Mercedes lights up Yuletide, introduces all-new GLB to Nigeria

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the newest member of its passenger car segment, an all-new GLB, thus bringing the best of the premium auto brand with its strong SUV DNA to light up the Yuletide celebrations for Nigerians.

According to a statement from Mercedes Benz representative in Nigeria, Weststar Associates Limited, the all-new GLB is the 8th entry in Mercedes-Benz’s compact class as it joins the A-Class, B-Class, CLA, GLA, A-Class Saloon, CLA Shooting Brake and the long-wheelbase A-Class Saloon.

Weststar, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, says it is proud to announce the arrival of the all new GLB to the Nigerian market.

Exterior

It says the exterior design of the new GLB comes with great off-road appeal with its front apronwith a visual skid plate that emphasizes the GLB’s unmistakable SUV character.

Giving the other exterior details, it states, “The radiator grille comes with a double louvre finished in chrome inserts and there is the option of a diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome for the AMG line. Another highlight on the front end is the headlamps which come with the MULTIBEAM LED lighting technology.

“The side view comes with recognizable features like a raised roof railing in chrome finish, 17 – 20-inch light-alloy wheels,door panels and wheel arches (claddings). The rear-view features two-piece tail lamps with the reflectors relocated to the bumper, a chrome plated loading sill protector and visible tail pipe trim elements that complements the overall design of the vehicle.”

Interior

The new MB, sporting a high-quality design, has an interior said to stand out with several comfort and luxury features.

It notes, “From fully digital displays to an off-road character, the GLB’s interior is interpreted in a young way. The dashboard wears a technical, avantgarde look, with the Widescreen Cockpit free-standing, positioned on the lower part of the dashboard, while the air-conditioning control panel wears an analogue-look with buttons in an aluminum finish.”

It gives the other standout features as three different seat variants that offer good ergonomics and a high level of comfort, ambient lightening provided exclusively by energy-saving LEDs and a centre console that comes with a stowage compartment which houses a cup holder, a 12 V socket and a USB port.

Weststar says, “The GLB impresses with plenty of space combined with compact dimensions, at 2829 mm the GLB has the longest wheelbase of the current compact-class generation from Mercedes-Benz.

“The headroom in the first seat row is 1069 mm – an optimum in this segment. At 967 mm, the effective legroom in the rear of the five-seater is at an especially comfortable level.

“The GLB is equipped with MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), the system features as standard two 7-inch displays (optionally: 2 x 10.25-inch), a sports steering wheel with Touch Control buttons on the left and right, a USB port (Type C) and Bluetooth® connection for telephony and audio sources.”

Engine

It comes with four-cylinder petrol engines which have been completely updated to relaunch the compact model series.

The auto firm notes that in comparison to the previous generation, the GLB 200 uses a 1.66 liters M282 petrol engine with an output of 163hp (120kw) and a peak torque of 250 nm; while the GLB 250 4MATIC uses a 2.0-liter M260 petrol engine with an output of 224hp (165kw) and a peak torque of 350 nm.

The GLB 200 and the GLB 250 4MATIC engines are paired with the 7G-DCT and 8G-DCT automatic transmission systems respectively.

The GLB is also equipped with the permanent all-wheel system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution. This sporty all-wheel drive configuration allows the driver to use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to influence the characteristics of 4MATIC.

It also says the latest driving assist systems from the S-Class are also on board the new GLB. Thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the GLB is able to see up to 500 meters ahead and drive in semi-automated mode in certain situations. This includes, for example, the convenient speed adjustment ahead of bends, junctions or roundabouts carried out by Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.  The Active Lane Change Assistalso features as a new function of the Active Steering Assist in the GLB, and if the Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC is additionally on board, it is included with the extended automatic restart function on motorways.

The statement quotes Managing Director/CEO of Weststar Associates Limited, Mr. Mirko Plath, as saying, “We are proud to introduce this brand-new addition in the Mercedes-Benz family to this market.

“The new GLB caters to a growing demographic which we have also identified here in Nigeria. We strongly believe that our customers will embrace this new product as they have with our better-known products.”