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The new Mercedes-Benz GLB is a compact SUV with 7 seats

The new Mercedes-Benz GLB, a compact SUV, that will slots in between the GLA and GLC will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2019. It will be Powerful proportions with short overhangs and off-road-oriented design as well as optional all-wheel drive and a special off-road light which helps detect obstacles immediately in front of the vehicle at low speeds. 

Merc says the the two seats in row three can be used by people up to 1.68m in height. With powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines, current driving assistance systems with cooperative support for the driver, the intuitively operable infotainment system MBUX, the new family member (length/width/height: 4634/1834/16581mm). 

At 2829mm the GLB has 10cm more wheelbase than, for example, the new B-Class. Together with the function-oriented greenhouse this is decisive when it comes to the generous amount of space. The headroom in the first seat row is 1035mm – a best in this segment, according to Mercedes. At 967mm the effective legroom in the rear of the five-seater station wagon. 

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The load compartment capacity of 560 to 1755 litres (figures for the five-seater) boasts the qualities of an estate. On request the second seat row can be longitudinally adjusted and as standard the inclination of the backrests is adjustable in several stages. This enables the load compartment to be enlarged by up to 179 litres and put to versatile use.

The new GLB is manufactured at the Aguascalientes (Mexico) plant and, for the Chinese market, in Beijing. The model options are GLB 200 and 250 powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine and a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine respectively. 

The diesel options are GLB 200d, GLB 200d 4Matic and a GLB 220d 4Matic which all use the same 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine albeit different outputs (110kW and 140kW for the 220d). 

The intuitively operated infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience): The powerful computer, brilliant screens and graphics, individualistic depiction, optional navigation with augmented reality, learning-capable software and the voice control which can be activated with "Hey Mercedes" are the key advantages of the system.

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The optional energising comfort control: it networks various comfort systems in the vehicle, and uses musical and lighting moods plus a number of massages for a wide range of feel-good programs. The ENERGIZING COACH recommends these programs according to the situation. If the Mercedes-Benz vivoactive 3 smartwatch or another compatible Garmin wearable is linked, personal values such as stress level or sleep quality improve the precision of the recommendation.

On request the GLB is equipped with the permanent all-wheel system 4Matic, with fully-variable torque distribution. This sporty all-wheel drive configuration allows the driver to use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to influence the characteristics of 4Matic.

Three characteristic maps are available to control the all-wheel drive clutch, though the system responds flexibly to the current driving situation in any mode. In regular driving operation, the drive program "Eco/Comfort" is based on an 80:20 distribution (front axle:rear axle), while in "Sport" it is 70:30. In off-road mode the all-wheel drive clutch acts as an inter-axle differential lock, with the basic distribution a balanced 50:50.

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