The 2020 Mercedes GLB will arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year and the company has announced pricing will start at US$ 36,600 – excluding a $995 destination and delivery charge. Costing just US$ 2,650 more than the GLA, the GLB is billed as a “practical SUV with powerful proportions yet compact dimensions.” The company isn’t kidding about the latter as the crossover’s wheelbase is 43 mm shorter than the GLC, but 130 mm longer than the GLA.

Its design closely echoes the GLB concept and the model comes equipped with LED headlights, a power liftgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. While the crossover looks a little plain, customers can order AMG Line and Night packages.  There’s also an Exterior Lighting package which adds active LED headlights and adaptive highbeam assist.


Moving into the cabin, drivers will find a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Other standard features include a dual-zone climate control system, a rearview camera, cruise control and 8-way power front seats with 3-position memory.

An assortment of packages will be able including a Premium pack which adds larger 10.25-inch displays, Blind Spot Assist, Keyless-Go and auto-dimming / power folding side mirrors. Customers can also order a Multimedia package which adds GPS navigation and Traffic Sign Assist.


Other options include heated / ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a third-row seat. There’s also a panoramic sliding sunroof, a wireless smartphone charger and a head-up display. Rounding out the highlights are a Burmester surround sound system and an ambient lighting system with 64 different colors.

Motivation is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 221 hp and 349 Nm of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission which sends power to the front wheels. For an additional US$ 2,000 customers can get 4MATIC all-wheel drive. With that box checked, the GLB can accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 6.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 209 km/h. Fans looking for something more powerful can opt for the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 which recently debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. However, that model is still a ways off as it isn’t scheduled to arrive in America until late next year.