Why the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 2024 is ideal for every type of driver
Let’s talk versatility
Let’s cut to the chase: I can be an anxious driver. So when I first got the offer to test drive the latest Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic AMG Line, I jumped at the chance but found myself wondering if I was really suited for the task just minutes later. The idea of driving an entirely new car was daunting. However, before I knew it, I was picking up the keys and driving off on my week-long adventure with the SUV.
My first impressions of the car were that it was a classy yet sporty vehicle to drive around—the perfect size for a girl who likes height on her cars (AKA me)! Classy on the outside and inside, the GLB was also easy on the eyes and luxe throughout. “I could get used to this,” I thought to myself…and I was right. It didn’t take long for me to get accustomed to its settings and posh style. Over the course of the next seven days, I got to know the car and its personality, exploring all that it has to offer. My final verdict: the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 2024 is one versatile vehicle. Here’s why I think this car is suited for every type of driver and their needs.
THE EVERYDAY DRIVER
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is an excellent daily driver that ensures comfort, reliability, and quality. For those who fancy an SUV that doesn’t sacrifice style and comfort for your everyday drives, this GLB should be at the top of your list. Not only do the front seats come with fore-/aft-adjustable chairs, the back row also gets in on this feature, optimising comfort for all passengers in the car. Its interiors are roomy and well-built, lending itself to an enjoyable driving experience no matter the distance and drive time. I for one quite enjoyed my me-time sitting in the car while waiting out traffic jams in the city centre!
On top of that, the long wheelbase and suspension setup make your drive as smooth as possible—even making its way over some of the notorious KL potholes with ease. Plus, the steering wheel is pleasantly light, making even the most jam-ridden drive an easy one. Its small turning radius also makes weaving through narrower roads and executing U-turns close to effortless. You can also change up the look of your car on the daily with its ambient lighting and display style options from a spectrum of colour palettes and looks. Let’s just say if you’re cruising around with the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 seven days a week, there wouldn’t be much to complain about about your ride!
THE LONG-DISTANCE DRIVER
If you’re one to take on the highways frequently, you’ll find your new best friend in the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250. The car’s media system is also integrated with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making your in-car entertainment experience seamless and keeping your long drives not so mundane. Additionally, the premium Burmester sound system is a definite plus as it delivers impeccable surround sound. As someone whose current car isn’t fitted with Apple CarPlay, having this feature for the week was a treat as I could answer phone calls with one touch and change songs or playlists without having to wait for a red light. Having Waze displayed on the car’s main screen was also a luxury.
Keeping things cool and cosy, Thermotronic controls let you and your front passenger to customise your preferred climate independently. If you’ve got passengers in the rear seats, the ride will also be a plush one for them with ample room and reclining seats. For added customisability to your ride, Dynamic Select allows you to choose between different driving modes—such as Comfort and Eco—to suit your preferred settings including steering, suspension, transmission, and more.
THE SPORTY DRIVER
For those who like things on the more thrilling side of life, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 also has your back. On the outside, the car tastefully toes the balance between classy comfort and stylish sportiness. The diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome, side trim in grained black, and 48.3-centimetre AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels all combine to create its distinct look. Interior-wise, its sports seats—with Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre in black—and multifunction nappa leather steering wheel with perforations add a sporty touch to its look too.
As for performance, the car has a top speed of 236 kmph. On top of that, it can complete the century sprint in about 6.9 seconds. With its impressive 224 horsepower output and approximately 350 Nm of torque, overtaking is a breeze as the car sends power from the moment you step on the accelerator. While driving on Sports mode, everything feels more responsive due to the flattened suspension, higher rev ranges, and sharpened steering.
THE FAMILY DRIVER
The Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 also makes a great automobile companion for families. As a true seven-seater, there is ample space for everyone. For a family of five the GLB works like a charm, with enough room for both you and your cargo or luggages. Not to mention, the boot comes with hands-free access so you can load your items with a simple kicking motion by the sensor.
On longer drives with children, the second row seats can also recline to provide a more comfortable ride for the whole family. When transporting larger items such as furniture or sports equipment, you can fold down the last two rows of seats to maximise boot space. With that being said, it might be slightly tight for adults sitting in the third row and you do lose boot space should they be in use.
THE ANXIOUS DRIVER
While at the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, an army of assistance systems are at your disposal, ensuring every drive is smooth, safe, and stress-free. As an anxious driver myself, I really appreciated the blind-spot monitoring sensors and high viewpoint of the road thanks to the car’s relatively tall build. Furthermore, the Driving Assistance package offers extra support with lane assist and speed assist. Its displays are easy to read at a glance so checking your speed or referring to any of the assistance systems are also a breeze.
The light steering wheel also makes the car feel more responsive so changing directions and navigating narrower roads become more of a breeze despite the car being an SUV. For those living in traffic jam-ridden cities such as Kuala Lumpur, the Active Distance Assist— known as Distronic—can also be kicked in to automatically regulate your distance from the vehicle in front of you. When combining all the above assistance systems, relatively soft suspension, easily navigable multimedia systems, and overall comfort of the car, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is a car that doesn’t take much time to get used to and thoroughly enjoy no matter how you may feel about taking on the roads.
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