Mercedes-Benz GLB Discontinued In India, Say Goodbye To The Baby GLS

If you were looking at Mercedes-Benz's most compact 7-seater SUV in India, we have some news: the GLB has been discontinued in our market. Yes, the premium three-row SUV, which was introduced in December 2022, is no longer on Mercedes-Benz India's lineup. But don't panic just yet, there's more to this story.

So, What Was The GLB About?

Consider the GLB as a more utilitarian cousin to the GLA, taking its foundations but lengthening things out to fit in a third row of seats. It really filled in as a "mini GLS", boxy looks, upright styling, and seating for seven.

Mercedes introduced the GLB here through the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route from Mexico. That meant higher pricing, but also swift availability and fully loaded variants. The SUV was offered in three trims:

• GLB 200 Progressive Line: A 1.3-litre turbo-petrol (co-developed with Renault) producing 163 PS and 250 Nm. It was front-wheel-drive and was offered with a 7-speed DCT.

• GLB 220d Progressive Line: A 2-litre diesel powerplant producing 190 PS and 400 Nm, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

• GLB 220d 4MATIC AMG Line: Same powertrain, but sportier exterior styling, larger 19-inch wheels, and full AMG treatment on the outside and inside. It gets Mercedes' 4MATIC system.

Prices? Those were between Rs 63.8 lakh and Rs 69.8 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the least expensive three-row luxury SUV in India, a decent choice for families who want a Merc badge and lots of room.

So Why Was It Dropped, Then?

Mercedes-Benz India indicates that the GLB was intended to be a limited-run car all along. All the CBU units earmarked for India have been sold out. Since no local assembly is planned, the company is not replenishing it, at least not yet.

Another reason? Price. Though the GLB was loaded with features and technology, its CBU routing put it at a premium, and at that cost, customers usually stretched their pockets to the larger GLC or the more technology-equipped electric EQB.

What Comes Next? Is There A Successor?

Well, kind of. The EQB, essentially the GLB's electric sibling, is still on sale in India. It is present as the facelift version and is available in two trim levels:

• EQB 250+: Single motor, front-wheel-drive, Rs 72.2 lakh

• EQB 350 4MATIC: Dual motor, AWD, Rs 78.9 lakh (All prices ex-showroom)

It's also available with a 5-seater option as well, proving to be a worthy choice for someone who wants a larger car than EQA with more boot space. 

Mercedes has also unveiled a facelifted GLB internationally, which receives updated LED lighting, a slightly modified grille, updated interiors, and mild-hybrid powertrains. But there's no confirmation as yet on whether this updated model will arrive in India, particularly with the trend towards EVs and the company's local manufacturing strategy.

Zig Says

The GLB was somewhat of a niche product, ideal for buyers who needed a high-end three-row SUV without the full-size behemoth designation. It nailed the box in terms of pragmatism and presence, but had a tough time justifying its price versus more upscale or higher-content competition.

Still, it added a layer of versatility to Merc’s India lineup. With its departure, the EQB takes up the entry-level luxury 7-seater mantle, but in a future-forward, battery-powered form.

If you're still holding out hope for the GLB’s return, you might want to keep your eyes peeled for the facelift. Or maybe just take the electric plunge.

What is your opinion on the Mercedes-Benz GLB? Let us know in the comments!