2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB seats seven, retails for PhP 3.790M

There's a new crossover from Mercedes-Benz and it's got seven seats. No, it's not the massive GLS since that was released several months ago. This new one is way smaller, more compact, and comes with three rows of seats. It's the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, and it just made its Philippine debut.

First shown as the macho-looking seven-seat Concept GLB and finally in production form June of last year. The GLB tries versatility to set itself apart in a sea of luxury compact crossovers.

Unlike most Mercedes-Benz crossovers that come with sleek shapes and sweeping lines, the GLB bucks that trend in favor of having a boxy and upright design. The exterior features squared-off headlights, sporty front, and rear bumpers, and tall upright windows. Since the GLB comes equipped with the AMG Line styling package, the seven-seat crossover comes with a unique body kit, diamond star radiator grille, polished roof rails, side skirts, and stylish 19-inch twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.

Those familiar with the interior of the A-Class and B-Class will find the accommodations of the GLB's cabin familiar. From the round aircon vents, digital screens, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and high-tech center console, the GLB is ergonomic and sleek. Seats are wrapped in black Dinamica microfiber, and it gets automatic climate control with rear A/C vents. Despite its relatively diminutive dimensions, the automaker claims the third row isn't only for small children and can fit individuals as tall as 1.68 meters tall (or around 5 feet, 6 inches).

With all of the seats deployed, the GLB can carry 320-liters worth of luggage. Fold the third-row seats and the crossover can lug 560-liters worth of cargo. With both the second and third row folded down, the small crossover can swallow 1,680-liters worth of luggage.

Providing in-car infotainment inside the GLB is the new MBUX system. It is comprised of two 7-inch screens that make up the digital instrument panel, as well as the media display itself. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, as well as USB. It even comes with intelligent voice control that can be activated when the user says “Hey Mercedes”.

Under the hood is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four. Despite its small size, the engine puts out a respectable 163 PS at 5500 rpm along with 250 Nm of torque at 1520 - 4000 rpm. Power is then transferred to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The all-new GLB is only available as a front-wheel-drive crossover.

In terms of safety features, the GLB has plenty, these include anti-lock brakes, active brake assist, electronic stability program, acceleration skid control, hill-start assist, tire pressure monitoring, electronic parking brake, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a host of airbags.

Available colors for the 2021 GLB are Cosmos Black, Denim Blue, Digital White, Galaxy Blue, Iridium Silver, Night Black, and Polar White. The GLB is now available at the following Mercedes-Benz showrooms; Greenhills, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, and Cebu City. The Mercedes-Benz GLB sold here in the country are all built at the company's plant in Mexico.

The 2021 GLB serves as Mercedes-Benz's smallest seven-seater offering with crossover appeal and MPV versatility. Its closest competitor, the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer didn't quite prosper in our market. With its more stylish take, looks like Mercedes-Benz may be onto something here.

Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 AMG Line - PhP 3,790,000