Mercedes-Benz India has quietly pulled the plug on its most affordable three-row SUV, the GLB. While it didn’t stick around for long, the GLB managed to carve out a niche among premium SUV buyers looking for practicality, space, and that classic Mercedes badge. But now that it’s officially off the shelves, let’s break down what it offered and what could be coming next.
Exit
The GLB was introduced as a niche product in Mercedes-Benz’s SUV lineup. It wasn’t locally manufactured but came to India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), which played a major role in its high pricing. The last recorded ex-showroom price stood at Rs. 63.8 lakh, making it one of the most expensive compact seven-seaters on sale in the country.
While the GLB did have its fans, this pricing put it in close range of bigger, more powerful options — even within Mercedes-Benz’s own range. That likely limited its appeal among a broader set of buyers.
Variants
In India, the GLB was offered in three variants:
- 200 Progressive
- 220d 4MATIC
- 220d AMG Line 4MATIC
These options gave buyers the flexibility to choose between petrol and diesel, as well as front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Here’s a quick overview of the powertrain setup:
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Drive Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 Progressive | 1.3L Turbo Petrol | 7-speed DCT | FWD |
| 220d 4MATIC | 2.0L Diesel | 8-speed AT | AWD |
| 220d AMG Line | 2.0L Diesel | 8-speed AT | AWD |
The petrol version featured a 1.3-litre turbo engine, ideal for those who valued fuel economy and smooth city performance. Diesel lovers got a beefier 2.0-litre motor paired with an 8-speed automatic, which offered solid torque and a more spirited drive, especially in the AWD trims.
Update
Globally, the GLB got a mid-cycle refresh in March 2023. This update brought mild cosmetic changes to the front bumper and grille, along with a slightly revised feature list. Sadly, this facelifted version never made its way to Indian showrooms.
However, there’s a silver lining. Mercedes-Benz is expected to launch the updated GLB in India, but only after introducing the next-gen CLA, which is currently in the pipeline for a major overhaul. That means the refreshed GLB could make a comeback — possibly better packaged and more competitively priced.
Positioning
The GLB’s discontinuation leaves a small gap in Mercedes-Benz India’s SUV portfolio, especially for buyers looking for a seven-seater below the GLS. But with the GLC and GLE offering more features, better tech, and stronger engines, it’s clear the brand is shifting focus to higher-end, locally assembled models that offer better value and scale.
That said, Mercedes-Benz is known for strategic product launches and reshuffles, so the exit of the GLB might just be a temporary move before a stronger, more updated version reappears.
If you were eyeing the GLB, now’s a good time to look out for inventory clearance deals at dealerships. Or better yet, keep an eye on Mercedes’ upcoming lineup — things are only getting more exciting.
FAQs
Why was the GLB discontinued in India?
Due to limited demand and high CBU pricing.
How many variants of GLB were sold in India?
Three variants — 200, 220d 4MATIC, and AMG Line.
Will the updated GLB come to India?
Yes, likely after the next-gen CLA launch.
What was the GLB’s starting price in India?
Rs. 63.8 lakh ex-showroom was the last recorded price.
Was the GLB made in India?
No, it was imported as a CBU unit.
