Execs: Large house and nice mpg for its phase; high-style inside; ample tech choices; spunky AMG 35
Cons: Unrefined transmission and throttle response; infotainment system is flashy however can overwhelm
In a world the place small SUVs can simply fall into impractical penalty field territory, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is a breath of recent air. In contrast to lots of its friends, it’s sufficiently big, versatile sufficient and premium sufficient to warrant the elevated value it instructions and make it a real luxurious providing, even whether it is among the many cheaper choices Mercedes gives.
What’s the GLB’s secret? Effectively, as small SUVs go, it’s truly fairly large inside. Credit score the sensible, boxy form and whip-smart packaging. They mix to ship a usable, snug house with a family-friendly again seat and class-dominating cargo carrying capability. The fabric high quality and design of the inside are each above common for the phase, and there isn’t any scarcity of tech goodies from Mercedes’ deep toy field accessible — simply know that infotainment is usually a bit overwhelming to search out what you are in search of. One other potential draw back is the GLB 250’s powertrain, notably its dual-clutch automated handbook transmission, which will be sluggish in responding to throttle inputs and usually feels much less refined than what you may discover in rivals (most notably the BMW X1). In different dynamics regards, it is fairly competent, whereas the AMG-prepped GLB35 goes a lot additional than mere competence by principally being a scorching hatch with higher visibility. It runs circles across the likes of the X1, Audi Q3, Lexus UX and even the Mercedes-Benz GLA as a sensible every day driver. Finally, we advocate each GLB fashions.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gas Financial system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2024?
Mercedes put the GLB below the knife for slightly nip-and-tuck for 2024. The basics stay the identical, however the engine will get a mild-hybrid increase and the styling and inside each obtained consideration. The massive inclusion on this spherical of updates is the newest model of Benz’s MBUX Infotainment system. Gone is the previous 7-inch base show; the brand new customary, 10.25-inch setup packs improved efficiency and wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The previous console-mounted touchpad controller can also be gone, abandoning a shallow, grippy storage pad of questionable worth. Some behind-the-scenes updates enhance the efficiency of the GLB’s energetic security programs and, for the primary time, a heated steering wheel will be optioned with AMG look packages.
What are the GLB inside and in-car expertise like?
Regardless of the place you look within the GLB, its intelligent packaging impresses. It gives a number of storage in each the passenger cabin and cargo space, making it extra sensible than most luxurious choices on this phase (and certainly many others). The GLB’s driving place is superb, and its front- and second-row seats are snug and supportive with loads of adjustment.
The GLB is on the cheap facet for a Mercedes-Benz, however the high quality of supplies and accessible choices are on par or higher for expectations at this value level. The fancier choices will drive up the worth, in fact, however even the elemental elements are high-quality and exact.
Each GLB contains the final iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment suite, which is managed by a group of redundant enter decisions: a brand new twin 10.25-inch show, steering wheel controls and natural-language instructions. The previous middle console touchpad has been evicted for 2024, although, which is OK from a performance stand level (we most likely used it lower than anything) however the oddly formed, grippy storage pad that’s left in its wake is questionably helpful (an iPhone 15 will not slot in it for instance) and looks as if a waste of house in what’s in any other case a effectively laid out inside. Additionally, whereas we just like the infotainment system’s “have it your manner strategy” to inputs and respect this method’s speedy responses and fairly graphics, it simply is not all the time easy to make use of. Customary Wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are each nice to have, and we respect that Mercedes makes it straightforward to rapidly go between the MBUX and Apple/Android interfaces with completely docked icons within the display’s higher left nook.
How large is the GLB?
The GLB’s wheelbase is nearer to that of many midsize choices, and its general size exceeds that of most opponents. You do not actually discover this behind the wheel – it nonetheless feels fairly small – and this further size mixed with the boxy design leads to the GLB being a cargo-hauling rockstar. On paper, Mercedes says the GLB gives 24 cubic ft with the second-row seats up, however in actuality, there’s truly way over that quantity would suggest. Its rear load ground will be lowered to accommodate bigger gadgets, however even with the ground in its customary place, the GLB can swallow extra cargo than crossovers within the greater, pricier compact phase.
This further size interprets into tons of second-row house, the place passengers will discover sliding and reclining seats for further consolation (you aren’t getting these within the mechanically associated GLA). The mixture of fold-down seatbacks and sliding bases may also be exploited for extra cargo house if the roomy hatch alone is not going to suffice, making the GLB a versatility rockstar, too.
The GLB additionally has accessible third-row seating, which its smaller opponents and even these within the bigger compact class lack. We suppose this selection would not damage, however these non-obligatory rearmost seats simply aren’t that liveable, even for teenagers. We might skip them or get a non-luxury three-row car for a similar value.
What are the GLB 250 and AMG 35 gasoline financial system and efficiency specs?
The GLB 250 identify signifies that the GLB in query has the bottom engine: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 13-horsepower increase coming from its mild-hybrid help system. It has an eight-speed dual-clutch automated handbook transmission and customary front-wheel drive. On this configuration, the GLB 250 is rated at 25 mpg metropolis, 33 mpg freeway and 28 mpg mixed. With the “4Matic” all-wheel-drive system, these numbers drop to 24 mpg metropolis, 32 mpg freeway and 27 mpg mixed.
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 additionally has a 2.0-liter turbo, nevertheless it’s been labored over by Mercedes’ AMG tuning division to provide 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’ll hit 60 in 5.4 seconds. The eight-speed DCT and customary all-wheel drive are additionally particular AMG variations. It achieves 21 mpg metropolis, 26 mpg freeway and 23 mpg mixed.
There’s technically an electrical GLB accessible, though it’s formally often called the Mercedes-Benz EQB. You may learn our EQB first drive assessment right here.
What is the GLB wish to drive?
The GLB 250 is extra about luxurious and luxury than efficiency. Because of its lengthy wheelbase and supple suspension, it delivers in spades for this phase. The non-obligatory adaptive suspension will tighten up the dealing with on demand, however even with that possibility that we’re guessing will hardly ever present up on seller heaps, the GLB 250 by no means rises to the extent of “enjoyable to drive.” That is completely OK, although – it would not should be. As for what’s below the hood, the GLB 250’s customary four-cylinder supplies loads of punch however does come off slightly thrashy in comparison with what you may expertise in pricier Benz fashions. The twin-clutch automated handbook transmission may also be sluggish to have interaction, leading to delayed responses to throttle inputs and a normal lack of powertrain refinement. Certainly, dynamic refinement on the whole is the place the GLB reveals its cheaper price tag when compared to pricier Benzes just like the GLC. It is a discount at the least commensurate with its price ticket, although (possibly not the transmission), and higher than what you may discover in some rivals within the phase.
As for the AMG GLB 35, it’s legitimately enjoyable even when it doesn’t fairly attain the extent of “extra-tall scorching hatch” because the smaller GLA 35 does. The bigger footprint and further tallness lead to it being not almost as agile or darty. However, just like the GLA and different AMG 35 fashions, the GLB 35 is simply “on” from the second you pop it into Drive. The snappy and fast eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission cracks off upshifts with a pop that accentuates and underlines each shift. Certainly, the extent of drama and added theater encourages a heavy proper foot. And because of its AMG-tuned chassis, you may nonetheless fortunately hustle this little crossover round a winding street. With the Sport drive mode chosen, physique motions are properly managed with the stiffness and sharpness you’d anticipate from an AMG. Steering response is a bit numb, although, and its weighting isn’t as sharp as different AMG 35s.
What different Mercedes-Benz GLB opinions can I learn?
Mercedes-Benz GLA, GLB get delicate design updates and extra tech for 2024
AMG’s 35-badged fashions go below the knife as effectively
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Highway Take a look at Overview
Take a better have a look at the 302-horsepower, AMG-tuned GLB that injects a spunky quantity of enjoyable into what’s in any other case a surprisingly wise small SUV.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 First Drive | The actual deal
Our preliminary drive of the GLB options extra particulars about its design and engineering. It actually hasn’t modified a lot since then.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Baggage Take a look at | It may maintain all this!
Overlook the official numbers. The boxy and versatile GLB punches above its weight class. All of these items suits within the cargo space.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Inside Storage Driveway Take a look at
Senior Editor James Riswick breaks out odds and ends to stuff inside Mercedes’ most utility-focused mannequin. The GLB has truly added a storage space since this was executed (the place the previous MBUX touchpad was), nevertheless it would not actually add a lot.
What’s the 2023 GLB-Class value?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 begins at $45,600, together with the $1,150 vacation spot cost. That’s almost $5,000 greater than in 2023. The all-wheel-drive GLB 250 4Matic begins at $47,600. The AMG GLB 35 begins at $60,200, which is nearly $8,000 greater than it was in 2023.
The GLB gives much more customization than is typical at this value level. There are the same old packages, together with the $1,500 Unique Trim package deal that provides navigation to the usual 10.25-inch show, however many options, together with the non-obligatory third row of seating ($850) are stand-alone choices until you go for the all-in Pinnacle Trim ($5,150). This implies it may be tough to search out precisely what you need in inventory at a seller lot, nevertheless it additionally signifies that when you’ve got some persistence, you may order precisely what you need and never pay for stuff you don’t.
One other key possibility to contemplate is the AMG Night time Bundle that provides distinctive styling components (such because the black AMG wheels beneath) to the GLB.
What are the GLB security rankings and driver help options?
The GLB 250’s customary driver help gear contains ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and a driver inattention monitor. The Driver Help package deal provides a mountain of programs, most of that are higher executed than many comparable programs. These embrace lane-keeping help, automated evasive steering help for the blind-spot and ahead collision warning programs, automated emergency braking for the rear cross-traffic warning system, the next pace threshold for the ahead automated emergency braking system, automated pace discount based mostly on posted pace limits (you may flip this one off like most of those programs), Mercedes’ Pre-Secure pre-crash preparation programs, and Mercedes wonderful Distronic adaptive cruise management system with stop-and-go functionality and lane-centering steering help.
Ought to all of that also fail to forestall a crash, the NHTSA gave the GLB 4 out of 5 stars for general frontal crash safety, and 5 stars for general facet crash safety. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security hasn’t examined it.
