Pros: Huge space and great mpg for its segment; high-style interior; spunky AMG 35
Cons: Infotainment system is flashy but can overwhelm
In a world where small SUVs can easily fall into impractical penalty box territory, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is a breath of fresh air. Unlike many of its peers, it’s big enough, versatile enough and premium enough to warrant the elevated price it commands and make it a genuine luxury offering, even if it is among the cheaper options Mercedes offers.
What’s the GLB’s secret? Well, as small SUVs go, it’s actually pretty big inside. Credit the practical, boxy shape and whip-smart packaging. They combine to deliver a usable, comfortable space with class-dominating cargo carrying capacity. The material quality and design of the interior are both above average for the segment, and while it may lack the credibility conveyed by the GLC’s more sophisticated, RWD-based platform, the little GLB is no slouch. The AMG-prepped GLB35 is basically a hot hatch with better visibility, all the while running circles around the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Lexus UX or even the Mercedes-Benz GLA as a practical daily driver. What’s not to like?
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it’s like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What’s new for 2024?
Mercedes put the GLB under the knife for a little nip-and-tuck for 2024. The fundamentals remain the same, but the engine gets a mild-hybrid boost and the styling and interior both received attention. The big inclusion in this round of updates is the latest version of Benz’s MBUX Infotainment system. Gone is the old 7-inch base display; the new standard, 10.25-inch setup packs improved performance and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Some behind-the-scenes updates improve the performance of the GLB’s active safety systems and, for the first time, a heated steering wheel can be optioned with AMG appearance packages.
What are the GLB interior and in-car technology like?
No matter where you look in the GLB, its clever packaging impresses. It offers lots of storage in both the passenger cabin and cargo area, making it more practical than most luxury offerings in this segment (and indeed many others). The GLB’s driving position is excellent, and its front- and second-row seats are comfortable and supportive with plenty of adjustment.
The GLB is on the inexpensive side for a Mercedes-Benz, but the quality of materials and available options are on par or better for expectations at this price point. The fancier options will drive up the price, of course, but even the fundamental components are high-quality and precise.
Every GLB includes the last iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment suite, which is controlled by a collection of redundant input choices: a new dual 10.25-inch display, a center console touchpad, steering wheel controls and natural-language commands. While we like this “have it your way approach” and appreciate this system’s rapid responses and pretty graphics, it just isn’t always simple to use. Standard Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both great to have, but it’s not possible for the smartphone interface to take over the entire 10.25-inch screen as some prefer (others don’t, so we’d prefer a choice here, too).
How big is the GLB?
The GLB’s wheelbase is closer to that of many midsize offerings, and its overall length exceeds that of most competitors. You don’t really notice this behind the wheel – it still feels pretty small – and this extra length combined with the boxy design results in the GLB being a cargo-hauling rockstar. On paper, Mercedes says the GLB offers 24 cubic feet with the second-row seats up, but in reality, there’s actually far more than that number would imply. Its rear load floor can be lowered to accommodate larger items, but even with the floor in its standard position, the GLB can swallow more cargo than crossovers in the bigger, pricier compact segment.
This extra length translates into tons of second-row space, where passengers will find sliding and reclining seats for extra comfort (you don’t get those in the mechanically related GLA). The combination of fold-down seatbacks and sliding bases can also be exploited for additional cargo space if the roomy hatch alone will not suffice, making the GLB a versatility rockstar, too.
The GLB also has available third-row seating, which its smaller competitors and even those in the larger compact class lack. We suppose this option doesn’t hurt, but these optional rearmost seats just aren’t that habitable, even for kids. We’d skip them or get a non-luxury three-row vehicle for the same price.
What are the GLB 250 and AMG 35 fuel economy and performance specs?
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 also has a 2.0-liter turbo, but it’s been worked over by Mercedes’ AMG tuning division to produce 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’ll hit 60 in 5.4 seconds. The eight-speed DCT and standard all-wheel drive are also special AMG versions. It achieves 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
There is technically an electric GLB available, although it’s officially known as the Mercedes-Benz EQB. You can read our EQB first drive review here.
What’s the GLB like to drive?
The GLB 250 is more about luxury and comfort than performance. Thanks to its long wheelbase and supple suspension, it delivers in spades for this segment. The optional adaptive suspension will tighten up the handling on demand, but even with that option that we’re guessing will rarely show up on dealer lots, the GLB 250 never rises to the level of “fun to drive.” That’s perfectly OK, though – it doesn’t need to be. As for what’s under the hood, the GLB 250’s standard four-cylinder provides plenty of punch but does come off a little thrashy compared to what you’ll experience in pricier Benz models. Indeed, overall refinement is where the GLB shows its lower price tag. The ride, steering, throttle and transmission response, and driving experience in general, are quite simply less sophisticated, but it’s a reduction that’s at least commensurate with that price tag and actually not as great as what you’ll find missing in the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and others in the segment.
As for the AMG GLB 35, it is legitimately fun even if it doesn’t quite reach the level of “extra-tall hot hatch” as the smaller GLA 35 does. The larger footprint and extra tallness result in it being not nearly as agile or darty. Nevertheless, like the GLA and other AMG 35 models, the GLB 35 is just “on” from the second you pop it into Drive. The snappy and quick eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission cracks off upshifts with a pop that accentuates and underlines every shift. Indeed, the level of drama and added theater encourages a heavy right foot. And thanks to its AMG-tuned chassis, you can still happily hustle this little crossover around a winding road. With the Sport drive mode selected, body motions are nicely controlled with the stiffness and sharpness you’d expect from an AMG. Steering response is a bit numb, though, and its weighting isn’t as sharp as other AMG 35s.
What other Mercedes-Benz GLB reviews can I read?
Mercedes-Benz GLA, GLB get subtle design updates and more tech for 2024
AMG’s 35-badged models go under the knife as well
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Road Test Review
Take a closer look at the 302-horsepower, AMG-tuned GLB that injects a spunky amount of fun into what is otherwise a surprisingly sensible small SUV.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 First Drive | The real deal
Our initial drive of the GLB features more details about its design and engineering. It really hasn’t changed much since then.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Luggage Test | It can hold all this!
Forget the official numbers. The boxy and versatile GLB punches above its weight class. All of this stuff fits in the cargo area.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Interior Storage Driveway Test
West Coast Editor James Riswick breaks out odds and ends to stuff inside Mercedes’ most utility-focused model.
What is the 2023 GLB-Class price?
The GLB offers far more customization than is typical at this price point. There are the usual packages, including the $1,500 Exclusive Trim package that adds navigation to the standard 10.25-inch display, but many features, including the optional third row of seating ($850) are stand-alone options unless you go for the all-in Pinnacle Trim ($5,150). This means it can be difficult to find exactly what you want in stock at a dealer lot, but it also means that if you have some patience, you can order exactly what you want and not pay for stuff you don’t.
Another key option to consider is the AMG Night Package that adds unique styling elements (such as the black AMG wheels below) to the GLB.
What are the GLB safety ratings and driver assistance features?
The GLB 250’s standard driver assistance equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and a driver inattention monitor. The Driver Assistance package adds a mountain of systems, most of which are better executed than many comparable systems. These include lane-keeping assist, automated evasive steering assist for the blind-spot and forward collision warning systems, automatic emergency braking for the rear cross-traffic warning system, a higher speed threshold for the forward automatic emergency braking system, automated speed reduction based on posted speed limits (you can turn this one off like most of these systems), Mercedes’ Pre-Safe pre-crash preparation systems, and Mercedes excellent Distronic adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering steering assist.
Should all of that still fail to prevent a crash, the NHTSA gave the GLB four out of five stars for overall frontal crash protection, and five stars for overall side crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn’t tested it.
