The Mercedes GLB was launched in India in December 2022 and instantly became a talking point. Why? Because it managed to combine the luxury DNA of Mercedes-Benz with the utility of a legit 7-seater SUV in a form that didn’t scream “family car.”
Positioned between the GLA and GLC, the GLB was offered in three variants:
- GLB 200 Progressive Line (Petrol, Front-Wheel Drive)
- GLB 220d Progressive Line (Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive)
- GLB 220d 4MATIC AMG Line (Diesel, All-Wheel Drive)
It shared the same platform as the GLA but felt way more practical thanks to its boxier design and extra cabin space. Mercedes didn’t just slap on a third row for the sake of it — the GLB’s layout was thoughtfully engineered to give you space without losing style.
Design: Compact but Bold
First look at the GLB and you might think it’s a baby GLS — and you’re not wrong. The squared-off shape, high roofline, and upright stance gave it a bold, SUV-ish profile even though it’s technically a compact luxury SUV.
The Progressive Line came with a more refined aesthetic — think subtle chrome accents, sleek alloy wheels, and a clean grille. But the real head-turner was the AMG Line, which brought in sportier bumpers, larger 19-inch alloys, dual exhaust tips, and aggressive body styling.
The best part? That shape wasn’t just for show. It helped the GLB stand out from the sea of curvy, coupe-styled SUVs and made room for that all-important third row.
Interior: A Cabin That’s Straight-Up Luxe
Step inside the GLB and the Mercedes vibe hits immediately. The dashboard was loaded with high-end finishes — brushed aluminium trim, turbine-style air vents, and soft-touch materials all around.
Front-row and second-row passengers were treated to plush seating, panoramic sunroof views, and more than enough head and legroom. The second row was adjustable, allowing it to slide forward or recline to make space for the back row.
Now for the big one — the third row.
Let’s set expectations straight: the third row was best suited for kids or shorter adults, especially for longer rides. But as a backup for occasional use or short trips, it worked great. Plus, the 50:50 split-folding seats could be dropped to expand boot space when not needed, giving you solid flexibility.
Tech Features: Fully Loaded, No Cap
The GLB didn’t hold back when it came to tech. Even the base models were loaded. You got the iconic dual 10.25-inch displays — one for the instrument cluster and the other for the touchscreen infotainment.
And that screen wasn’t just for flexing. It came with:
- MBUX infotainment system with natural voice recognition (“Hey Mercedes” actually worked)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Built-in navigation with live traffic updates
- Wireless charging pad
- 64-color ambient lighting that could literally set the mood for every ride
- Memory function for driver seats
- Automatic climate control
- 12-speaker premium sound system in the top trims
So whether you were commuting to work or hitting the highway on a late-night run with your squad, the GLB kept things comfy and connected.
Performance: Not Just a Pretty Face
Under the hood, Mercedes gave buyers a choice between a 1.3L turbo-petrol engine and a 2.0L diesel unit. Here’s a breakdown:
GLB 200 (Petrol)
- 1.3L Turbocharged engine
- 161 bhp, 250 Nm torque
- 0-100 kmph in 9.1 seconds
- Front-wheel drive
- 7-speed DCT gearbox
GLB 220d (Diesel)
- 2.0L Turbocharged engine
- 188 bhp, 400 Nm torque
- 0-100 kmph in 7.7 seconds
- 8-speed automatic
- Offered in both front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AMG Line)
The diesel variants offered stronger mid-range performance and were better suited for long-distance travel, while the petrol variant was more city-friendly.
In real-world driving, the GLB felt planted and composed. The suspension leaned more towards comfort, which made potholes and bad roads easier to live with. And with that elevated seating position, visibility was ace.
Safety: Because You’re Rolling With Seven People
Mercedes wasn’t playing around with safety on the GLB. It came loaded with a full suite of driver aids and crash protection tech:
- 7 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Attention assist
- Lane keeping assist
- Active brake assist
- ISOFIX mounts for child seats
- Rear parking sensors and 360-degree camera
The GLB also earned high safety ratings globally and maintained Mercedes’ reputation for building secure family vehicles.
Bonus Round: The EQB – The Electric Twin
If you were about that EV life, Mercedes launched the EQB alongside the GLB in India. It was basically the same body and layout but swapped out the engine for a fully electric drivetrain.
- Dual motor setup: 228 bhp
- 66.5 kWh battery
- Range of 423 km (WLTP)
- 0-100 kmph in 8 seconds
- 7-seater layout intact
Fast charging support and eco-friendly creds made the EQB a solid alternative, though at a steeper price.
Pricing in India (Before Discontinuation)
Here’s how the pricing stacked up (ex-showroom):
