- The all-new GLB is currently undergoing cold-weather testing in the climatic wind tunnels
- Technology can simulate temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius and extreme blizzards
- First glimpse inside the new compact SUV, offering space for up to seven people
- Optional MBUX Superscreen and a more flexible interior
Whether as a spacious five-seater or a versatile seven-seater, this compact SUV is the perfect companion for trips to ski resorts or other wintry adventures. Beyond confident traction on snow-covered roads, what truly matters is supreme thermal comfort and clear visibility. To ensure the all‑new GLB meets Mercedes‑Benz’s exacting standards in these crucial areas – and delivers the hallmark quality customers expect – extensive testing in two, state-of-the-art climatic wind tunnels is essential.
Testing at the limit: Arctic temperatures and blizzards in the climatic chambers
The temperature range in the so-called cold tunnel basically extends from -40 to +40 degrees Celsius, this covers practically every conceivable weather condition in the real world and includes a generous buffer. Cutting-edge snow cannons allow snow production with a wide variety of snow types over a wide temperature range. Combined with the wind tunnel’s high-powered fan, Mercedes‑Benz can simulate fierce blizzards where snowflakes race towards the test vehicle at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
A great deal of complex technology is incorporated within Mercedes‑Benz’s two climatic wind tunnels. In each tunnel, a rolling road simulates the road surface. Powerful electric motors drive four rollers each, allowing 4MATIC models to be tested under realistic conditions. The test rigs are designed for a total output of up to 780 kW, enabling top speeds of up to 265 km/h. Vehicles can also be refuelled and charged within the tunnels. The building extends over a 70 x 60‑metre floor area. In addition to the two test rigs, it houses offices and a control room. From there, the technicians can regulate temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other parameters. Each test can be closely observed through large, fully insulated windows.
Quality enhancement in every season: simulating the desert sun
What if the destination isn’t St. Moritz, but St. Tropez? What if the goal is Lake Garda rather than the Grossglockner? It’s not just snow and ice that present challenges for a car and its occupants; heat and solar radiation have their own pitfalls. In the heat chamber, temperatures from -10 to +60 degrees Celsius can be generated. There is also a solar simulation system with 32 lamps, delivering a radiation spectrum that corresponds to natural sunlight. Over an 8 x 2.5‑metre area, the radiation intensity can be varied between 200 and 1,200 watts per square metre. The highest level is comparable to very intense sunshine, such as that found only in remote desert locations, such as Death Valley in the USA.
Another development tool in the heat tunnel is the so-called “Hot Road”. This is a simulated road surface where the temperature there can be continuously adjusted between +50 and +70 degrees Celsius, precisely replicating the thermal conditions of a road surface on a scorching summer day. The goal here, too, is to create conditions that are as close to reality as possible.
In the climatic wind tunnels, almost every weather condition can be simulated all year round – and with very low tolerances. Unlike tests on public roads, the measurements are reproducible at any time. The cold chamber helps Mercedes‑Benz to further close the gap between simulation and practical testing, and to continuously improve vehicle quality through even more comprehensive tests.
Snow flurries, icy windscreens: authentic winter testing
The engineers are using the testing possibilities of the climatic wind tunnels to examine a variety of vehicle components and functions. For example, they are examining the function of the windscreen wipers to ensure they work perfectly in all weather conditions. For example, in the cold tunnel, engineers check whether swirling snow can block the air intakes – a real-world risk caused by spray from passing trucks.
In frosty temperatures between -15 and -20 degrees Celsius, the heating system must demonstrate that it can defrost an icy windscreen quickly. A camera records the entire de-icing process. The all-new GLB also passed these tests impressively. At an outside temperature of -15 degrees Celsius, it takes only 15 minutes for the windscreen to be so clear that it would be possible to drive off. And this only with the help of the defrost setting of the heating system and without further intervention from the driver, such as switching on the windscreen wipers.
A welcoming climate: from the moment the occupants step inside
The new Mercedes‑Benz GLB raises efficiency and climate comfort to a new level. One example: on a 20‑minute drive at an outside temperature of -7 degrees Celsius, it heats the interior twice as fast as its predecessor – and even undercuts the heating time of a conventionally powered model. Compared to its predecessor, the all‑new electric GLB requires only about half the energy. The latter has a positive effect on the electric range.
The heating process starts automatically as soon as someone gets into the car. Mercedes‑Benz’s strategy is to first warm the upper body and hands. This ensures rapid thermal comfort, even without using pre-conditioning. In addition, the system is now even more intuitive and comfortable to use and can be adapted to individual needs in many ways. Regardless of whether the occupants are charging, sitting in the vehicle or even taking a nap, the system regulates heating and cooling seamlessly with the help of its intelligent, predictive operating strategy.
Central to this system is an innovative heat pump that has been adapted from the VISION EQXX technology programme. As a so-called multi-source model, it can use three energy sources in parallel: the waste heat from the electric drive and the battery, as well as the ambient air. By using this “free” heat, the heat pump contributes to the high efficiency of the GLB. It manages this process with around a third of the electrical energy that a comparable auxiliary heater would require for the same output.
Welcome home: Redefining comfort in the compact SUV segment
Instead of the previous sculptural design, a purist concept with a focus on a individual iconic, high-tech elements takes its place. The design is reduced to the essentials and conveys a state-of-the-art, elegant ambience. A highlight of the interior is the optional, floating MBUX Superscreen, which extends over the entire width of the dashboard.
The circular air vents at either end of the MBUX Superscreen have a sporty and futuristic effect. The outer rings, finished in Silver Shadow, appear to float in front of a funnel-shaped form. The centre nozzle replaces the usual louvres with a flat, state-of-the-art body. Another highlight are the doors with a concave main body that recedes into the background and generously dimensioned, floating centre panels with an open storage compartment. The pull handle with a classic tube-like design looks straightforward, but powerful and sporty.
The floating centre console rounds off the design. It connects stylishly under the MBUX Superscreen and offers a large, three-dimensional trim surface, which is available in various luxurious designs. The trim integrates a smartphone storage compartment with wireless charging (optional) and cup holders in an aesthetic form.
The new steering wheel is designed to be even more ergonomic and is more intuitive to operate. In response to numerous customer requests, Mercedes‑Benz has reintroduced a rocker switch for the limiter and DISTRONIC, as well as a roller switch for volume control.
A more spacious and flexible interior
The all-new GLB is available as a five- and seven-seater. It adapts effortlessly to a wide range of requirements and has plenty of space for family, friends, and spontaneous plans. Compared to its predecessor, the new GLB offers noticeably more headroom in the first two rows of seats. This is due to the roofline of the SUV as well as the standard panoramic roof. The seating comfort in the second row has been noticeably improved with more legroom and longer thigh support.
A longitudinally adjustable rear seating row is optionally available for the five-seater and standard for the seven-seater. With this function, the backrests of the second row can be adjusted in several angles, and the entire row of seats can be moved longitudinally. This allows either the comfort for the passengers to be maximised, or the boot volume to be increased.
The optional third row of seats is easier to get into than in the predecessor. This is due, among other things, to the significantly longer adjustment range of the Easy‑Entry function. If seats six and seven are not needed, the third row of seats can be sunk into the load floor.
Switchable panoramic sunroof with illuminated star pattern
The large panoramic roof sets a new standard in the segment and provides an exceptionally generous and open sense of space. To protect against solar radiation, it consists of heat-insulating laminated safety glass with an infrared-reflecting coating and a low-emissivity (LowE) coating on the inside. This reduces heating of the vehicle interior in summer.
In winter, the LowE coating reduces heat loss by reflecting the interior heat back into the cabin. At only 200 nanometres, this infrared film is thinner than a human hair, which has a diameter of approximately 50,000 nanometres.
As an option, the transparency of the panoramic roof can be changed segment by segment in 10 to 20 milliseconds. Passengers can choose between transparent for a clear view upwards and opal (milky) for more privacy. The opal (milky) state not only protects against prying eyes from the outside but also offers improved glare protection in direct sunlight. It is operated via a corresponding menu in the vehicle settings in the central display.
For the ultimate touch of style, the large panoramic roof is optional even illuminated. Each one connected to the ambient lighting setting for a personalised and luminous starry sky. The light is fed in via LED modules from the front.
MB.OS: Creating an intuitive and user-friendly digital experience
The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) superbrain transforms the all‑new GLB into an intelligent companion that thinks, learns and evolves with its driver. Combined with the fourth MBUX generation, the very latest operating concept delivers redesigned welcome animations, the advanced Zero Layer function, an extensive range of apps, the MBUX Virtual Assistant with various emotionally responsive avatars and powered by generative artificial intelligence, navigation with Google Maps and powerful 3D MBUX Surround Navigation.
Moreover, MB.OS enables the latest assistance systems. The all-new GLB has a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems, including DISTRONIC distance control as standard in Europe. The hardware comprises eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a water-cooled high-performance computer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates. Mercedes‑Benz bundles all assistance systems under the name MB.DRIVE. As digital extras[1], they are either already available at market launch or planned and can be updated later.
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[1] To use the digital extras, customers must create a Mercedes me ID and agree to the terms of use for digital extras and the Mercedes me ID terms of use in their currently valid versions. In addition, the respective vehicle must be linked to the user account. After the limited term has expired, the digital extras can be extended for a fee, provided that they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle.
