It is unusual for a manufacturer to release two new models on the same day. Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, has done just that, launching two new offerings for the Indian market: the GLB and its all-electric derivative, the EQB.
The GLB costs between Rs 63.8 lakh and Rs 69.8 lakh, while the all-electric EQB costs Rs 74.5 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). Both vehicles are brought into the nation as completely imported models via the CBU (Completely Built-up Unit) route, and so have high sticker prices. Pre-orders for the new SUVs began last month, with customers able to place orders for a nominal fee of Rs 1.5 lakh.
The GLB is available in three trim levels: 220d 4Matic, 220d, and 200, but the EQB is only available in one fully-loaded trim level: 300 4Matic. SUVs are the luxury automobile segment’s smallest seven-seat variants.
The GLB and EQB aren’t particularly huge SUVs, but their boxy design and upright stance, along with a powerful appearance, contribute to expand their footprint. The GLB with an internal combustion engine (ICE) receives a more classic look, with a chrome-studded grille with 3D inlays and a characteristic three-pointed star in the centre. The grille is surrounded by rectangular LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs.
The side profile is sleek and subtle, while the back end is dominated by a flat tailgate with wraparound LED taillamps and an integrated roof spoiler, as well as a hefty rear bumper with twin exhaust pipes and a chrome-embellished diffuser. GLB offers the image of a ‘Mini GLS’ due to its elevated posture.
The EQB, on the other hand, has a similar shape and boxy profile to its ICE-powered sister, but with several notable differences. EV-specific design elements include a sealed-off front grille, an LED DRL strip linking the headlamps, aero-specific alloys, and linked LED taillamps.
The cabin of the GLB is somewhat smaller than that of the GLC, which has a little longer wheelbase of 2,873mm vs 2,829mm in the former. However, the interior layout of the GLB is remarkably similar to that of the GLC and GLA. The most noticeable feature is a dual-screen arrangement on the dashboard, which includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 10.1-inch digital driver’s display.
The infotainment display is integrated with Mercedes’ MBUX system, which provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as linked car telematics. A multi-function, leather-wrapped steering wheel, an electronic tailgate, powered front seats with memory function, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger, ambient lighting, and other features round out the package.
GLB is equipped with several airbags, electronic stability control, and ADAS for safety (Advanced Driver Assistance System). EQB retains the same set of characteristics as its fossil-fueled sister. With all three rows up, boot space in the GLB is limited to 150 litres, which can be increased to 570 litres by folding down the third-row seats. The boot space in EQB is 20 litres larger
The GLB 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 161 horsepower and 250 Nm of peak torque. The other two models, the 200d and the 200d 4Matic, are powered by a 2.0-litre (1950 cc) four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 188 horsepower and 400 Nm of peak torque.
A seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox in the petrol model and an eight-speed DCT unit in the diesel variants handle transmission responsibilities. In terms of performance, the GLB 200 sprints from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.7 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive 220d model does it in 7.6 seconds. The GLB accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The electric SUV, EQB, is driven by twin motors, one on each axle, and is fueled by a 66.5 kWh unit battery pack. The powerplant produces 225 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque and has a WLTP-certified range of 423 kilometres. The SUV can accelerate from a standstill to 100 kmph in 8.0 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz GLB is a 7-seater SUV priced between 63.80 and 69.80 lakh. It is available in three variants, with engine sizes ranging from 1332 to 1950 cc and only one transmission option: automatic. The GLB is available in four different colors.
Mercedes-Benz GLB and EQB India launch on 2 December.
Mercedes-Benz EQB is a seater suv. The Mercedes-Benz EQB is slated to launch in India in December 2022. The Mercedes-Benz EQB will rival XF, XC60 and 3 Series. Expect prices to start from 55.00 Lakh.
The two seats in the third row may be utilised by adults up to 1.65 metres tall, and child seats can also be put there. The redesigned EQB will make its premiere at Auto Shanghai 2021. Following the EQA, it is the second totally electric small automobile from Mercedes-EQ.
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