Stick with the diesel or spend an additional 4.5 lakh to go electric- the choices are loud and clear!
Mercedes Benz India has launched two brand new SUVs in the country. The manufacturer has brought in the GLB and all-electric EQB to the Indian soil, with smart price tags around their shoulders. With prices starting at Rs 63.8 lakh, ex-showroom, Mercedes GLB is available in 3 different variants (GLB 200, GLB 220D and GLB 220D 4MATIC) and also adorns the title of being ‘ the most affordable 7 seater SUV from Mercedes Benz’. The EQB is priced at Rs 74.5 lakh, ex-showroom, 4.5 lakh more than what the diesel GLB asks for. Both the GLB and EQB are pitched in as the spiritual successors to the Mercedes B class in India.
Mercedes Benz GLB: Key Highlights
The GLB is the second 7-seater SUV from Mercedes Benz India, after the mighty GLS. It is thus the most affordable 7-seater Merc around as well. However, the GLB is quite vocal about being a ‘mini GLS’ in its overall design. With the upright nose, long flat bonnet and roofline, squarish headlamps, segmented tail lamps and pronounced wheel arches, it tries desperately to be a shrunken GLS. It is available in two trims: Progressive Line and AMG Line.
Mercedes GLB Progressive Line gets a dual slat grille, faux silver skid plate, exterior Chrome garnishes, and 18-inch wheels. The GLB AMG Line, on the other hand, gets a more aggressive styling with sharper lines, sharper bumper designs, single slat AMG grille, and bigger 19-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, it also features the AMG steering wheel, sports seats and multiple Carbon fibre trims.
Mercedes GLB Interior: The cabin design has a strong resemblance to that of the new Mercedes Benz GLA. Be it the dashboard layout, screens, AC vents, the central trackpad, door pads would all look familiar. The SUV gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit powered by Mercedes MBUX engine, offering wireless Apple Carplay, Android Auto and support for voice commands. Other features include a panoramic sunroof, motorized front seats, ambient lighting, in-built navigation, a powered tailgate, park assist and more.
The GLB, however, comes with a seven-seater layout. Many a time, it could feel like a three-row GLA from inside the cabin. The third row is not too generous with the space offered. The second row here, can slide and recline for delivering more comfort.
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Mercedes Benz GLB specifications: The GLB can be had with petrol and diesel powertrains. The petrol variant (GLB 200) gets a 1.3L, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine offering 163 hp and 250 Nm, mated to a 7-speed automatic box. The GLB 220D draws its juice from a 2.0L, four-cylinder diesel that churns out 190 hp and 400 Nm. This engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic and the diesel can be had with 4MATIC AWD system as well.
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) |
| GLB 200 | 63.8 lakh |
| GLB 220D | 66.8 lakh |
| GLB 220D 4MATIC | 69.8 lakh |
Mercedes Benz EQB: Key Highlights
The EQB is the manufacturer’s third electric vehicle for India, after the EQS and EQC. It is now the new entry point into Mercedes EVs here. The electric SUV is based on the GLB and remains identical to the ICE counterpart in overall dimensions and scale. However, the EV comes with key design deviations from the GLB. It gets a blanked-off EV grille, reworked lights, tweaked bumpers, and full-width LED light bars up front and at the rear. Mercedes EQB is available in 5 colours: Cosmos Black, Mountain Grey, Digital White, Iridium Silver and Rose Gold.
Mercedes EQB Interior and features: The EQB’s cabin resembles that of the GLB. It is a 7-seater as well and comes with features like 10.25-inch touchscreen and instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, powered tailgate, and electric front seats. Most of these details remain unchanged from those of the GLB.
Mercedes EQB specifications: This is the most important area of differentiation between these SUVs. In the global scene, the EQB can be had with two powertrains. The EQB 300 makes 228 hp and 390 Nm, while the EQB 350 makes 292 hp and 520 Nm. It is, however, just the EQB 300 that’s made its way to Indian soil. The dual motor setup powers both axles, and facilitates AWD. 0-00 kph is claimed to be achieved in just 8 seconds and the top speed is 160 kph. The vehicle gets a 66.5 kWh battery pack, with claimed range figures of 423 km. 10-80% DC charging would demand 32 minutes at a 100 kW fast charger.
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| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) |
| EQB 300 | 74.5 lakh |
Mercedes Benz GLB vs EQB: Price Analysis
The GLB would make the most sense in its diesel avatar, which would set you back by Rs 66.8 lakh for the FWD variant or a whole 69.5 lakh for the AWD guise. This is the one to go for, should you be into regular long drives and weekend getaways with family. In any other case that demands lesser time on the road and shorter mile munching, the EQB makes much sense, as it asks for just Rs 4.5 lakh over the diesel. And these are all despite the vehicles being imported via CBU. We are curious to see how the Indian market reacts to these SUVs…
