Style, luxury and prestige remain at the heart of Mercedes-Benz, qualities clearly reflected in the latest models to arrive on the Irish market: the spacious, family-orientated GLB, which comes in electric and hybrid electric versions, and the all-electric GLC SUV, classified by Mercedes-Benz as the first to embody new design language that will feature in future models.
GLB
With its added space, longer, wider, and slightly lower roofline, the GLB claims to offer families added versatility thanks to adjustable second row allowing owner to configure its seven-seat layout around passengers or luggage as required.
Luggage capacity is 540/480 litres increasing to 1715/605 litres with rear seats folded, supplemented by a 127-litre frunk on electric models. Additional features include faster interior heating, extensive driver/parking assistance systems, battery protection, and bi-directional charging capability.
Interior space is improved with better seating comfort, vegan trim and upholstery, and easier rear access. Safety systems include five ISOFIX rear mounting points with third-row compatibility. Exterior elements include an illuminated front star.
Available in electric and hybrid electric versions, with an electric range up to 624km, it comes in four all-electric and five hybrid electric variants priced from €59,355.
Models in the electric range are: GLB 200 (with 58kWh battery and 425km WLTP range); GLB 250 (with 71kWh battery and 521km range); GLB 250+ (with 85kWh battery and longest-in-line 624km range); GLB 350 4MATIC all-wheel drive (with 85kWh battery and 607km range), all with 10% – 80% charging time from 20 minutes.
Hybrid models are: GLB 180 (136bhp/200Nm), GLB 200 (163bhp/250Nm), GLB 200 4MATIC, GLB 220 (190bhp and 300Nm), and GLB 220 4MATIC.
GLC
A top-selling Mercedes-Benz model globally, the all-electric GLC – with its redesigned chromed grille, sleeker silhouette and more pronounced wheel arches – sits alongside diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid models currently available here.
Inside, a debut feature is the latest fourth generation MBUX infotainment system which comes with integrated Microsoft, Google AI, and Superscreen. Other equipment includes a panoramic glass roof, memory seats, driver assistance with multiple cameras and sensors, as well as a ‘starry-sky’ night lighting effect.
Priced from €72,085 and with a range of up to 664km, the GLC model choice comprises: GLC 250 (with 85kWh battery and 638km range); a 4-wheel drive GLC 300 4MATIC (with 606km range), and GLC 400 4MATIC (with larger 94kWh battery and 664km range).
All versions use an 800-volt system with 10% – 80% charging in 22 minutes and, according to Mercedes-Benz, the capacity to add over 300km range in around 10 minutes. Energy consumption is rated at 14.9kWh per 100km.
