As the boxy brother to the brand’s fastback GLA-class SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-class brings a style all its own to go with its increased practicality. Like the GLA, the GLB250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and is available in either front- or all-wheel drive guise. A third row of seats is optional—a segment exclusive—but don’t expect to fit full-size humans back there for any length of time; it’s a kid-friendly zone. The GLB benefits from Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment system, offers a digital instrument cluster that’s integrated with the infotainment screen, and can be optioned with all manner of comfort and convenience items. Still, it doesn’t project the same level of luxury as Mercedes’s larger models, such as the GLC-class and GLE-class SUVs.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Behind the GLB’s big, grille-mounted three-pointed star is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 221 horsepower. The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. At our test track, an all-wheel drive example managed a fairly brisk 6.0-second zero-to-60-mph time. We didn’t find the GLB250 to be particularly sporty, but for an SUV its ride and handling is agreeable and competent.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Front-wheel-drive GLBs carry EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined; the all-wheel-drive version receives the same ratings except for the highway, where it’s estimated to receive 30 mpg. Those numbers are comparable but slightly lower than the EPA-estimated mileage of the BMW X1. On our 75-mile highway fuel economy test route, the GLB250 4Matic out-performed its EPA rating with a 32 mpg result, beating a comparable X1 by 1 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GLB-class has a very spacious interior, with 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats and 62 cubic feet with those seats folded down, which is almost equal to that of the next-size up BMW X3. The entry-level GLB-class isn’t very well appointed, but it does come standard with power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Heated seats will cost you extra, as will ventilated ones, and a third row of seats is also optional. We expect most buyers will spend money outfitting their GLB250 with popular luxury features such as leather upholstery and interior ambient lighting.
Infotainment and Connectivity
While lacking a robust amount of standard interior equipment, the GLB-class makes up for some of that with its infotainment and technology offerings. A 7.0-inch digital gauge display and 7.0-inch touchscreen both come standard, but dual 10.3-inch screens are part of the Premium package, and a color head-up display is a standalone option. There are plenty of ways to link your phone to the GLB250, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports, and Bluetooth. If you want to wirelessly charge your phone, a wireless charging pad is a $200 option.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have tested the safety of the GLB250. It comes standard with cruise control, active brake assist, and adaptive braking, and the available safety features include adaptative cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot assist. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control
Specifications
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 4Matic
VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED $57,475 (base price: $39,595)
ENGINE TYPE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement 122 cu in, 1991 cc Power 221 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Meet The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Overview
As the boxy brother to the brand’s fastback GLA-class SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-class brings a style all its own to go with its increased practicality. Like the GLA, the GLB250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and is available in either front- or all-wheel drive guise. A third row of seats is optional—a segment exclusive—but don’t expect to fit full-size humans back there for any length of time; it’s a kid-friendly zone. The GLB benefits from Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment system, offers a digital instrument cluster that’s integrated with the infotainment screen, and can be optioned with all manner of comfort and convenience items. Still, it doesn’t project the same level of luxury as Mercedes’s larger models, such as the GLC-class and GLE-class SUVs.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Behind the GLB’s big, grille-mounted three-pointed star is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 221 horsepower. The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. At our test track, an all-wheel drive example managed a fairly brisk 6.0-second zero-to-60-mph time. We didn’t find the GLB250 to be particularly sporty, but for an SUV its ride and handling is agreeable and competent.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Front-wheel-drive GLBs carry EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined; the all-wheel-drive version receives the same ratings except for the highway, where it’s estimated to receive 30 mpg. Those numbers are comparable but slightly lower than the EPA-estimated mileage of the BMW X1. On our 75-mile highway fuel economy test route, the GLB250 4Matic out-performed its EPA rating with a 32 mpg result, beating a comparable X1 by 1 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GLB-class has a very spacious interior, with 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats and 62 cubic feet with those seats folded down, which is almost equal to that of the next-size up BMW X3. The entry-level GLB-class isn’t very well appointed, but it does come standard with power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Heated seats will cost you extra, as will ventilated ones, and a third row of seats is also optional. We expect most buyers will spend money outfitting their GLB250 with popular luxury features such as leather upholstery and interior ambient lighting.
Infotainment and Connectivity
While lacking a robust amount of standard interior equipment, the GLB-class makes up for some of that with its infotainment and technology offerings. A 7.0-inch digital gauge display and 7.0-inch touchscreen both come standard, but dual 10.3-inch screens are part of the Premium package, and a color head-up display is a standalone option. There are plenty of ways to link your phone to the GLB250, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports, and Bluetooth. If you want to wirelessly charge your phone, a wireless charging pad is a $200 option.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have tested the safety of the GLB250. It comes standard with cruise control, active brake assist, and adaptive braking, and the available safety features include adaptative cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot assist. Key safety features include:
Specifications
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 4Matic
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$57,475 (base price: $39,595)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 cu in, 1991 cc
Power
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.0-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza 001, 235/45R-20 96W MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.4 in
Length: 182.4 in
Width: 72.2 in
Height: 65.3 in
Curb weight: 3869 lb
Passenger volume: 103 cu ft
C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.4 sec
60 mph: 6.0 sec
100 mph: 17.1 sec
120 mph: 28.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.9 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.9 sec
¼-mile: 14.7 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 26/23/31 mpg