Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class: carsales Car of the Year 2020 contender

Why is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class a carsales COTY contender?

The role of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class in the German prestige brand’s SUV range could be considered as somewhat puzzling.

Benz already has a medium SUV available, in the form of the GLC, and the GLB is in no way a small SUV like the brand’s own GLA.

The GLB has an engine that runs transversely and powers the entry-level model through the front wheels, whereas the GLC is based on Mercedes’ C-Class platform and starts out as a rear-wheel drive model.

And while the GLC seats five, the GLB actually accommodates seven.

So the GLB is to the GLC what the Range Rover Sport is to the more expensive Range Rover – except in a handy medium-size pack.

Left-brain thinkers will fall hard for the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. With its corners pushed out for optimal interior spaciousness and the extra seating, it’s bound to be a hit with people who will recognise its practicality, its affordable ownership costs and (hopefully) the resale value of its prestige badge.

It will be a vehicle that will spend more time in the suburbs, we’re tipping, and buyers will typically be younger families – perhaps the 30-something professionals with the desire to transport four kids, or just two, along with their friends or grandparents.

It’s a busy time of life at that age and it demands a vehicle that will do it all, like the GLB.

Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class kicks off at $59,900 plus on-road costs for the entry-level GLB 200, powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and driving just the front wheels.

One step up is the GLB 250, offering all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder for $73,535. Capping the range is the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, priced at $88,535.

Features fitted as standard include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging, climate control, satellite navigation, reversing camera and keyless entry/start.

Extras fitted as standard in the GLB 250 include a sunroof, heated electrically-adjustable front seats with position memory function and adjustable suspension.

Full leather upholstery is standard in the GLB 35, as are 20-inch AMG alloy wheels (the other trim levels make do with 19-inch alloys) and AMG-specific pedals, steering wheel and body kit.

Mechanically, the flagship gains an AMG-tuned exhaust system, sports suspension and high-performance braking.

“The Mercedes-Benz GLB truly is a unicorn – for now. There’s nothing else like it out there in terms of design, functionality, execution and ease of use,” writer Feann Torr enthused in his local launch review of the GLB 250.

“That it can seat seven people yet slots into even the narrowest of car parks is a bonus and it wants for nothing (except adaptive cruise control), with loads luxury and high-tech features.

“This is an outstanding SUV, plain and simple.”

So the GLB is a strong contender for 2020 carsales Car of the Year, proudly presented by Bingle.

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC at a glance:
Price: From $73,535
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 165kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km
CO2: 173g/km