New Mercedes-Benz GLB 2020 pricing and specs detailed: Seven-seat Audi Q3 rival arrives

Mercedes-Benz Australia has released the pricing and specification of the first-generation GLB, which is the only small SUV with seven seats.

The GLB is available in three variants: the entry-level GLB200 ($59,900 plus on-road costs), mid-range GLB250 ($73,900) and flagship AMG GLB35 ($88,900). Deliveries of the former two will start later this month, while the latter will enter showrooms later this year.

Standard equipment in the GLB200 includes comfort suspension, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails and power-operated tailgate.

Inside, a 10.25-inch touchscreen MBUX multimedia system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless smartphone charger, keyless entry and start, comfort seats, Artico leather upholstery and illuminated scuff plates feature.

Advanced-driver assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist and park assist.

The GLB250 adds adaptive suspension, variable-ratio steering, Multibeam LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with heating, and hill-descent control.

Meanwhile, the AMG GLB35 also picks up sports suspension, speed-sensitive steering, a sports body kit, 20-inch alloy wheels, a high-performance braking package, a sports exhaust system, rear privacy glass, black exterior trim, a Nappa leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, comfort sports seats, Lugano leather upholstery, Carbon Structure interior trim and stainless-steel sports pedals.

The GLB200 is powered by a 120kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and front-wheel drive.

Stepping up to the GLB250 nets a 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder unit, which is matched to an eight-speed DCT and Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

The AMG GLB35 uses the same combination as the GLB250, but its outputs are higher, at 225kW/400Nm.

As reported, the GLB’s cargo capacity is 560L with 50/50 split-fold third row stowed, but it can be increased to 1755L with the 40/20/40 split-fold middle bench also stowed. The former can accommodate occupants that are up to 168cm tall.

Rivals include the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo XC40, among others, but all are five-seaters.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB pricing before on-road costs