How does the compact SUV with space for 7 occupants perform?

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2 months ago

How does the compact SUV with space for 7 occupants perform?

A Mercedes-Benz The same thing happened to other companies: the invasion of SUVs was killing the vehicles that we previously knew as “family” vehicles, whether minivans or rural vehicles. Within the German brand, one example of a minivan and several rural vehicles still survive, still required in Europe, but none of them are offered today in Argentina.

The SUV became the first family option, although it is not the most efficient in terms of space use. Except in the case of GLBwithout a doubt, the most familiar of the German brand’s compact models.

This is a model that debuted in our market in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. That’s why at Clarín we now take advantage of a small update it had to test it.

The GLB was one of the first models of its type to adopt a “boxy” design style, a formula that is fashionable today and that many manufacturers have adopted for their models (Hyundai, Toyota and Ford, to name a few). Although in the Mercedes-Benz model the edges are softened and rounded, its volumes are cubic. And that’s part of its success..

On the one hand, aesthetically its lines draw the shapes of a 4×4, something highly valued by the public. And that is regardless of the fact that in this case it does offer four-wheel drive.

And on the other hand, this structural decision directly impacts the space it can offer in the cabin. The roof line runs straight almost to the end of the vehicle, which ends providing the space needed for a third row of seats.

The aesthetic novelty of this 2024 edition of the GLB lies mainly in the new design of the headlights, bumpers and the grille, which now has horizontal bars.

But where this vehicle makes the difference is in its interior. Even without having the star in the center of the steering wheel, we would quickly realize that we are inside a Mercedesboth for quality and design: that joined double screen is already a hallmark of the brand in its compact models.

Inside you can quickly tell that it is a Mercedes-Benz.

The space in the second square is enormous. Having a high roof allows the seat cushions to be placed higher so that the legs find a place downwards and not forward. In addition, they allow longitudinal adjustment or modifying the inclination of the backrest.

This is key to regulating the space of the third seat: two seats that unfold from the floor of the trunk and that They are recommended for two children. A detail to highlight is that each row of seats has two USB Type-C ports.

Cargo space is also very good when the last row is not deployed, but at the cost of not having a spare wheel. As an alternative, it has a compressor with sealant that works against punctures but is useless if broken. When the third row is deployed, it has a specific place to properly store the trunk cover’s toilet paper holder.

The GLB arrives in Argentina in its 250 4MATIC version. Translated it is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, supercharged with turbo that produces 224 horsepower. The transmission is an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. It has a mild-hybrid system, with an electric motor that is not capable of moving the wheels but is capable of generating energy to supply the vehicle’s systems.

The GLB is a very easy model to handle. His behavior could be said to be just halfway between comfort and dynamics. The thing is that the 224 horsepower and 350 Nm of its engine require a commitment to handling and stability.

Accelerations are energetic and it is very agile, both in urban environments and on bumpy routes. Off-road it responds well, but with the limitations of the tires (more on asphalt) and not being a model for an extreme 4×4.

In the absence of another family alternative, the GLB ranks as a true champion of space and modularity among luxury brands. And all without giving up good taste for handling.