The new Mercedes-Benz GLB is a spacious compact SUV

Mercedes-Benz makes the GLB's spacious compact SUV even more attractive. A redesigned front bumper hints at off-road genes, as does a new star-centered grille.

The sporty side surfaces create an interesting play of light and shadow, while the design of the rear bumper emphasizes the optical width of the body.

New 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The range of changes is completed by new full-LED headlights and taillights. Four additional wheel designs and a new paint color, Spectral Blue, will debut in the lineup. The base version of the new GLB is fitted with 17-inch five-spoke, high-gloss black double-spoke alloy wheels. Wheel diameters from 18 to 20 inches are available upon request.

Showcase of the upgraded interior is a free-standing dual screen - standard 7-inch for the instrument cluster and 10.25-inch for the infotainment system. A version with two 10.25-inch displays is available as an option. Turbine-style round air vents underline the sporty elegance and contrast with typical off-road elements with aluminum trim. The new generation steering wheel is finished in leather. In addition, AMG Line customers can order heated discs for the first time.

Simplified offer logic, rich standard equipment

Comfort seats upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather and 3D embossed fabric in black or, optionally, trendy grey, are standard on the new GLB. The Progressive variant offers a choice of three interior colors: black, macchiato beige and sage grey. In the AMG Line, the standard upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather and upholstery in MICROCUT microfiber is now also available in brown. upholstery in shades of red and black. Comfort seat upholstery made from 100% recycled materials. In the case of a mixture of ARTICO leather and MICROCUT microfiber, their proportion is 65% for the seat surface and 85% for the filling.

Mercedes-Benz has significantly enriched the standard equipment of the GLB and adapted the logic of the offer even more precisely to customer expectations. In addition to a leather-wrapped steering wheel and LED headlights, High Beam Assist, a rearview camera and a USB package are standard. Starting with the Progressive variant, it also includes parking and mirror packages. The selected options have been combined based on the actual choice of the client. In terms of design, including color, upholstery, trim and wheels, buyers can customize their car as freely as ever.

The latest generation of MBUX: intuitive controls and adaptive software

GLB got the latest generation MBUX with new graphics. The Classic style provides the driver with all the information they need, the Sporty impresses with a large tachometer, and the Discreet is limited to the bare essentials. Combined with three display modes (navigation, support and services) and ten worlds of decorative lighting, this offers a wide range of customization options. All the previous functions can be conveniently operated via the touch screen or touch pads on the steering wheel.

The OS update focused on both new design and performance improvements. To improve connectivity, the GLB now has an additional USB-C port and offers more USB charging power, with all USB ports illuminated. In the future, smartphone wireless connectivity will be possible via Android Auto Wireless or Apple CarPlay.

Intelligent voice control remembers your habits

By activating online services in the Mercedes me app, the intelligent voice assistant can communicate and learn user habits even more effectively. The system recognizes the driver and remembers their typical settings or routes. At the right time, it displays personalized suggestions for the use of vehicle functions, suitably adapted to the situation. The driver can accept or reject them - once or forever. Some actions can even be activated without saying "Hey Mercedes". In addition, the voice assistant will explain the operation of the equipment if necessary.

The optional Burmester® surround sound system, paired with the latest generation MBUX, delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound that brings more depth to your music. What's more, Dolby Atmos adapts to any playback environment, meaning fans can hear music with unsurpassed clarity, true to the original vision of the studio artist.

Digital Expansion: New Mini-Games

Together with the additional customization package for Mercedes me connect services, GLB offers a new digital addition: mini-games specially designed for touch screens and steering wheel controls. Thus, the Mercedes-Benz compact SUV turns into a mobile game console that can be used alone or together with other travelers. Currently, you can choose from classic games such as Sudoku, Puck Shuffling, Pairs, Match 3 and Trivia.

The new GLB also offers a range of active safety improvements. The updated Driving Assistance package offers a more comfortable lane keeping system in combination with Active Steering Assist. The next generation parking package also supports parallel parking. Also available for the first time is Trailer Maneuvering Assist, making it easier to use the GLB as a tractor (requires ESP® Towbar with Trailer Stabilization in combination with Parking Package with 360° Camera Kit).

The next step in electrification

In Europe, the new GLB is available with four petrol and four diesel engines mated to a seven- or eight-speed DCT transmission as standard. The two most powerful petrol engines come standard with 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive.

To further reduce fuel consumption and emissions, all petrol engines are electrified. These are so-called mild (mild) hybrids, equipped with a 48-volt electrical system with a belt-driven starter-alternator that briefly provides an extra 10 kW (14 hp) of power for easier starting or acceleration. The starter-alternator also improves comfort: it allows energy recovery and floatation when the internal combustion engine is switched off, as well as reduces engine vibrations and ensures quiet starting.

The 2.0 liter four-cylinder diesel engine combines smooth running, excellent pulling power and high efficiency. It is available in three power and torque options, from 85 kW (115 PS) and 280 Nm to 140 kW (200 PS) and 400 Nm. Features include single-stage turbocharging (variable geometry turbine), lightweight aluminum cylinder head and crankcase, and Mercedes-Benz NANOSLIDE® coating that reduces friction between the cylinder wall and steel piston, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz