With 2020 coming up, the automobile industry is being flooded with many new models of cars. Some of these are variations of existing models while some are brand-new, and these new cars have caused quite a stir. One of these new vehicles is the 2020 Mercedes GLB-class. On June 10, 2019, Daimler AG unveiled the 2020 Mercedes GLB-class, a top of the line concept car. Since July 2019, pre-orders have been pouring in and production of this vehicle will begin towards the end of 2019. Due to this being a brand new model and not a variation of an existing one, here are ten things you should know about the 2020 Mercedes GLB-class.
10 The GLB is a Crossover
First up is probably the most surprising fact of all, the GLB-class is, in fact, a crossover between the GLA-class and the GLC-class and bears some similarities to the GLS. The GLA has been in production since 2013, while the GLB has been produced since 2015. The GLB concept car serves as an in-between, more rugged, alternative to these two cars. The most striking differences, which will be explained later in the article, is the size of the GLB, the performance, the features, and most of all, the seating. It is also notable to mention, the new GLB-class will be equipped with the latest tech available.
9 The GLB is Blocky
Next up is the size of this vehicle. This machine is not all that big but is somewhat boxy, as it derives its looks from the structure of the GLS-class. In addition to this, there are stark differences between the size of the GLB when compared to the GLA and the GLC.
For starters, the wheelbase on the GLB 1.7-inches shorter and is 5.1-inches longer than the wheelbase on the GLC and GLA respectively. In the interior, the beefy GLB bears a striking resemblance to the GLS class once again, and the dash does not differ much from the classic layout found in every Benz vehicle.
8 The GLB Offers Extra Seating
One major difference in the GLB that has not been observed in the GLA or the GLC-class vehicles is the seating. The GLB might look smaller than Mercedes' other concept car, but it features more seating.
The GLA and the GLC follow a standard two-row five-seating layout, the GLB comes with an optional third row of seats in place of a penalty box that enables the car to seat seven people instead of five. Third-row seaters are offered some protection with side-window airbags and the third row can accommodate two car seats. The car as a whole can fit four child seats.
7 The Three Extra Seats Were Unplanned
While the three-row seating sounds appealing to many, it should be put out there that Mercedes never intended to design the GLB to seat seven people. Reports and interviews with Mercedes executives have shown that the three-row, seven-seater arrangement was developed specifically for Chinese markets.
There is an appeal for more seating in passenger vehicles and it was offered in America as an optional seating arrangement to only be used in emergencies. The legroom in the back is very compromised, and although there are cup holders, airbags and USB-C ports, the company highly recommends it only be used to seat children.
6 The GLB Will be Electric by 2021
With 2020 around the corner, major automobile manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz have made an active effort to produce and introduce electric vehicles to the market and reduce the production of gas-guzzlers. Estimates say of all cars produced in 2040, half of them will be electric vehicles and Mercedes-Benz has been working hard to make this a reality.
By 2021, Daimler AG, Mercedes's parent company will release the Mercedes-Benz EQB, an electric variant of the GLB-class. While it is speculated the EQB will be a replica of the GLB except with an electric powertrain, there is not much information other than its release date.
5 The GLB will Have 4 Engine Options
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB will be released with four engine options, two of which will be run by diesel while the other two will be powered by gasoline. The GLB was built to be a rugged concept car and perform well off-road, so it will come with an off-road package and a roof box for storage.
Customers will also be offered the choice of forward-wheel or all-wheel-drive. The GLB, depending on which engine it’s equipped with can put out a max power of 221 hp, and can get from 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds. The GLB will only be available with automatic transmission.
4 The GLB has Top-Of-The-Line Technology
Next up is the technology on board the GLB, which is surprisingly standard but still top-of-the-line. The GLB-class comes fully equipped with Mercedes-Benz's latest entertainment system, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, better known as MBUX. The MBUX is standard in many Benz vehicles and is a very popular feature among many due to its ability to learn, automatically change, and even respond to voice commands such as "Hey Mercedes." The MBUX includes one standard display on the dash, a 7-inch screen which mirrors a digital gauge cluster of the same size. Both digital displays can also be updated to be 10.25 inches.
3 The Standard Features are Incredible
Now we’ll take some time to discuss some of the standard features on this vehicle. The GLB-class comes with standard automated passenger seats, power driver and LED headlights. In addition, fog-lights and dual-zone climate control are standard along with an amazing keyless entry. Also standard in regards to safety, the GLB class comes equipped with automatic cross-wind stabilization, something that may come in very handy given the GLB’s boxy stature, and automatic emergency braking to help keep the roads safe.
Minor side note regarding climate control; the MBUX can actively learn from past behaviors and automatically adjust the climate within the car to offer a more pleasant experience.
2 The Upgrades are Luxurious
Following the description of the standard features, it is also important to note what optional add-ons will be available to consumers. As mentioned earlier in this article, the two standard 7-inch displays on the dashboard can be upgraded to 10.25 inches. Buyers can also opt to add extra features such as parking sensors, embedded navigation with augmented-reality displays on the touchscreens, nifty 64-color ambient lighting for setting the perfect mood, adaptive dampers or even a heads-up display. Buyers can also opt for a surround-view camera system, a panoramic sliding roof and massage seating to enjoy while listening to the Burmester audio system.
1 The Price
Finally, the last thing every prospective buyer should know about this vehicle is its price. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-class has no price set in stone, but experts have estimated this rugged crossover will cost around $38,500. Considering the GLA retails for $34,945 and the GLC goes on the market for about $41,545, experts concluded that the GLB would cost somewhere in-between those two figures but will sway closer to $41,545 due to its resemblance to the GLC. The official price will be made available closer to the debut of this vehicle which is, again, set to be released in late 2019.