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Mercedes-Benz Discontinues GLB SUV in India
Mercedes-Benz has quietly removed the GLB seven-seater SUV from its Indian lineup. The SUV, which was imported from Mexico, is no longer listed on the company’s official Indian website. While the GLB is now discontinued, its electric sibling—the EQB—continues to be available for buyers in India.
Short Run for the GLB in India
The Mercedes-Benz GLB was launched in India in December 2022. It was marketed as a luxury, compact 7-seater SUV, positioned between the GLA and GLC in the company’s lineup. With three rows of seating, the GLB aimed to attract families looking for a premium yet more affordable alternative to the larger GLS.
However, the SUV never managed to gain strong traction in India. The vehicle was priced starting at ₹63.8 lakh (around $76,000 USD), and because it was a Completely Built Unit (CBU) imported from Mexico, it came with higher import duties. These factors made the GLB relatively expensive for its size and features.
Main Concerns: Cramped Third Row
One of the major drawbacks of the GLB was its third-row seating. While it technically seated seven people, the last row was quite cramped and best suited only for children or very short trips. For Indian buyers looking for spacious family vehicles, this proved to be a dealbreaker.
Customers expecting a true seven-seater experience found the GLB falling short. It couldn’t compete with similarly priced SUVs that offered more room and flexibility in the cabin.
Focus Shifts to Electric Vehicles
With the GLB now discontinued, Mercedes-Benz India seems to be shifting more of its focus toward electric mobility. The electric version of the GLB, known as the EQB, is still available. It shares the same body design but runs on an all-electric platform, aligning with India’s growing interest in EVs.
Mercedes-Benz has also been actively expanding its electric vehicle lineup globally and in India. The EQB could appeal to eco-conscious buyers who still want a compact SUV from a premium brand.
Part of a Broader Strategy
This move appears to be part of Mercedes-Benz’s larger strategy in India—focusing on high-demand models and trimming down offerings that don’t perform well. Instead of pushing models that aren’t connecting with local buyers, the company is streamlining its lineup to focus on what works.
