
CAR OF THE WEEK
Snow King: Meet The Mercedes-Benz GLB
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As January ushers in frost-kissed mornings and the distinct possibility of snow on the moors and dales, there’s something reassuring about glancing out the window and knowing your wheels can handle whatever winter throws at them. Enter the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d 4Matic AMG Line Premium Plus — a compact SUV that’s part aristocrat, part adventurer, and entirely suited to snowy British lanes thanks to its intelligent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
1. A Legacy of Innovation Meets Winter Readiness
Mercedes-Benz isn’t just any car brand — it literally invented the automobile. In 1886, Carl Benz was awarded a patent for his revolutionary Motorwagen, now widely regarded as the first practical gasoline-powered car, and Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach were independently tinkering away on their own petrol engine marvels. By 1926, the two companies had merged into Daimler-Benz AG, giving birth to the iconic Mercedes-Benz marque and its famed three-pointed star.
That spirit of innovation runs through the GLB’s 4Matic system — a drivetrain designed to distribute power to all four wheels, providing confident traction on slippery roads and snowy fields. As winter storms roll in, you’ll appreciate this intelligent grip that keeps you moving when others are slipping.
2. Ready for the Snow and the School Run
The GLB’s 4Matic AWD isn’t just a badge — it’s your winter safety net. Originally developed in the late 1980s and refined ever since, 4Matic ensures torque is sent where it’s needed most so that wet leaves, ice patches, or a surprise flurry don’t slow you down.
Pair that with hill start assist and adaptive brake assist and you have a vehicle that manages tricky terrain with poise. No more roll-backs on frosty hills or nerve-wracking junction starts.
3. A Cabin with Surprises — and Space
If winter means packing the car for ski trips or simply ferrying kids and gear around, the GLB delivers with seven-seat flexibility — unusual in this class. Its interior also brims with technology such as MBUX multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25″ digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting in 64 colours, and even a panoramic sunroof that makes even grey January days feel spacious and open.
The GLB also offers creature comforts like heated seats and a luxury two-zone climate control — perfect for thawing out after braving the cold.
4. Performance with a Punch
Under the bonnet, the GLB 220d packs a potent 2.0-litre diesel engine producing around 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque, meaning it gets up to speed briskly even with a full load of passengers and luggage. Smooth shifting comes courtesy of an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which makes urban journeys as effortless as muddy tracks through the countryside.
5. AMG Line Flair — Looks That Turn Heads
This isn’t just a practical winter warrior — the AMG Line treatment adds sporty exterior styling, striking AMG-specific bumpers, 19″ alloy wheels, and subtle chrome accents that give the GLB a presence that’s both refined and confident.
In a world where winter weather can be unpredictable, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d 4Matic AMG Line Premium Plus feels like the right blend of heritage, innovation, and winter-ready capability. It’s a car that not only honours a brand with more than a century of automotive excellence but also keeps you smiling through January’s most challenging conditions. Whether hauling the family through snow-covered lanes or navigating urban sprawl with style, this GLB proves that rich automotive history and modern practicality make a compelling — and entertaining — combination.