Mercedes-Benz has given its smallest seven-seat SUV an replace.
The GLB – which is constructed on the identical bones because the smaller, cheaper A-Class and GLA – is sort of as large as a GLC on the surface, and packs a boxy physique to maximise inside area. It’s a method few manufacturers have adopted in Australia.
Not solely is the GLB dwarfed by the opposite two seven-seat SUVs within the Mercedes-Benz vary, the GLE and GLS, it’s smaller than mid-sized SUVs with seven-seat choices just like the Nissan X-Path and Mitsubishi Outlander.
It’s additionally priced in an odd nook of the crowded SUV world. With a beginning value of $74,000 earlier than on-road prices, it sits between top-end automobiles from manufacturers like Volkswagen and Honda, and in keeping with five-seat SUVs such because the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC40.
Mercedes-Benz has lately given this in-betweener an replace, with a sharper look on the surface and up to date tech on the within.
How does it form up at present?
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class towards equally sized autos.
Mercedes-Benz
GLB
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class price?
Costs for the GLB rose by round $4000 with its latest replace, and have been elevated once more because the automobile’s launch in December 2023. It does, nonetheless, now pack extra commonplace tools than earlier than.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-roads |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 | $74,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic | $84,700 |
| Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic | $103,800 |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB shapes up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.
What’s the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class like on the within?
Mercedes-Benz has accomplished lots with a little bit right here.
Up entrance it’s commonplace entry Mercedes-Benz, which implies a shiny dual-screen show dominates the dashboard above an array of flash-looking air vents. Even six years on from the debut of this design philosophy with the brand new A-Class, it has a lot showroom attraction.
Our tester possibly went barely too far into the realm of showroom sizzle, although. The three-pointed star is in every single place right here, from the door trims to the dashboard – and at evening, a few of them are backlit, like a branded tackle the Rolls-Royce starlight setup.
It’s eye-catching, however to my eyes it’s additionally a bit gauche. The construct high quality, know-how, and total sense of luxurious in a Mercedes-Benz cabin ought to communicate for themselves with out having to scatter a sky filled with three-pointed stars on the sprint to remind you what you’re driving.
The basics are stable, although. The seats (trimmed right here in black fake leather-based, suede, and with crimson stitching that’s not supplied in Australia) provide a commanding view of the highway forward, and there’s loads of adjustment for odd-shaped drivers.
The steering wheel feels good in your arms, though the contact sliders on the 4 slim spokes are needlessly fiddly on the transfer. They’re a step backwards from what was supplied earlier than, and make easy duties like altering the amount more durable.
By now, we’re acquainted with the dual-screen MBUX infotainment system. It may be managed with steering wheel controls, the touchscreen, or ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice inputs – the touchpad on the transmission tunnel is gone.
Each screens are pin-sharp, with impressively fast responses and deep, vivid colors. Within the age of smartphones with ultra-high-resolution screens and lightning refresh charges, they really feel like an extension of the tech we’re already utilizing in the easiest way doable.
When you’re attuned to how the menus work it’s not onerous to leap round, and the very fact Apple CarPlay is now wi-fi and takes up the entire display is a step ahead.
For all of the high-tech flash, there’s a disappointing sense of cheapness to components of this inside.
The plastic toggle switches beneath the vents aren’t aligned, for instance, presenting like tooth in want of braces, and the plastics on the door trims are a minimize beneath what you get in a GLC. At the very least the panoramic sunroof makes for a lightweight and ethereal feeling.
Though it’s not meant to be a flagship for Mercedes-Benz, it’s nonetheless not fairly as much as scratch.
There’s loads of storage up entrance, from the large underarm storage bin to the large door pockets. You additionally get three USB-C ports up entrance, two within the again, and two for third-row passengers.
Rear seat area is likely one of the main calling playing cards of the GLB on paper, and it delivers in follow.
The boxy profile frees up a formidable quantity of headroom, and with the 40/20/40 folding bench slid to its rearmost place you’ll be capable of slot a full-sized grownup behind a full-sized driver.
The tall home windows and wide-opening doorways are each wins for anybody carrying small youngsters in youngster seats, and the rear air vents are a necessity in any household automobile that’s going to outlive an Australian summer season.
ISOFIX factors characteristic on the outboard rear seats, and there’s a trio of prime tethers for youngster seats.
The third row is genuinely usable by 5+2 SUV requirements.
Entry is surprisingly easy due to the 220mm of vary on the sliding second row when the backrests are folded (and the low sill), and again there there’s ample headroom for rising youngsters or common youngsters.
Legroom? Effectively, with the second row in its rearmost place it’s very restricted. However with it slid ahead, it’s doable to strike a compromise that’ll guarantee everybody has sufficient area to remain snug on the college run. It’s a correct 5+2.
At six-seven, I might get again there and fold the second-row seatbacks into place. It’s not precisely a Kia Carnival, but it surely’s match for function.
There’s storage, USB-C ports, and curtain airbag protection again there, all of that are welcome and improve the third row’s usability.
The big, flat tailgate is energy operated, and may be activated with a kick sensor beneath the rear bumper in case your arms are full. Area behind the third row is restricted, however there’s sufficient room for just a few purchasing luggage.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4650mm |
| Width | 1845mm |
| Top | 1655mm |
| Wheelbase | 2829mm |
| Cargo capability | 110 litres (7-seat) 565 litres (5-seat) 1800 litres (2-seat) |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB shapes up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The engine within the base GLB is shared with a spread of Renault autos, together with entry-level variations of the A-Class and GLA.
| Specs | Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.3L 4cyl turbo |
| Energy | 120kW |
| Torque | 270Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Pushed wheels | FWD |
| Weight | 1676kg |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 7.5L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 8.0L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 52 litres |
| Gas requirement | 95 RON |
| CO2 emissions | 171g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 1500kg |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB shapes up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class drive?
The bones beneath the GLB are featured in three different automobiles in Australia, so the way in which this automobile drives is acquainted.
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Abroad mannequin proven
The steering is mild within the metropolis, and it’s tuned for consolation. Meaning pace bumps and the pimply surfaces widespread in Australian cities don’t spoil the temper behind the wheel, and you’ll park in tight areas with out large biceps.
For a little bit engine, the 1.3-litre unit within the base GLB packs an honest punch when you’re up and rolling. However it may be awkward off the mark once you’re making an attempt to creep slowly in visitors, juddering on mild inputs earlier than sharply participating and surging ahead.
Mercedes-Benz has accomplished a very good job smoothing out the powertrain’s rougher edges. It’s much less awkward right here than in its different functions, and with a little bit of time you possibly can drive round its quirks – however there’s no escaping the yawning pause once you flick from drive to reverse, or the occasional stunted begin.
You’ll discover the engine must kick down up hills with just one particular person on board, and typically must drop one, two gears with a heavier load to maintain its pace up.
It’s not too noisy within the cabin, with a comparatively refined bark, however you’re conscious the engine is working onerous at instances which doesn’t really feel notably Mercedes-Benz.
The best way it delivers its torque means all-wheel drive could be welcome as properly; the transmission kicks in sharply once you attempt to speed up rapidly away from the lights, which within the moist can go away the entrance wheels spinning.
With mild steering and upright pillars, that is a simple automobile to position on the town.
As seven-seaters go it’s a very simple one to drive in tight areas, or to park in slim underground spots at your native grocery store.
At larger speeds, the GLB is a snug cruiser. Though it’s working to get to the authorized restrict at instances, when you’re there the engine settles down and the chubby tyres make for a quiet, refined drive.
In comparison with the A-Class and GLA, each of which may get a bit shouty on coarse chip nation highways, the GLB is quieter and extra refined. It’s nonetheless not going to provide a GLC any sleepless nights, but it surely’s higher than its platform mates.
Mercedes-Benz has lengthy been a pioneer within the energetic driver help area, and the GLB possesses a set of polished instruments to take the load off on lengthy journeys.
The adaptive cruise management confidently maintains a spot to the automobile in entrance, and the energetic lane centring system holds the automobile between the white strains with out ripping the wheel out of your arms.
Options resembling the automated lane change, which handles steering and checks your blind spot once you flick the indicator, elevate the GLB over some rivals.
Mercedes-Benz additionally does among the greatest cameras within the enterprise, which implies there’s no excuse for dinged wheels or bumpers.
What do you get?
On check is the entry-level GLB 200.
Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 and GLB 250 4Matic highlights:
- 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels
- Run-flat tyres
- Panoramic sunroof
- AMG Line exterior
- Privateness glass
- Arms-free energy tailgate
- LED headlights
- Adaptive high-beam
- Electrical folding facet mirrors
- Adjustable damping
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- DAB radio
- USB-C port
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Ambient inside lighting
- Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Artico/Microcut upholstery
- Proximity entry and push-button begin
- Heated entrance seats
- Electrical entrance seats with reminiscence
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class protected?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB obtained a five-star ANCAP security score in 2020 based mostly on testing carried out by Euro NCAP in 2019. This score solely applies to the GLB 200 and GLB 250 4Matic.
| Class | Mercedes-Benz GLB |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 92 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Weak highway person safety | 78 per cent |
| Security help | 76 per cent |
Customary security tools consists of:
- 9 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot help
- Exit warning
- Lane maintain help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Visitors signal recognition
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Emergency SOS calling system
- Semi-autonomous parking help
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Encompass-view digital camera
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class price to run?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. As is the case throughout the Mercedes-Benz lineup, it’s a dear automobile to service.
| Operating prices | Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 25,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Whole capped-price service price | $5200 (5 12 months service package deal) |
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB stays a singular, succesful possibility in Australia.
Mercedes-Benz has accomplished a wonderful job benefiting from a comparatively small package deal, with an impressively versatile cabin and refined manners on the highway when you think about it’s a household SUV operating a little bit engine.
That’s the place the shine begins to return off the GLB 200. The bottom engine has simply sufficient punch, however load it up with seven folks (or 5 and their issues) and it begins to really feel a bit strained… which isn’t very Mercedes-Benz.
The identical may be stated of the gauche trim and low-cost inside finishes, which really feel misplaced in a $75,000 automobile.
With its extra highly effective 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, the GLB 250 sitting above the 200 within the vary doesn’t resolve the inside trim points, but it surely does at the least get you a powertrain with extra headroom if you happen to’re planning to spend numerous time on the open highway.
Because it stands, the GLB 200 is a good suggestion executed properly – however not in addition to it in any other case might have been.
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