2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250: Bigger, Badder, Roomier, Sportier

Technical Details

The GLB benefits from the technical highlights of the current compact-class generation from Mercedes-Benz. These include in particular:

• The four-cylinder gas engine, which was completely updated to relaunch the compact model series. Compared to the previous generation, they excel with considerably increased specific outputs, improved efficiency and lower emissions.
• The driving assistance systems with cooperative support for the driver and functionality from the S-Class: thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the GLB can look up to 1,641 feet ahead and can drive partially autonomously in certain situations. For example, by conveniently adapting the speed before corners, crossroads or roundabouts using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with recourse to maps and navigation data. As a new function of the Active Steering Assist, among other things, there is also the intuitive Active Lane Change Assist. If the Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC is additionally on board, the GLB also has the function extended to automatically restart in traffic jams.
• The comfort suspension: at the front, the GLB has MacPherson suspension struts, at the rear an acoustically and vibrationally decoupled multi-link axle with compression springs. Adaptive adjustable damping is available on request. With this, the driver can change between more comfort or particularly sporty tuning via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch.
• The intuitively operable infotainment system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience: The powerful computer, brilliant screens and graphics, individualized depiction, all-color head-up display, navigation with augmented reality, learning-capable software and the voice control which can be activated with “Hey Mercedes” are the key advantages of the system.

4MATIC All-wheel Drive

The GLB can be equipped with the permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with variable torque distribution. This sporty all-wheel drive configuration allows the driver to use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to influence the characteristics of 4MATIC. Three characteristic programs are available to control the all-wheel drive clutch, though the system responds flexibly to the current driving situation in any mode. In regular driving operation, the drive program “Eco/Comfort” is based on an 80:20 distribution (front axle: rear axle), while in “Sport” it is 70:30. In off-road mode the all-wheel drive clutch acts as an inter-axle differential lock, with the basic distribution a balanced 50:50.

4MATIC components include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the automated dual clutch transmission, and the rear axle differential with an integrated multi-plate clutch. This is electro-mechanically operated. Via a spur gear and ball ramp, an electric motor exerts an axial force on the clutch pack to open or close the plates. The rear axle differential compensates the different paths/rotational speeds of the rear wheels. The advantages of this control system are above all non-rpm-dependent operation across the entire actuation range, pilot control of the clutch while still   stationary and higher efficiency thanks to the ball ramp concept.

Off-Road Engineering Package

The Off-Road Engineering Package, which comes as standard on the GLB 250 4MATIC, encompasses an additional drive program. It adapts the engine’s power delivery and the ABS control to easy off-road terrain away from paved roads. It can be activated via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch.

Other elements of the Off-Road Engineering Package:

• An animation of the driving situation can be called up in the media display. The realistic presentation of gradient, inclination angle and technical settings helps the driver to judge maneuvers correctly.
• The hill-start assistance system Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically adheres to a preselected, slow speed between approx. 1 and 11 mph, it can be read out in the instrument cluster and in the optional head-up display. With targeted brake applications the assistant helps retain control during steep downhill driving.

Powerful & Efficient Engine

The new GLB places its trust in the four-cylinder gas engine, which was completely updated to relaunch the compact model series. In comparison to the previous generation, it is characterized by significantly increased power, improved efficiency and emissions.

The two-liter M 260 engine in the GLB 250 has cast-iron cylinder liners in its engine block of diecast aluminum, widening at the lower end as per the CONICSHAPE principle. In-house the cylinder bore process is descriptively known as “trumpet-honing.” This minimizes piston friction and cuts consumption. In the aluminum four-valve cylinder head, the CAMTRONIC variable valve timing system allows two-stage adjustment of the valve lift on the intake side.

The all-new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of the year.

At a glance:

Photos: Daimler AG

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