The Mercedes GLB is an all-new medium-sized SUV.
It’s got seven seats, an economical engine and loads of high-tech features.
Best of all, it combines small car ease of use with big car packaging and versatility.
Indeed, this SUV has the makings of a best-seller.
Let’s check it out.
Priced from just under $60,000 for the entry-level model and rising to almost $90,000 for the
red-hot AMG version, there are no direct competitors for this seven-seat SUV.
And it’s loaded with features, including 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and aluminium
roof rails as standard.
The “baby” GLS styling is also pretty cool!
Inside, the medium SUV is surprisingly spacious and visually appealing.
It comes with all the latest tech you’d expect too, starting with a pair of big 10.2-inch
digital screens.
The instrument panel has way more customisability than its rivals and although the column shifter
feels tawdry, there’s not much to complain about here.
While its got plenty of USB C ports, the lack of classic USB plugs might be a pain for some
- and Apple CarPlay and Android auto are not wireless yet, which means you’ll need an
adaptor.
But what I do like is how you can interface with the MBUX infotainment system via the
steering wheel touchpoints, touchscreen, touchpad or – my favourite – voice command.
‘Hey Mercedes’.
All models get time-saving features like wireless phone charger, push-button start and power-adjustable
faux leather front seats.
Dual-zone climate control is another nice touch and Benz has added a bit of sparkle
with the ambient LED lights behind the air vents and elsewhere.
The second seat row is well equipped too, with air vents, usb C ports, ISOFIX anchorages
and look – you can add more leg room too (slide forward).
Getting into the third row seats is a little challenging but once in, the tall roof and
sculpted seats make it surprisingly roomy.
There’s even USB C ports, cup holders and elastic bands to store belongings.
And with nine airbags covering all seat rows and a five-star ANCAP safety rating, your
precious cargo will be well protected.
The interior packaging is well executed and I like the large sized doors and the way they
cover the sills so your pants don’t get dirty shows an attention to detail often missing
in this segment.
A powered tailgate with hands-free activation is cool and the boot is surprisingly versatile.
While it doesn’t have the dynamic handling of its slightly bigger sibling, the GLC, this
is a delightful car to drive.
While it doesn’t have any whiz-bang party tricks per se, the overall package just works.
Ride comfort is very good – it’s absorbs bumps and lumps far better than almost any
other Benz I’ve tested in recent memory.
The steering is light and its upright windows provide excellent vision.
The new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is a pearler, smooth and quiet.
The turbo petrol engine is also really impressive.
It’s economical when cruising and responsive when you need to hustle.
It comes with autonomous braking, steering and acceleration fitted as standard equipment
to all models – and they work well.
There’s traffic sign recognition, automatic high beam headlights, Blind Spot detection,
parking sensors and even a lane change assistant.
How cool is that…?!
There’s various drive modes from comfort to sport and even a dedicated off-road setting.
When it comes to parking, the GLB’s tall, narrow design makes it easy to manoeuvre which
will appeal to urban and city drivers.
The Mercedes GLB is hard to fault.
It drives comfortably, is loaded with all the latest technology and safety systems and
has a pragmatic interior concept.
Based on the same architecture as the compact A-Class hatch, this new SUV has the versatility
and practicality of a much bigger machine.
Simply put, this is gonna sell like hotcakes.
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