GLB200d 4MATIC

The other day, a friend of mine purchased a GLB200d 4MATIC, so I had the chance to test drive it.

Actually, I had previously test driven my younger brother’s GLA200d 4MATIC. At that time, I was impressed by the engine and body’s rigidity, and the stability at high speeds was amazing. The handling was very sporty, but at town speeds, I felt the rear suspension was a bit bouncy over uneven roads and lacked composure.

This is my brother’s GLA

So, I didn’t have high expectations for the ride comfort of the GLB when I test drove it this time, but I’d like to share my impressions.

Design and Interior

First off, my initial impression was that the car feels compact in width. Especially when viewed head-on. This is probably due to its height as well. I didn’t feel this way with the GLA, but with the GLB, it’s especially noticeable.

Overall, it has a very square design, which is rare for modern cars.

It’s said to be inspired by the G-Class, and it really has the vibe of a mini G-Class—modernized and smaller.

Once inside, it’s very easy to get in and out (though this may depend on your build). With full-size SUVs, you often have to climb up like stairs, but the GLB lets you smoothly slide into the driver’s seat with ease.

Similarly, when getting out, you don’t have to stretch your legs excessively. It’s not like standing up from a low sedan or coupe seat; the height is just right to get out smoothly.

Leather DINAMICA seats

As expected from Mercedes, the interior is not just luxurious or high-quality, but also has a striking design flair. Despite the black-based color scheme, it feels very elegant with no hint of cheapness. Anyone riding in it would surely feel it’s a premium car.

The GLB200d 4MATIC I test drove is a model year MP202202. It was equipped with the AMG Line package and a panoramic sliding roof as options.

The seats are finished in ‘Leather DINAMICA’, which is standard for the AMG Line package. The red stitching gives it a sporty vibe reminiscent of Porsche’s GTS interior package.

MP202202 model lacks power seats

Unfortunately, the MP202202 model lacks electric power seats due to semiconductor shortages. Wireless charging and the number of USB ports in the second row have also been reduced. However, these do not seem to affect the overall atmosphere, luxury feel, or powertrain, so no worries there.

The second-row seats are very comfortable, with a flat design that surprisingly supports the lower back and spine well. This kind of seat craftsmanship is a testament to the long-standing European tradition of chair-making. Legroom is ample when the seats are slid back.

On the other hand, three adults sitting in the second row might feel a bit cramped width-wise. If you need more space here, you might want to consider a larger SUV.

Legroom in the second row of GLB200d 4MATIC

Third-row seats of GLB200d 4MATIC

As for the much-discussed third-row seats, my impression is that they’re surprisingly usable. Of course, they’re small and cramped, but you can manage for about 30 minutes. Compared to the rear seats of a 911, they’re far more comfortable.

There are also ISO-FIX mounts for child seats. The seats are a bit cave-like and dark, so small children might actually enjoy this cozy space.

Impressions of the Diesel Engine

Personally, I’m not a big fan of diesel engines. So I approached the 200d engine with some bias.

However, to conclude, I found it to be the least off-putting diesel engine I’ve ever driven.

When you press the start button, the engine quietly comes to life. Being a diesel, you can feel some vibration through the steering wheel and body at idle. But unlike older compact 4-cylinder gasoline engines without balancers, which had cheap-feeling strong vibrations, the vibration amplitude is very small and the frequency is stable, so you won’t notice it much unless you focus on it.

In fact, when concentrating on driving, you won’t feel anything odd even when stopped.

What I want to highlight most about this car is the excellent coordination between the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the engine. This engine produces 320 Nm of torque from just 1400 rpm, and the dual-clutch AT perfectly delivers that torque without waste.

Of course, a conventional torque converter AT offers smoother starts and gentler acceleration. But I really like this crisp gear change and acceleration feel.

The acceleration is sufficient, and when you push the pedal, it accelerates firmly. The 0-100 km/h time is a modest 9.3 seconds, but the torque sensation the moment you press the accelerator is impressive, making it feel quicker than the number suggests.

Even I, accustomed to Porsche’s acceleration, think so, so for most people this will be more than enough.

I’ll share the rest in the second part.