Mercedes-Benz Japan has added the "GLB 180," a gasoline-powered entry-level model, and the "GLB 200d 4MATIC," a diesel four-wheel-drive model, to its "GLB" compact SUV, which debuted in 2020. Orders have now begun.

Two new models, the "GLB 180" and "GLB 200d 4MATIC," have been introduced to the GLB, which debuted in 2020.

The entry-level "GLB 180" is powered by a 1.4-liter all-aluminum gasoline engine, the "M282." Its turbocharger features an electronically controlled wastegate, allowing for flexible boost pressure control to achieve optimal pressure even under low load conditions.

While employing a delta-shaped cylinder head and a compact, semi-integrated intake and exhaust manifold, this powertrain also focuses on noise reduction.

The "OM654q" engine in the diesel 4WD model, the "GLB 200d 4MATIC," is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder diesel turbo engine producing a maximum output of 110 kW (150 ps) and a peak torque of 320 Nm.

The cylinder block, with a cylinder pitch of 90 mm and a wall thickness of 8 mm between cylinders, is compact and made of aluminum for weight reduction. The pistons are steel, utilizing materials with different thermal expansion rates to reduce friction by over 40%. Additionally, a friction-reducing process involving plasma coating of the cylinder walls with a steel-carbon compound has been applied.

The common-rail direct injection system, utilizing piezo injectors, operates at pressures up to 2050 bar. It features a "multi-way exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)" system that combines cooled high-pressure and low-pressure EGR. This optimizes combustion and reduces nitrogen oxides before post-treatment.

Furthermore, the exhaust gas purification system is mounted close to the engine, preventing a drop in purification efficiency due to exhaust gas temperature loss. Exhaust gases from the turbocharger first pass through an oxidation catalyst, then AdBlue is injected. Subsequently, the sDPF (DPF with SCR Coating) downstream captures particulate matter and reduces nitrogen oxides, followed by an SCR catalyst for further nitrogen oxide treatment.

Finally, a newly added ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) further reduces nitrogen oxides and simultaneously treats excess ammonia. This prevents ammonia from being released into the atmosphere, even during rapid changes in driving conditions. Mercedes-Benz states that this allows for consistent spraying of an adequate amount of AdBlue, successfully enhancing nitrogen oxide treatment capabilities.

The "4MATIC" all-wheel-drive system is configured to distribute torque as follows: 80:20 in Drive Mode, Eco, and Comfort modes; 70:30 in Sport mode; and in off-road driving, the all-wheel-drive clutch acts like a center differential lock, with a basic torque distribution of 50:50.

However, in all modes, the torque distribution ratio is continuously varied according to road conditions, enabling optimal power delivery at all times and contributing to on-road stability and efficiency, as well as off-road capability.

Pricing is set at 5.3 million yen for the "GLB 180" and 5.53 million yen for the "GLB 200d 4MATIC." Deliveries are scheduled to begin around July 2021 for the "GLB 180" and around June for the "GLB 200d 4MATIC."

Additionally, the "GLB 250 4MATIC Sport," equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbo, is priced at 7.04 million yen, and the "Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC" at 7.32 million yen.