Compact Mercedes Crossover Offers 3rd Row Seating

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit took the wraps off the all-new GLB 250 compact crossover vehicle, including a 7-seat variant, this week in Germany.

The base model can accommodate five people in two rows of seating. The three-row variant—a first for Mercedes in the segment—can fit two more passengers or have the seats fold flat into the floor.

The production model is slightly toned down but maintains most of the styling cues from the GLB concept introduced in April at the Shanghai auto show. Sales are due to start later this year.

The GLB 250 rides on the carmaker’s MFA2 (Mercedes front-drive architecture), which also carries the entry-level A-Class car and redesigned CLA. The crossover has a 111-inch wheelbase and stretches to 182 inches from bumper to bumper. This makes it five inches longer than the GLA crossover and about two inches shorter than the GLC.

Mercedes claims the two-row GLB has best-in-class front-seat headroom (41 inches) and rear legroom (38 inches). Cargo space can be expanded to nearly 62 sq ft with the second-row seats folded down.

The interior is highlighted by a pair of 7-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment center. The latter can be operated via the touchscreen, voice commands or gesture. A 10.3-inch infotainment center is optional.

Engine choices will include two 4-cylinder engines, topping out with a turbocharged 2.0-liter mill that generates 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A diesel four-banger also will be available in Europe.

The engines are mated to either 7- or 8-speed dual-clutch transmissions. The optional all-wheel-drive system, which has an 80:20 front-to-rear torque bias, comes with hill-descent control. Switching to the off-road setting splits torque evenly between the front and back and adjusts the ABS for low-grip surfaces.

A plug-in hybrid variant is expected to be added later. Mercedes also has said the GLB will provide the basis for a full-electric model (the EQB) due in 2021.