Mercedes-Benz calls the GLB a baby GLS and I can see why. A first glance and it surely gives you the GLS vibes.
Mercedes-Benz GLB & EQB Performance
This is the first time ever that I got to drive an ICE car and its electric counterpart back to back. The GLB will be offered with a 1.3 litre 163 hp 250 Nm petrol engine and a 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel with 190 horses and 400 Nm. I am driving the diesel in its 220d guise with 4Matic all wheel drive. This engine was a blast to drive down the smooth hilly roads from Kodai to Madurai. The motor is very refined and throttle response is quite instant with no noticeable lag. The eight speed dual clutch is quick and responsive more so in Sport mode which I used most of the time while driving through the twisty ghat sections. Push the engine hard and it does tend to get a little vocal at the top end.
The EQB is powered by two electric motors that draw power from a 66.5 kWh battery pack which Mercedes claims has a WLTP range of 423 kms on a single charge. Performance is’nt out right explosive ( maybe the EQS twins I drove for a couple of weeks before this have spoilt me), but the EQB is very smooth in how it goes about its business. Power figures stand at 229 hp and 390 Nm of torque. These torque here is less when compared to the EQB but what makes the difference is that it is available right from the word go. O to 100 comes up in a claimed 8 seconds while the top speed stands at 160 kph. The EQB makes for a great silent highway cruiser while the paddle shifters help you play around with regen levels. The strongest setting is sure to work well in bumper to bumper traffic with single pedal driving. I did not get to try that but hope to do so once I get the car for an extended drive here in Mumbai. More updates then.
Mercedes-Benz GLB & EQB Ride & Handling
The GLB takes on bad patches and small bumps pretty well and doesn’t toss you around. It’s the bigger patches that make their presence felt with a thud. And remember you do have 19 inch wheels as well. As far as handling goes, while there is some body roll, but I totally loved the way it was attacking corners and sharp turns. It felt planted and steering feedback was pretty much up there. I have to say that the GLB loves to be driven enthusiastically. Straight line stability is excellent and grip levels are great thanks to the all wheel drive.
I didn’t get the chance to test the handling of the EQB extensively. Ride quality however is comfortable and silent. It soaks in the bad roads well and doesn’t feel unsettled. Ground clearance is aplenty and there is nothing to be concerned about when going over speed brakers. I still remember how much that was a concern when I drove the EQC a couple of years ago. High speed stability is as good as the GLB but brake pedal needs a little effort when you ate totally off regen.
