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Mercedes Puts All‑New GLB Through Extreme Cold Tests Ahead of December 8 Debut

A Vision EQXX‑derived heat pump enables quicker cabin warm‑up with lower energy use in the compact SUV.

Overview

  • Cold‑weather validation at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen uses climatic wind tunnels from −40°C to +40°C and snow cannons simulating blizzards up to 200 km/h.
  • Mercedes says the GLB cleared an icy windscreen in 15 minutes at −15°C using only the defrost setting.
  • On a 20‑minute drive at −7°C, the cabin heats twice as fast as the predecessor while using half the energy, credited to upgraded thermal management and the new heat pump.
  • Confirmed packaging and comfort features include five‑ or seven‑seat layouts, noticeably increased headroom, and an optional panoramic roof with switchable opacity and an available illuminated starry‑sky effect.
  • The SUV offers an optional MBUX Superscreen running MB.OS with Google Maps and a virtual assistant, plus European‑market standard DISTRONIC supported by eight cameras, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water‑cooled high‑performance computer; official powertrain specifications remain unannounced.