Mercedes-Benz GLB Review 2024

Mercedes-Benz GLB At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Mercedes GLB is one of only a handful of premium-badged mid-sized SUVs that can carry seven people. Although the driving experience is forgettable, the car is impressively practical.

+Good interior space for its size. Attractive interior. Broad engine range.

-Can be expensive. Boot space in seven-seat mode. Firm ride.

Insurance Group 35
On average it achieves 0% of the official MPG figure

Mercedes has one of the broadest luxury SUV ranges, which takes in everything from the compact Mercedes GLA to the huge Mercedes GLS and even the legendary Mercedes G-Class. The Mercedes GLB, as its name would suggest, sits between the compact Mercedes GLA and the medium-sized Mercedes GLC, and while it is similar in size to the latter, it takes a more practical approach. Read on for our full Mercedes GLB review.

A taller body than the more rakish Mercedes GLC frees up more interior space, and allows the Mercedes GLB to offer the seven-seat configuration, putting it up against rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport, German counterpart the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and the decent-value Skoda Kodiaq.

The Mercedes GLB’s slightly boxy dimensions suggest it might not feel as claustrophobic inside as you would expect. Indeed, its 560 litres of boot space with five seats in use compares favourably against rivals – although this drops to 130 litres when the third row of seats is in use.

Four Isofix child seat points will appeal to families, as will the various driver assistance systems that have trickled down the range from the Mercedes S-Class. These include semi-autonomous driving features, such as cruise control which slows down when approaching corners or junctions using navigation data.

Despite diesel proving to be less popular with buyers in recent years, the Germany company has sensibly continued to offer diesel engines in the Mercedes GLB, with the expectation that they will be the more attractive option.

The entry-level Mercedes GLB 200 has a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 163PS and there is also a high-powered Mercedes-AMG GLB version with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol offering 306PS. The diesel options are the Mercedes GLB 200d with 150PS and the 220d with 190PS, both using a 2.0-litre unit. All versions are fitted with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and are front-wheel-drive, bar the Merceded GLB 220d and the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35.

Inside, the Mercedes GLB offers the kind of premium interior that is typical of the brand, dominated by a twin-screen infotainment display and plenty of attractive materials. Where there is evidence of some cost-cutting with cheaper plastics, it is well hidden away.

Better still is the amount of space on offer. Those in the front seats will enjoy the benefit of sitting high up, with plenty of head and legroom. It’s good in the rear, too, although the seats are raised slightly compared to the front, which reduces headroom slightly.

The third row is best saved for children or occasional use.

The driving experience is undemanding, particularly in diesel versions, which help the relaxed feel with their easily-accessible torque. Body roll is kept in check despite the tall bodyshell, although the downside is that the ride can feel quite firm over sharper bumps.

The steering is accurate, if quite light. However, for most drivers this will not impact greatly on the driving experience.

With such a broad range of SUVs in its range, Mercedes has something to suit everyone. While the Mercedes GLB may be one of the more niche choices, for buyers seeking seven seats in a relatively compact body with a premium feel, it has all the right attributes.

Ask Honest John

Should I get a petrol or diesel SUV?

"I'm considering buying a Mercedes-Benz GLB but I'm yet to decide which option is better, the 200 petrol or the 200d diesel one. I'm a normal all-round driver (driving on both motorways and in the city). Although I did test drive the petrol one, I tend to consider the diesel option a better one, both for its higher torque level and its 8-speed gearbox. I'd appreciate any honest advice. Many thanks."
It depends on your mileage, really. If you cover more than 12,000 miles a year including regular motorway trips (say, at least once a week), we'd recommend the 200d. Otherwise, go for the 200 petrol. The diesel might also make sense if you need to tow anything.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

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