It’s arguably not the most handsome vehicle in its class, but the Mercedes-Benz GLB is certainly one of the most practical, as well as having a premium feel. Spun off from the A-Class platform, the compact luxury SUV is also one of few vehicles in its class to offer a seven-seat option. Its boxy body isn’t exactly elegant, but it maximizes interior space, making it one of the few cars in its class to offer anywhere near as much space, and despite its tall appearance the A-Class underpinnings mean it handles with surprising vigour. Advanced MBUX technology and decent ride comfort also make it stand out.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a highly useful and extremely comfortable, practical compact SUV, and we love the optional seven-seat layout, which is bound to appeal to young families. It has a premium feel, excellent technology and drives more sharply than its appearance might suggest.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioPrices for used GLBs from the first year of production, 2019, start around £28,000 – rising to over £45,000 for high-spec AMG Line Premium or AMG GLB 35 models. For a budget of £35,000, you can expect a well-equipped GLB 200 or GLB 220d with low mileage from 2022 or 2023. For used Mercedes-Benz GLBs from 2024, prices typically start at around £36,000 for mid-spec examples with low mileage. Higher-spec AMG Line Premium or AMG GLB 35 models can command prices upwards of £48,000, depending on condition. If you’re buying new, the GLB’s starting price begins at around £40,000 for the entry-level GLB 200, with the GLB 220d or AMG Line Premium in the low £50,0000s. The AMG GLB 35 is £57,400.
The range kicks off with the GLB 200, which has a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 163bhp. It’s adequate in terms of performance, with a 0-60mph time of 9.1 seconds. There’s also a diesel with two power outputs: the GLB 200 d and GLB 220 d. Diesels are a rarity in today’s market but the GLB has a proven 2.0-litre engine offering 150bhp or 190bhp. In the more potent form, it’s quite punchy, accelerating from 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds. At the top of the tree is the AMG GLB 35, which comes with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 304bhp, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. All GLBs have an eight-speed automatic transmission – there is no manual model.
It’s clear that the Mercedes GLB is a well-thought-out car, which has a great engineering balance between ride and handling. It’s easy to drive in town thanks to light steering and good visibility, but is refined at speed and is quite agile on the open road. The AMG GLB 35 exploits this further and is genuinely fun to drive.
Dynamically, the GLB acquits itself well enough but it’s the road quality that really impresses – against a backdrop of compact SUVs with large wheels and a firm, jiggly ride, its composure really stands out. It soaks up bumps and road imperfections astonishingly well, ensuring the car remains calm and settled even on uneven and broken road surfaces. The steering is light yet precise, and the GLB feels stable through corners, with minimal body roll despite its top-heavy appearance. For those in rural areas or cooler climates, the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive system may also appeal, giving enhanced grip and traction. The sporty AMG GLB 35 variant isn’t as complete a balance as lesser models, with less of a compromise between ride and handling. Not everyone will prefer its firmer suspension, but the trade-off is sharper dynamics.
The GLB’s cabin makes use of high-quality materials throughout, with soft-touch surfaces, rugged but seemingly durable plastics and neat metallic details. Central to the experience is the MBUX infotainment system, which is easy to use and features dual digital displays for both driver information and entertainment. It sits between Mercedes’s now-trademark rotary air vents, which are effective and easy to direct. In standard form, the GLB provides ample space for five adults – indeed, rear headroom is excellent thanks to the car’s tall body, while legroom for those in the back seat is also impressive. Add the optional extra two seats in the rear and it becomes even more practical, although the rearmost bench is really only suitable for children. This is a family car though, and that’s exactly what some people need. Ambient lighting, premium upholstery, and multi-zone climate control are available on higher trims, while the middle row seats have Isofix brackets as standard.
In standard models, with all five seats in place, the GLB offers an impressive 570 litres of boot space more than many rivals in its class. The load area is wide and flat, which helps with loading and unloading, while a low boot lip makes access easy. Fold the rear seats flat, and this expands to 1,805 litres.
If you have the seven-seat model, with all seven seats in place, boot space is understandably limited – there’s enough room for a couple of small suitcases or the weekly shop, but larger items may require folding down the third row. Up front, there are plenty of storage areas. You’ll find large door bins, two front cup holders, a spacious centre console, and various cubby holes for smaller items.
Technology and comfort are the GLB’s trump cards, with a sophisticated digital cockpit as standard across the range. There’s also a responsive touchscreen which powers Mercedes’s intuitive MBUX infotainment, offering voice control and easy-to-read functions. It pairs via Bluetooth or hard-wire, and will operate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Advanced driver assistance systems include autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Move up the range and you can add built-in sat-nav, adaptive cruise control and customisable ambient lighting.
The main trims for the GLB are Sport, AMG Line, and the performance-focused AMG GLB 35. Each brings its own set of features, with Sport offering a strong standard specification, AMG Line adding sportier styling and tech upgrades, and the AMG GLB 35 providing extra performance and unique design touches, plus a firmer, more agile chassis. Standard and optional paint finishes include Polar White (non-metallic), Night Black (non-metallic), and a range of metallic shades such as Cosmos Black, Iridium Silver, Denim Blue, Mountain Grey, Digital White, and Galaxy Blue. There are also more distinctive options like Patagonia Red and Mountain Grey Magno (matt finish), available to factory order only.
The GLB comes with a host of safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. Reliability is generally good, with Mercedes’ reputation for engineering quality. It performed strongly in Euro NCAP safety tests, earning a five-star rating. The GLB scored particularly well for adult occupant protection, receiving 92%, while child occupant protection was impressive at 88%. Safety assist features were rated at 75%.
The GLB has WLTP-rated fuel economy ranging from 32-40 mpg, depending on the engine and spec you choose. For those favouring diesel power, the GLB 200d typically returns between 48-54 mpg on the combined cycle, with CO₂ emissions ranging from around 137-146 g/km. The GLB 220 d is similar at 46-51mg and the same emissions. The petrol-powered GLBs are less efficient but still deliver competitive running costs for their segment. The GLB 200 achieves a WLTP figure of 38-42 mpg, with CO₂ emissions ranging between 150–155 g/km. These figures mean annual road tax and company car tax rates are reasonable compared to larger SUVs. The AMG GLB 35 is less frugal, returning around 32-34mpg and CO₂ emissions of 189 g/km. Annual road tax for most GLB models typically falls between £180 and £220, depending on model.
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