As it is a popular segment, the compact crossover has even appeared in the luxury market. Mercedes-Benz Philippines—under the Auto Nation Group (ANG)—is one of the brands that are trying to stake their claim in the category, courtesy of the all-new GLB.
Turning a year old this coming August, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line is said to be the eighth model that boasts the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Front Architecture. Positioned in between the GLA (also revealed last year) and the GLC, this seven-seater crossover might be the perfect vehicle to fit one’s active lifestyle.
The GLB 200 AMG is longer, wider, and taller than its GLA stablemate as it is 4,634mm long, 2,020mm wide, and 1,659mm tall with 213mm ground clearance. The last number helps to assure occupants that normal flooding in the city or simple off-roading is nothing to get nervous about.
Also, with a 100mm longer wheelbase versus the GLA, the GLB 200 AMG offers better legroom (the headroom is already a given for the nameplate), comfortably sitting up to three in the middle row. The third row — which can be converted into additional luggage space — gives enough room for kids.
Mercedes-Benz is all about extravagance, and the features of the GLB 200 AMG are no different. The front fascia is highlighted by a diamond radiator grille that wears the bold three-pointed star logo with single louver chrome insert to match the chrome pins.
AMG accents such as the sideskirts, front apron with chrome front splitter, rear apron in diffuser look and trim element complement the 19-inch AMG five-twin spoke light alloy wheels painted in Tantalite Grey and high sheen.
Additional touches like the roof rails and boxy LED performance headlamps give it a well-rounded look, matching the rear lamps. The chrome touch on the twin pipes is quite an interesting touch as well.
Although the Digital White color is already a head-turner, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line offers eight other hues namely: Night Black, Iridium Silver, Galaxy Blue, Polar White, Denim Blue, Cosmos Black, Mountain Gray and Designo Patagonia Red Metallic (offered with additional cost).
The Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line is generous in terms of refinement. Occupants are welcomed with Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfiber, giving the plush seats a dash of class. The carbon structure trim gives a sporty vibe. The flat housing on the dashboard shelters the seven-inch digital instrument display and seven-inch touchscreen infotainment. AMG touches are also seen on the inside with AMG floor mats.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line is also equipped with dual-zone air-conditioning to complement the sufficient legroom for middle-row passengers. The round air vents add to the interior’s overall exquisite look.
Similar to the GLA, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line is powered by a 1.3-liter, four in-line, naturally aspirated engine that can deliver peak output of 163 horsepower and 250Nm.
The bigger Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line takes a breath longer (0.4 second to be exact) from standstill to 100kph compared to its smaller sibling. It can muster a top speed of 207kph.
Mated to a 7G DCT seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, passengers are assured of smooth and quiet shifting with improved fuel efficiency. Tested on light EDSA traffic, it managed to register around 14kpl. Its official rating is 15-16kpl.
As the badge suggests, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line does not fall short of expectations, thanks to its myriad of comfort and convenience functions.
Just like the higher-tier models, its touchscreen infotainment system answers to “Hey Mercedes” as part of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system. While it is interactive with voice commands, Mercedes-Benz still placed a touchpad in between the driver and the front passenger if you want to navigate functions.
If the touchpad on the middle console is not enough, the steering wheel accommodates two more Blackberry-phone type touch pads (right for the infotainment and left for the digital instrument cluster), and also accesses some of the media in the infotainment screen).
If you are not accustomed to swiping and tapping, the Nappa-leather covered steering wheel features neatly placed touch-control buttons. To add, the infotainment system is Apple Carplay- and Android Auto-ready.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line also has a speed -limiter function that is paired to its cruise control function, making the drive on open roads less complicated.
As there is no spare tire, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line is given a Tirefit kit with tire inflator.
Other features of the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line include adaptive brake lights, active brake assist, two-stage airbag deployment for driver and passenger, pedestrian protection active bonnet, reversing camera as well as anti-theft alarm, with interior motion sensor and tow-away protection.
The badge alone already tells customers that they should expect a premium price for the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line, After all, you should be getting a lot for paying above ₱3 million for a small SUV.
But with all that is equipped in the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line, the pricing of ₱3.89 million is really worth it.
Photos by Ruben D. Manahan IV
Also read:
Review: 2020 Mercedes-Benz V 220d Avantgarde Long
More than riding the tide: Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG Line variant
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