Mercedes-Benz GLB Review

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is an all-new addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup for 2020. It slots between the GLA-Class and the GLC-Class. It actually comes in at an inch shorter than the GLC-Class, but it offers an optional third row! While that third row is going to be best for kids or people who are more petite, it is still nice to have that extra space as an option.

What also stands out about the GLB is its look! It has more of a boxy shape than most of Mercedes-Benz’s other SUVs, as its styling cues are borrowed from the iconic G-Class. But, it is much more affordable than the G-Class. While the GLB’s interior isn’t nearly as nice as the interior of the G-Class, there are a number of luxe upgrades you can make!

The all-new GLB SUV is priced from $36,600. Adding 4MATIC all-wheel drive brings the price up to $38,600. Additions like the optional third row, heated seats, leather seating, and the fancier infotainment features can also quickly drive up the cost of your GLB. While the all-new compact SUV from Mercedes might seem quite affordable at first, that can obviously quickly change depending on what exactly you want with it.

Competitors for the GLB, meanwhile, include the BMW X1, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mazda CX-9, Volvo XC60, and the Volkswagen Tiguan. You could also always consider the GLC-Class, though it doesn’t offer an optional third row.

If you’re interested in the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV yourself, be sure to test drive the vehicle! It’s also important to check with your local Mercedes-Benz dealer on pricing and to see if there are any specials or deals that you can take advantage of.

The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 221 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and there are at least four different drive modes with DYNAMIC SELECT.

For added driving confidence, there’s optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive. There’s also available adaptive air suspension.

As for fuel economy, the front-wheel drive GLB gets 23 miles per gallon city and 30 mpg highway. The all-wheel drive model gets 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

While the standard engine offers plenty of power and pep for your daily driving needs in the compact SUV, you could also opt for the AMG performance version of the GLB. The GLB 35 4MATIC ups the ante with more power, more kit, and additional off-road prowess. It sprints to 60 miles per hour in just 5.1 seconds! It features a pumped up version of the GLB’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces an improved 302 hp.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV comes standard with nine air bags, a rearview camera, cruise control, active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, and LED headlights and taillights with LED daytime running lamps. Optional features include active LED headlamps, active blind spot assist, active emergency stop assist, active lane keeping assist, a surround view camera system, PRE-SAFE PLUS, PRE-SAFE Sound, and so much more.

While technically a compact SUV, the GLB is spacious inside thanks to its upright lines. The 40/20/40-split 2nd-row seatbacks adjust to seven positions or fold flat. The optional 50/50-split 3rd-row seat offers space for more passengers and is also easy to access.

That third row is going to be best fit for kids or people who are more petite, though. While Mercedes-Benz claims people up to 5’6” can fit in that back seat, anyone larger than that would definitely feel cramped. There’s also not all that much cargo space when the three seats are up. 

While the GLB comes in at a much more affordable price point than the G-Class, its interior isn’t as nicely appointed. Its low price does still pack in luxuries like a power liftgate, power front seat memory, and dual climate zones, though. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system also comes standard! There’s many ways to control the impressive system. It comes standard with dual 7” screens and it offers Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

Luxe upgrades for your GLB’s interior include a massive panorama roof, heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. You can also add leather upholstery and a 64-color LED ambient lighting system. That ambient lighting system includes multi-hue motifs and dynamic themes that cycle through colors at a soothing pace. It truly adds to the feel of your GLB’s interior and can help set the mood.

The impressive MBUX system listens to you and acts as your own in-car personal assistant. Just say “I need a coffee” and it will direct you where to go. It can quietly respond to your touch, too, thanks to touchpads on the steering wheel and console. You can adjust many of the features in the cabin or the available navigation system by speaking naturally. You can also opt to have in-cabin gesture controls. Another option for the already impressive MBUX system includes live video with graphic overlays of your next turn.

While MBUX comes standard with dual 7” screens, you can choose to have even more impressive 10.25” screens. The central display is a touchscreen, so it’s easy to access features and change settings right from there.

And the luxe options for the GLB don’t stop there! They continue with an available head-up display, a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, and a premium Burmester sound system.

While you can clearly outfit your GLB’s interior with the most luxe features possible, all those additions do come at a cost. You’ll need to keep that in mind as you build your GLB, and especially if you want to keep the cost of the SUV more affordable.

As for cargo space, there’s up to 62 cubic feet of it.

Crisp, upright lines help maximize cabin space and give the GLB an awesome look. Short overhangs enhance maneuverability in town and off-road. The standard LED headlights and taillights impress as does the bold grille, functional roof rails, and sizable wheels. The sporty AMG Line features 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels. The black-accented Night Package, meanwhile, offers even more wheel options for a total of six choices ranging in size from 18 to 20 inches.

There’s also an available panorama roof that helps add to the GLB’s design and looks great next to the elegant and functional roof rails, which you can attach various items to.

The all-new GLB packs exciting style and it’s nice that the compact SUV offers an optional third row. The more affordable starting price is sure to be appreciated by budget-conscious families.

While the interior is spacious and versatile, it will definitely cost you to upgrade it. If you want features like heated leather seats or the impressive 64-color ambient lighting system, for example, you’ll have to shell out more.

SUVs.com gave the Mercedes-Benz GLB an SUVs.com deal score of 83/100. Did you watch our YouTube review of the vehicle? Be sure to leave a comment on our YouTube video to let us know your thoughts!