Falling in love — one drive at a time

It was a weekend for escapists and the only thoughts that occupied my mind were about getting away, having fun.

One look at the Mercedes Benz 200 GLB and I knew those thoughts were no longer merely notions — they’ve become a reality. After all, the GLB is the most versatile premium compact SUV of Mercedes-Benz. A distinct SUV design, a fusion between modern and classic elements, nothing’s better.

Something classic, something modern

With bated breath, I jumped into the cockpit for the drive ahead, and I was not to be disappointed. In most cases, one can tell from a first glance that everything is good.

The GLB offers generous space, from the long wheelbase to the striking SUV design. It truly has a distinctive SUV design that represents modern and classic Mercedes-Benz elements that made it stand out.

From the front, the upright section is striking at first glance with its radiator grill with two single louvers. Special highlights come with LED high-performance headlamps with daytime running lights and 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Beholding the MB 200 GLB that morning was akin to encountering love at first sight.

If you have ever fallen in love with an SUV, as I have, you would know that having ample space is a must for that love to develop. The GLB is loaded with just that. It offered a reasonably roomy headroom and spacious cabin for the driver and passengers, and 570L of cargo space behind the second-row seats. Whether it is people or equipment you are packing, the GLB provides plenty of options. It is a compact SUV that demonstrates how many people, things and adventures you can pack into your next journey.

Driving it was a pleasure because, inside the cabin, the GLB is a true SUV right down to the fine details. I liked its eye-catching features, including the seven-inch digital instrument display, ARTICO man-made leather seats, and distinctive SUV modern design elements. The 10.25-inch MBUX multimedia system in the GLB keeps you fully in the know at all times. With smartphone integration, you can easily connect your mobile phone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It gave me convenient access to the most important applications on my cell phone — a must.

For a relationship to last, it must stay flexible and make me feel safe just like sitting at the wheel of the GLB. I like the way I was able to transport everyday items (delicate or not) even more practically and safely with its large, variable loading compartment. It gives more convenience with its Easy-Pack tailgate that can be electrically opened and closed at the touch of a button. The GLB raises the bar for a compact SUV that gives unparalleled comfort.

The drive and ride in this ultra-comfortable GLB left me speechless and the only thing left was to experience how smoothly it drives down the SLEX. Did I mention how safe its sturdy body hugged the road and made me feel safe all throughout the drive?

Safety comes first

The GLB is packed with extensive safety and convenience features. Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist with 12 ultrasonic sensors, and Cruise Control are standard on the GLB. The GLB is also equipped with safety technologies including Attention Assist drowsiness detection as well as seven airbags (two-stage deployment airbags for driver and passenger, window-bags for driver, front passenger and rear passengers and knee bag for driver). ISOFIX child-seat mountings are included in the extensive safety equipment. These can be used to secure your kids in the back of the vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 Progressive is the most versatile premium compact SUV because of its ample cargo space. Its powerful proportions and expressive design features give it an unmistakable SUV character. The aesthetic design, high-class technology, and extensive safety systems represent the modern luxury of this SUV.

Love is a many-splendored thing; it arrives when one least expects it.

Drive on.

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The GLB is available for viewing in all Mercedes-Benz showrooms in Greenhills, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang City and Cebu City or visit www.mercedes-benz.ph/GLB.