Mercedes-Benz’s GLB seven-seater SUV goes on sale in Singapore on Friday, with the GLB 200 starting from S$182,888 with COE

Photos: Mercedes-Benz

SINGAPORE

UPDATE November 2020: We’ve tested the GLB 200 in Singapore, read the review here!
UPDATE: January 28, 2021: Video review included

One of Mercedes-Benz’s most highly-anticipated models this year, the GLB seven-seater SUV, is finally here in Singapore. The order books open on Friday, 16 October, and prices start from S$182,888 inclusive of Certificate of Entitlement (COE).

We’ve covered the GLB extensively on CarBuyer.com.sg with our overseas first drive review last year, but we now know the full details and specs for the versions here in Singapore.

The GLB 200 Progressive model goes for S$182,888 with COE as mentioned, while the semi-hot GLB 35 AMG version retails for S$231,888 with COE.

Other variants and trim levels will be introduced progressively over the coming months, but Mercedes-Benz has not provided a specific timeline as yet.

The GLB 200 AMG Line version adds a S$5,900 premium over the Progressive, adding the AMG bodykit, 19-inch AMG design wheels, carbon interior trim, AMG sports pedals, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with microfibre inserts and perforated leather.

The base GLB 200 Progressive has the same ‘200’ engine seen on the CLA 200, A 200 and other small Mercedes models – 1.33-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder with 163hp and 250Nm of torque. 0-100km/h in 9.1 seconds with a 207km/h top speed. Fuel consumption is 6.4L/100km.

Inside, the GLB 200 Progressive comes with the now familiar dual 10.25-inch display units inside – one screen is an instrument panel, the other is the infotainment system, the latter being a touchscreen.

You can also control the infotainment system via the touchpad, the steering wheel’s left side touch-pad, or voice activation by saying ‘Hey Mercedes’.

The front seats are electrically-adjustable, there’s keyless entry and start, a hand-free automatic tailgate,

Everything you need to know about the GLB, right here on CarBuyer.com.sg!

The major selling point of the GLB is its capacity to offer seating for seven, a feature that none of its rivals in this segment offers.

Mercedes-Benz states that the GLB is targeted at families with young kids who want a premium compact SUV and value practicality and versatility as their priorities.

To that end, the GLB offers the longest wheelbase among all of its cars that sit on the brand’s MFA small-car platform, at 2,829mm.

Mercedes-Benz states that the third row of seats can accommodate people of up to 1.68 metres in height, so they’re ideal for small kids, or the average Asian adult for short journeys. The second row of seats can also be adjusted back and forth by up to 140mm to offer more legroom if required.

Can the GLB’s third row really fit adults? We test it out in this video!

The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 model offers hotter performance – for an idea, read our review of the A 35 Saloon we did earlier this year.

It has a 2.0-litre turbo engine with 306hp and 400Nm of torque for considerably more oomph. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox slices the 0-100km/h time down to 5.2-seconds, with a 250km/h top speed. The price to pay in efficiency is 7.9L/100km.

The car’s been tuned for better dynamics by AMG of course, with a unique suspension setup and tuning, stiffer springs, the AMG version of Dynamic Select (drive modes), a sport mode for the ESP and more.

Inside it gets more racy bits, including the AMG steering wheel (as in the AMG Line), a unique centre console with AMG buttons, dark wood trim, and an ‘advanced sound system’ with 10 speakers and more power.

Find out how the 35 drives in our overseas review, as well as the video review above.

How does the GLB drive? And can the rear seats really fit adults? Find out here!

The GLB is expected to become one of Mercedes-Benz’s most important models, not just in Singapore, but globally as well. The Stuttgart carmaker states that every third new Mercedes-Benzes sold are now SUVs, while one-quarter of its total sales are now of its small car range, which now consists of the A-Class hatchback and saloon, B-Class, CLA four-door coupe and Shooting Brake, GLA and now the GLB.

Here’s another small Merc SUV, if you don’t need seven seats

Indeed, judging from the comments from the car’s regional unveiling on Facebook last month, it appears that interest in the GLB here is extremely high. While Mercedes-Benz did not state any firm order numbers, it says that the GLB has garnered a very encouraging response from many customers, either looking to upgrade from their current A-Class or CLA models, or being attracted from other brands thanks to the GLB’s seven-seater capability.

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