines that will not arrive in Israel; With us, the base version will feature 200 GLB with 1.3 liter 163 hp engine, and 250 GLB version with 2.0 liter 224 hp engine. Later, you will join the 35AMG version with the same 2.0-liter engine block, which is increased to 306 kW. This engine works well with a small GLA bow, but here it is tormented with a 1,555-pound self-weight. It's not that he doesn't travel; The 1.3-liter accelerates from zero to 100 in 9.1 seconds, cruises lightly at 150, and also reaches 207 mph. But it works hard through the dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox. With the general refinement level of the new Mercedes.

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

The feeling is also unpleasant in calm cruising on an intercity road, overtaking, and certainly with seven people on board. We've already seen noisier and rougher cars but at the expected price of the new crossover, I think this engine is too small and small - unless you drive mostly in the city and very calm, and for short trips outside the mountainous areas. However, the 200 will be the cheapest model and there will be many that the budget will direct them to this version.

For those with less of a budget, we highly recommend the 250 CAP. With the addition of 61 hp and 10 kgs, the 250 shaves two seconds from zero to 100, is nimble and lighter, neither effortless nor loud. The dedicated 2.0-liter engine does grace with the excellent chassis and adaptive racks, which will only come to Israel as a paid supplement, rope. As an elevated crossover, the GLB will not scoot mountain tires, but it does allow for fast, flowy driving, with good potential for driving pleasure - even with the family on board.

Personal mode allows for a separate choice between engine-gear, steering, suspension, ESP characteristics

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

The GLB offers a choice of some driving modes, we liked the very comfortable 'Comfort' mode for urban driving or on a paved road. For more demanding driving it can be hardened to 'Sport' mode but the golden solution is in the individual mode; We put racks and steering on 'sport', engine and gearbox on 'calm', and we won good in all worlds. In this situation, the gabled crossover absorbed the potholes of the road, kept minimal rolling angles, happy to enter the commutes, well braked - at a level that should provide a driver who buys himself the package of compromises involved in each elevated crossover. I don't like the Mercedes gear lever, a slender plastic rod sticking out of the steering wheel; It functions just fine, but doesn't look like something that belongs to a luxury vehicle.

The 250 GL models in the launch were equipped with 4X4 4MATIC propulsion, it is unknown whether they will arrive in Israel on this propulsion. It is self-evident that safety systems are celebrated including autonomous braking, lane-keeping, dead-area warning, and a fairly hysterical stability control system.

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

A little action!

AMG 35 4MATIC version represented the naughty side of the GLB series; It's not a fiery AMG that will scorch Hockenheim, but it will give you the option to drop the kids off at school, and set off for some serious fun driving. The AMG 2.0-liter engine produces 306 hp and 40 kgs, has a 21-inch tire in a 35-sport cut, and has an option for "Sport Plus" mode that further hardens the entire package. I suppose the "plus" is suitable for track days, on the public road it was so stiff and violent.

Solid, 21-inch tire racks in section 35, give AMG impressive and delightful capabilities

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

In regular sports, the AMG was heartwarming. The heavy crossover was gone, the engine was thundering and sending us from turn to turn, the tires and brakes were precise and sharp. The AMG didn't give me a feeling of 5.2 seconds from scratch per century, I think it's a bit optimistic; But for those who need seven seats and want sporty driving, the 35 AMG is a highly coveted vehicle. With 1,700 pounds of self-weight and only 50% of the power wheeled to the rear wheels, don't expect AMG 'classic' power slots ...

Despite the sophisticated terrain functions, I don't expect to see GLB convoys with roof tents in the Negev

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

Some space?

Mercedes people talked a lot about the field capabilities of dual-propelled GLB models, and even prepared us a short space course. The enduro route meandered through the Andalusian Mountains and included clumsy trekking paths, serious side slopes and of course, a cross barrier that allows you to wave your wheels in the air.

The GLB SUV is based solely on electronics - no power gear or air absorbers, just different gearbox management and a pull control system, and a graphic display is invested on the car monitor. We climbed, descended, braked, it was nice - but I don't think anyone would take this Mercedes into serious territory. With shallow car angles and a mere 20 cm ventral spacing, the electronic gadgets are nice - though we've seen better off-road performance, in the Land Rover's British crossovers on the other side of the Le Mans trench.

Hi Mom, I also know how to stand on three wheels!

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

New star

In the competitive crossover world, Mercedes GLB exactly meets three desirable definitions: crossover + compact + 7 seats. I'm not sure it fits the fourth definition either, an attractive price ... The GLB offers transporting 5 + 2 passengers in a relatively short car, less than a Kodiak or GLE. The cabin is luxurious and fully equipped to fulfill the promise of the prestigious logo. The 200 version is a bit weak, let's hope the price will be attractive to anyone who wants the star from Stuttgart, without paying too much. The 35 AMG will surely be sold here in very limited quantities, while the 250 may be a good and desirable compromise for large, big-budget families. You still have time to contemplate that it will arrive in Israel during the first half of 2020.

First Driving: Mercedes GLB (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

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On the technical side: Mercedes GLB 200 (data in brackets refer to 250)

Engine: turbo petrol 1.3 liter (2.0 liter)
Power / rpm (kW): 163 / 5,500 (224 / 5,500)
Torque / rpm (kg): 25 / 1,620 (55 / 1,800)
Gearbox: automatic, dual clutch, 7 gears (dual clutch, 8 gears)
Propulsion: Front (4X4 fixed)

Performence:
0-100 (seconds) acceleration: 9.1 (6.9)
Maximum Speed ​​(mph): 207 (236)
Combined Fuel Consumption (KM, Manufacturer): 16.4 (13.7)

Dimensions:
Length (cm): 463.4
Width (cm): 183.4
Height (cm): 165.9
Self Weight (kg): 1,555 (1670)
Wheelbase (cm): 282.9
Ventral spacing (cm): 20.0
Trunk Volume (liters): 179/560 / 1,775