News / 20 May 2024 / Michael Taylor

Mercedes-Benz updates its most affordable 7-seater in South Africa – Pricing

Mercedes-Benz has finally launched the updated GLB in South Africa, adding two revitalised units to its extensive catalogue.

Positioned above the smaller entry-level GLA, the GLB starts at R1,122,648 and is optionally available as a seven-seater making it one-of-a-kind in its segment, according to the company.

Everything new

The GLB is sold in two trim levels – Progressive and AMG Line – both of which are equipped with the same turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine.

The power unit generates 140kW and 400Nm and enables the crossover to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 217km/h, despite having a gross weight of just over 2.2 tonnes.

An eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox connects the motor to the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, with the setup returning an average fuel consumption of between 5.7-6.4l/100km.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB (right) compared to the GLA (left).

It’s in the styling and features department that the new Mercedes differentiates itself from the old version.

The front bumper has been redesigned with visual underbody protection to convey its off-road capabilities.

The radiator grille is studded with four horizontal louvres and the iconic three-pointed star badge, flanked by new full-LED headlights, and the rear end has been moulded to appear more athletic.

There are also four different wheel styles to choose from starting with the base option of 18-inch, five-twin-spoke alloys in high-gloss black, which can be swapped out for larger rims measuring 19 or 20 inches in diameter.

The paint palette has additionally been expanded with a new Spectral Blue Metallic hue.

As for the interior, the big new addition is a free-standing MBUX double screen consisting of a 7-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch media display, though it is possible to upgrade the smaller screen to 10.25 inches, too.

These can be customized with three visual settings for Classic, Sporty, and Discreet, which also link with the cabin’s ambient lighting.

The screens, which now support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, can be controlled via an improved intelligent voice assistant, through touch, or via the multifunction steering wheel.

The turbine-effect air vents have an aluminium finish, and the steering wheel is upholstered in leather with an Artico man-made leather option available on request.

Other items added to the package include headlights with high-beam assist and new USB ports, and the Parking and Mirror packages are now included as standard on the Progressive trim.

The Parking package features the Active Parking Assist function while the Mirror package adds auto-folding heated side mirrors and an electrochromic rearview mirror.

New owners will also benefit from a Driving Assistance package that adds an improved version of lane-keep assist called Active Steering Control, a 360-degree camera, and Trailer Maneuvering Assist to make it easier to navigate with a trailer in tow.