Not too big, not too small. The Mercedes-Benz GLB and Land Rover Discovery Sport, the seven-seat
luxury car that Aussie buyers want or need. Let's see what they offer and see which one we'd choose.
Prestige seven-seaters regularly command a six-figure price tag but these mid-size offerings
are priced from about $65,000 and under 75 grand for the mid-range versions we're comparing here.
They don't have the proportions of their larger seven-seat SUV siblings
but maybe they hit more important sweet spots like affordability and manoeuvrability.
If you're confused about where these vehicles fit in the SUV battlefield,
then hear this. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is based on the A-class platform
but its larger dimensions means it has room for seven occupants.
Then we have the Land Rover Discovery Sport which is smaller than the Land Rover Discovery
but has equal billing where bums on seats are concerned. Meet the new SUVs fit for the family.
Both vehicles are powered by 2-litre turbo petrol engines that deliver comparable
outputs to all four wheels. The Disco Sport comes standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission,
while the GLB has an eight-speed dual-clutch auto.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB range comprises three four-cylinder turbo variants.
This mid-spec GLB 250 4MATIC is expected to be the top seller and you'd get plenty of bang for
buck. Step up to the AMG 35 performance variant if you need more and have the bucks to afford it.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a strong seller down under and it received a major update in 2020.
This Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE P250
is priced mid-pack in a 10-strong lineup and is a worthy rival to the new Benz.
Entry prices will entice buyers but options abound on both models and anomalies in prices
and packaging are bemusing. Adaptive cruise control, for example, is standard in a Land
Rover Discovery but you'll pay for it as part of an options package in the GLB.
But then, the Disco will charge you $900 for keyless entry.
Infotainment systems present as entirely different beasts but feature similar functionality with
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation, voice control and more.
The GLB's dual 10.2-inch screens are the highlight of the Benz's cabin and it makes it feel more tech
savvy than the Land Rover. There are a multitude of ways that you can customise the screens and
you can do that via this touchpad or there are a lot of controls on the steering wheel here.
Technophiles will be delighted, technophobes are probably gonna squirm.
In a surprising contrast, the Discovery Sport actually feels more restrained in its design.
It feels more understated and arguably easier to navigate.
You've got your touch screen here with Apple CarPlay at the moment, you've got your dual-zone
climate control and in-car settings or you can use your multi-function steering wheel.
Vastly different approaches to design divide these two but high-tech gadgetry, luxury finishes and
attention to detail are common to both. The GLB takes the cake for its more-is-more approach
but you certainly won't be left wanting in the Discovery Sport.
Dynamically speaking, neither of these vehicles are gonna set your world on fire but there
are subtleties in the handling and performance that'll see you lean towards one or the other.
There's no escaping the sheer weight of the Discovery Sport, and that brings both positives
and negatives. It feels planted on the road and is a well-behaved point-and-go type of drive.
The supple suspension is a great fit for shoddy suburban roads and overall ride comfort is very
good. That weight, however, sees the Disco Sport working harder to get moving and the tight steep
twists of outer seat found this vehicle's limits. The lighter and more lively GLB,
however, brings a very different tempo. More agile and with an eager eight-speed dual-clutch auto,
the GLB was more responsive off the mark and always found the right gear under pressure.
Tipped to spend most of their life in the suburbs, these medium-size SUVs combine
city car ease of use with SUV versatility. They'll appeal to many, including young families
who are used to having lots of hangers on. Think about soccer,
footy, basketball training, you know what I'm talking about. So with that in mind,
let's check out the all-important second and third rows and the boot space.
Again, there are many similarities. Both second rows feature stadium-style seating,
sliding function, a centre armrest with cup holders, two ISOFIX positions and three top tether
child seat anchors. It's the dimensionally larger Discovery Sport that offers more generous space.
Squeezing into the third row is tight in both vehicles. The Discovery Sport's sliding seats
are a tad lighter to manoeuvre, making it easier for kids and some adults to get in and out.
It's the GLB, however, that offers much better comfort. There's more foot room,
the seats sit a little higher so your knees aren't in your face and the seats are more supportive.
Power tailgates reveal functional boots with bag hooks, anchor points, lights and 12-volt outlets,
40/20/40 split-fold seats up the cargo carrying flexibility.
An airbag count sees nine in the Benz compared to seven in the Discovery Sport but regardless,
all three rows of occupants are protected in both cars. Both vehicles have a five-star
safety rating but it's the Benz that has a longer warranty period and better after-sales support.
Service plans and pricing, however, are well in the Land Rover's favour. Neither vehicle is
a bad pick and both deserve full credit for their clever packaging and versatility amid
their mid-size proportions. The Discovery Sport makes more financial sense and it trumps the Benz
where pomp and road presence are concerned. The GLB, however, is nicer to drive, power delivery
is excellent and it nails the family-friendly role more convincingly, and it takes the win.