To access the budget luxury 7-seater SUV segment in India, Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLB SUV. Rather than assembling it in India through the CKD route for economy, Mercedes-Benz introduced it through the CBU route. These were completely imported from Merc's plant in Mexico and were priced from Rs 63.8 lakh (Ex-sh). GLB was available in three variants – GLB 200 Progressive, 220d 4MATIC, and 220d AMG Line 4MATIC.
These were introduced in India in December 2022 and have been available for sale for more than 2 years. Sales were not worth writing home about, and with a production run of barely 2 years, Mercedes is discontinuing its entry-level 7-seater SUV.
New Generation GLB SUV incoming
Rumors are doing the rounds that the company is going to bring a replacement for GLB soon. But whether it will be the facelift of the present generation model that made a global premiere in March 2023 or the new Gen GLB that is under development and was spied testing remains to be seen.
We hope it is the new Gen GLB that will find its way into India. It is based on the same MMA platform as the 3rd Gen CLA, which was launched in March 2025. It will usher in changes across the board in exterior design and body, along with interiors, where we can look forward to a significant jump in features, equipment, and creature comforts.
Powertrain of New Gen GLB SUV
The now-dropped GLB in India featured a 1.3L Renault-sourced Turbo Petrol motor (200 Progressive) delivering 163 bhp and 253 Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both trims of the 220d were offered with a 2.0L Turbo Diesel unit delivering 190 bhp peak power and 400 Nm peak torque, paired to an 8-speed automatic and 4MATIC AWD.
Conclusion
As the Mercedes-Benz GLB stops production, India's budget luxury 7-seater SUV segment loses one of its niche players. Although the GLB's CBU-only launch and premium pricing might have curbed its attractiveness, the buzz for a new-gen model generates a new level of enthusiasm. If Mercedes-Benz does decide to introduce the next-gen GLB in India—possibly with local assembly, improved pricing, and added features—it will be a game-changer in the segment. For the time being, luxury 7-seater buyers from Mercedes will have to wait and see how the brand refines its proposition in this niche.
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