Mercedes Reveals Details on Thorough Testing Process for New GLB
New GLB SUV has completed its last phase of testing in Arizona to ensure it meets Mercedes’ tough standards.
Mercedes-Benz has recently finished the final phase of testing the new GLB in Phoenix, Arizona. Mercedes has always put its vehicles through a tough set of trials and tribulations before the company is sure a vehicle is up to its standards. Systematic vehicle testing is one of the most extensive measures undertaken by Mercedes-Benz, especially during the development process. And for the GLB, going from concept to real life SUV, it was a long road.
The GLB endured intensive testing to prove its durability and driveability. It is an important part of of development for the GLB, given its pivotal role in expanding on Merc’s compact car family, as well as introducing a new model which would be the seventh vehicle on this new platform. And as the GLB will be the largest vehicle and first off-road model on this platform, testing had to be tailored to meet the vehicles needs.
Put To The Test
The strenuous testing program included nighttime endurance test runs at the Arizona Testing Center (ATC). There were test drives outside of the vehicle testing site that put its off-road skills to the test in heights that varied from 1,148 to 7,546 feet above sea level. It had to endure a number of weather conditions and temperatures, so the GLB was driven in conditions from heavy downpours and varying temperatures ranging 68 to 104 degrees.
Summer testing is crucial in testing the assemblies and drive systems as well as power and speed. All of these tests are conducted under real-life road conditions, climate, and terrain. The final details are analyzed by the engineers at the scene or in close coordination with the relevant development departments.
Mercedes-Benz also carries out heat trials in other locations such as Granada, Spain and Nardo, Italy.
Upon completion, top management and engineers assess the complete vehicle’s development status/maturity level achieved in each case. Additional changes are made and the path is cleared for bringing the new vehicle to production start-up as a complete product.
Now that the GLB has passed with flying colors, we expect to see the new GLB-Class, priced at $37,595, to hit dealers by the end of the year. It’s a long road from production to showroom, but we expect this entry into the wildly competitive compact crossover class to make a big splash.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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