Mercedes-Benz has actually had the GLB in its worldwide lineup for rather at some point now. For some factor, it had actually held back on releasing it in India till now. The all-electric EQB, on the other hand, is brand name spanking brand-new. Both are, obviously, seven-seat compact high-end SUVs. That bit is very important to keep in mind here, as it determines how these 2 SUVs are placed in Mercedes-Benz’ Indian SUV lineup (the biggest of any maker in India by the method). We got to sample both the EQB in addition to the GLB in the hills of Kodaikanal and here’s what we believe.
Design
Let us begin with the GLB initially, as the EQB is, in turn, based upon the seven-seat architecture of the GLB. In spite of being bult on the exact same platform as the GLA, the GLB does not appear little by any requirements and has rather the roadway existence, albeit a bit narrower than the GLC. It is practically as long as the GLC and the high, upright position is something that makes it appear bigger than it is, a minimum of from a range. The basic shape and bodywork do not truly stick out as much, however Mercedes-Benz have actually put in some effort in to the information and it reveals, particularly on the AMG-line trim that we were driving. There is the AMG-line grille, the 19- inch alloys, the square headlamps and the squared-off wheel arches with straight lines all around. Assembled, it provides the SUV an enforcing position. Mercedes-Benz would like you to think that this is an infant GLS with the likewise developed back and the total percentages.
There is a kink around the shoulder line that does flare as you go towards the back which differs from the GLS. In general, while it might not be really distinct aesthetically like some other Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks, it does look respectable specifically when you think about the product packaging requirements Mercedes-Benz would have needed to handle for the GLB. Broaching the product packaging, the GLB gets a front wheel drive, transverse engine design unlike the longitudinal one on the GLC. This suggests that Mercedes-Benz had the ability to free-up a great deal of space on the within. The GLB, in reality, has a wheelbase that’s longer than SUVs from a sector above.
The EQB is Mercedes-Benz’ 3rd electrical vehicle in the nation (4th, if you count the EQS 53) and it is miles apart from the other 2. Here, the focus is on compact measurements and usefulness while still being simply as glamorous. If you simply look at the shape, it will be tough to distinguish the EQB from the GLB, however in the flesh, they look really various. And Mercedes-Benz needs to be applauded for that. With the exact same percentages, very same upright position and almost the very same measurements, the EQB does stick out from the GLB, if primarily on the exterior. The crucial visual differentiators are the big synthetic grille, linked light bars at both the front and the back, various headlamps and taillamps and, to a lower degree, the various outside paint alternatives (you can have your EQB in an uncommon however no less unique increased gold colour).
Interiors
On the within, while Mercedes has actually included a couple of aspects to set the EQB apart, it is mainly similar to the GLB. That isn’t precisely a bad thing. The twin-screen dash design with the circular vents recognizes and is likewise something you see in the GLA, as are the main tunnel and the touchpad. The guiding wheel isn’t the ‘current-gen’ one seen on the C-Class, however it is something that I personally choose over the more recent one in particular relates to. It is definitely well made with high quality leather and brushed metal coming together with the tactile buttons.
Plastics in some parts of the cabin, specifically lower down and on the door pads, aren’t precisely the most exceptional. There’s two-zone environment control, a 10- speaker audio system and cordless charging however you need to utilize a cable television for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The twin10 25- inch screens are simply as excellent and MBUX works like an appeal. It isn’t the most recent MBUX setup that Mercedes-Benz has, however I do not see numerous grumbling. On the EQB, there’s a rose gold surface on the vents, the seats and even on the crucial fob. That aside, on the traveler side of the dash, there are a variety of LED lights in a pattern that illuminate with the ambient lighting. That is basically it when it pertains to visual distinctions in the EQB interior.
The 2nd row of seats features an excellent quantity of head, knee and shoulder space with a respectable view of the roadway ahead and the seats themselves are really comfy, much like the ones in the front. The 3rd row is a various story completely. The second-row seats do slide and fold down however they do not topple. This makes access to the 3rd very tough for anybody who’s not a kid. Fortunately, unlike a variety of other makers, Mercedes-Benz accepts it. There’s even a sticker label on the door sill that informs you that the 3rd row is just for individuals much shorter than 5 and a half feet. Area too is at a premium in the 3rd row. The 3rd is finest booked for family pets and young kids (Mercedes-Benx confesses is for pre-teens). With the 3rd row up, there is just sufficient area in the back for a number of little bags. No matter the absence of area in the 3rd row, it does include a little usefulness.
Drivetrain
In India, the GLB is offered with 2 engine alternatives, a GLB 200 powered by a 1.3-litre fuel motor producing 165 PS and 250 Nm and the GLB 220 d, which gets a 2.0-litre diesel system with 192 PS of power and more notably, 400 Nm of torque. The GLB 220 d can be had with all-wheel drive and that was the variation we drove. The 2.0-litre diesel motor does task in other vehicles from the brand name and as anticipated, it is relatively responsive in the GLB.
For the majority of the rev variety, there is a rise of torque that makes it simple and easy to drive. A fast overtake on the narrow, twisty roadways around Kodaikanal was just a flex of the best foot away. It fasts for an SUV this size also, with a 0-100 kmph time of 7.6 seconds. More than that, it is how you can stick to a good speed without much effort, that stands out about this engine. Improvement levels are great however it does get louder when you begin pressing the GLB. The 8-speed double clutch transmission that it is coupled with does an excellent task of remaining in the best equipment at all times and does not grumble when you require a fast down shift from it either.
The EQB is offered with the sole drivetrain choice that consists of 2 motors, one driving each axle. Integrated, they produce 232 PS and 390 Nm. The EQB has a 66.5 kWh battery with a WLTP series of 423 km. Driving downhill from Kodaikanal, we hardly lost any variety and even while going rapidly on the highway to Madurai, we were on course to recover over 300 km of variety on a complete charge.
0-100 kmph is four-tenths slower than the GLB, however the EQB with its electrical motor was in fact a lot better to drive in the hills of Kodaikanal. The schedule of torque from a standstill implied that it was simple to surpass slow-moving traffic without stressing over remaining in the ideal equipment. There is no abrupt spike when you step on the accelerator and development is really direct that makes it pleasurable to drive and more in line with the character of the SUV. The brakes too have some quantity of feedback and the shift from regen to mechanical braking is smooth that makes driving the EQB a far more unwinded affair unlike some other high-end EVs. As soon as you strike triple-digit speeds, efficiency does begin to reduce a bit as the EQB makes its method to its top-speed of 160 kmph.
Ride and Handling
The flight and dealing with qualities of the EQB too was something that I chose over the GLB. Trip quality is luxurious and the EQB slid over a few of the rough areas that we drove over. Even the harsher bumps didn’t filter through to the cabin as much. Body control is effectively evaluated also which aids with flight convenience specifically in the back while making sure that you can drive a lot more enthusiastically. The steering makes it simple to position the EQB precisely on the roadway and the SUV stays planted and relatively flat as you go through the corners.
The GLB nevertheless, has a much firmer suspension setup and you do feel the bumps on the roadway. The bigger bumps and holes do toss the guests around. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz did state that this is an outcome of the lower weight in the GLB which the flight would enhance with more individuals seated in the back. Still, objectively the flight isn’t as excellent as on the EQB. The stiffer suspension does indicate that the GLB feels a lot more made up at greater speeds though (it likewise gets to those greater speeds even more easily). It is likewise a lot more enjoyable to drive around the corners with a well-judged steering and body that rolls gradually.
Verdict
Both the GLB and the EQB are really accomplished SUVs. They drive, ride and deal with well, are effectively geared up and do use some functionality. We have to look at them from the lens of the market they discover themselves in. As or battle now, the current-gen GLC is offered out with the brand-new one still an excellent 6 months away. That leaves a space in Mercedes-Benz’ SUV portfolio. Contribute to that, they do not actually have any competitors today.
That stated, these 2 are complete imports and will not be as available as they remain in some other markets. While the EQB is priced at Rs 74.50 lakh, the GLB begins at Rs 63.80 lakh (both rates ex-showroom). Despite the fact that makes them pricey for what they provide, GLC purchasers may simply gravitate towards them and individuals trying to find an SUV that can seat 7 periodically will be lured to seriously consider it.