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 massive as a GLC on the surface, and packs a boxy physique to maximise inside area. It’s a formulation 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 a wierd nook of the crowded SUV world. With a beginning value of $74,000 earlier than on-road prices, it sits between top-end vehicles from manufacturers like Volkswagen and Honda, and consistent 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 the moment?
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class towards equally sized automobiles.
Mercedes-Benz
GLB
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class value?
Costs for the GLB rose by round $4000 with its latest replace, and have been elevated once more for the reason that automotive’s launch in December 2023. It does, nonetheless, now pack extra commonplace gear 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, try our comparability device.
What’s the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class like on the within?
Mercedes-Benz has performed so much with slightly 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 enchantment.
Our tester perhaps went barely too far into the realm of showroom sizzle, although. The three-pointed star is in all places 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 converse for themselves with out having to scatter a sky stuffed 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 pink stitching that’s now not provided in Australia) provide a commanding view of the highway forward, and there’s loads of adjustment for odd-shaped drivers.
The steering wheel feels sensible in your fingers, though the contact sliders on the 4 slim spokes are needlessly fiddly on the transfer. They’re a step backwards from what was provided earlier than, and make easy duties like altering the amount tougher.
By now, we’re conversant in 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 one of the simplest ways doable.
When you’re attuned to how the menus work it’s not laborious to leap round, and the actual fact Apple CarPlay is now wi-fi and takes up the entire display screen 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 lower beneath what you get in a GLC. At the 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 may be loads of storage up entrance, from the huge underarm storage bin to the massive 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 without doubt one of the main calling playing cards of the GLB on paper, and it delivers in apply.
The boxy profile frees up a powerful quantity of headroom, and with the 40/20/40 folding bench slid to its rearmost place you’ll be capable to 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 automotive that’s going to outlive an Australian summer season.
ISOFIX factors function on the outboard rear seats, and there’s a trio of high tethers for youngster seats.
The third row is genuinely usable by 5+2 SUV requirements.
Entry is surprisingly easy because of 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? Nicely, 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 varsity 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, nevertheless it’s match for objective.
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 fingers are full. Area behind the third row is restricted, however there’s sufficient room for a number of buying 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, try our comparability device.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The engine within the base GLB is shared with a variety of Renault automobiles, 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 financial system (claimed) | 7.5L/100km |
| Gas financial 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, try our comparability device.
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class drive?
The bones beneath the GLB are featured in three different vehicles in Australia, so the best way this automotive drives is acquainted.
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Abroad mannequin proven
The steering is mild within the metropolis, and it’s tuned for consolation. Meaning velocity bumps and the pimply surfaces frequent in Australian cities don’t spoil the temper behind the wheel, and you may park in tight areas with out large biceps.
For slightly 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 whenever you’re making an attempt to creep slowly in site visitors, juddering on mild inputs earlier than sharply partaking and surging ahead.
Mercedes-Benz has performed a very good job smoothing out the powertrain’s rougher edges. It’s much less awkward right here than in its different purposes, and with a little bit of time you’ll be able to drive round its quirks – however there’s no escaping the yawning pause whenever you flick from drive to reverse, or the occasional stunted begin.
You’ll discover the engine must kick down up hills with just one individual on board, and generally must drop one, two gears with a heavier load to maintain its velocity up.
It’s not too noisy within the cabin, with a comparatively refined bark, however you’re conscious the engine is working laborious at instances which doesn’t really feel notably Mercedes-Benz.
The best way it delivers its torque means all-wheel drive can be welcome as effectively; the transmission kicks in sharply whenever you attempt to speed up shortly away from the lights, which within the moist can go away the entrance wheels spinning.
With mild steering and upright pillars, that is a straightforward automotive to put on the town.
As seven-seaters go it’s an easy 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 present a GLC any sleepless nights, nevertheless it’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 automotive in entrance, and the energetic lane centring system holds the automotive between the white traces with out ripping the wheel out of your fingers.
Options equivalent to the automated lane change, which handles steering and checks your blind spot whenever 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
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- LED headlights
- Adaptive high-beam
- Electrical folding aspect 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 ranking in 2020 primarily based on testing performed by Euro NCAP in 2019. This ranking solely applies to the GLB 200 and GLB 250 4Matic.
| Class | Mercedes-Benz GLB |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 92 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Weak highway person safety | 78 per cent |
| Security help | 76 per cent |
Normal security gear contains:
- 9 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot help
- Exit warning
- Lane hold help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Site 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 value 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 an expensive automotive 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 value | $5200 (5 yr service package deal) |
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB stays a novel, succesful possibility in Australia.
Mercedes-Benz has performed a superb job profiting 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 slightly 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 individuals (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 automotive.
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 clear up the inside trim points, nevertheless it does not less than get you a powertrain with extra headroom should you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the open highway.
Because it stands, the GLB 200 is a good suggestion executed effectively – however not in addition to it in any other case might have been.
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