History/Overview
Introduced last year, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is a compact crossover SUV that stands out in the upscale market for its small footprint with available three-row seating.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, Benz has added an AMG-tuned version with more power and a more aggressive-looking exterior.
Available Trims
The GLB’s are based around its engine options. The GLB 250 uses a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder matched with an eight-speed transmission and AWD. The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 uses a similar engine, but tweaked for more performance.
Standard Features
The GLB 250 comes dressed in 18-inch wheels and tires, aluminum roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washers, all-LED exterior lighting, and heated/power-adjustable/power-folding side mirrors with driver’s side auto-dimming.
Inside, there’s a panoramic sunroof, power/heated front seats, automatic climate control, artico upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 7.0-inch driver info and central touchscreen displays, the MBUX infotainment system, and a touchpad controller.
Safety items include attention assist and tire pressure monitoring.
AMG 35 models add upgraded brakes and suspension, dynamic select drive modes, a sport exhaust, 19-inch wheels, shift paddles, ambient cabin lighting, lighted door sills, artico/dinamica upholstery, and 10.25-inch driver and infotainment displays.
Key Options
The GLB’s tech and intelligent drive packages are where you’ll find advanced safety kit like forward collision avoidance, automatic high beams, radar cruise control and adaptive headlights.
The premium package contains blind spot assist, a vehicle exit warning, passive keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, and an upgraded stereo with smartphone integration.
A navigation package includes its namesake function, plus live traffic service, augmented video, and traffic sign assist.
The AMG driver’s pack bundles a performance steering wheel, advanced drive modes, 20-inch wheels, and a track driving recorder.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, Mercedes-Benz hadn’t published the 2021 GLB’s fuel consumption estimates. We can’t even give you our best guess based on last year’s model because its figures were also unavailable when we wrote this article.
Competition
The GLB’s closest competitor is the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the only other compact luxury crossover with seven seats. You could option up a Volkswagen Tiguan to a similar price point to get its three-row interior, but while it would likely be a better value, it may not measure up in terms of refinement.
If five seats are all you need, the GLB lines up nicely against the Lexus UX, BMW’s X1, the Audi Q3, Cadillac’s XT4 and Volvo’s XC40.
