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 nearly as massive as a GLC on the surface, and packs a boxy physique to maximise inside area. It’s a method 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 worth of $74,000 earlier than on-road prices, it sits between top-end vehicles from manufacturers like Volkswagen and Honda, and in keeping with five-seat SUVs such because the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC40.
Mercedes-Benz has not too long ago 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 immediately?
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class towards equally sized autos.
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GLB
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class price?
Costs for the GLB rose by round $4000 with its current replace, and have been elevated once more because the automotive’s launch in December 2023. It does, nevertheless, now pack extra commonplace tools than earlier than.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB shapes up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.
What’s the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class like on the within?
Mercedes-Benz has accomplished loads with just a little right here.
Up entrance it’s commonplace entry Mercedes-Benz, which suggests 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 every single place right here, from the door trims to the dashboard – and at night time, 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 general sense of luxurious in a Mercedes-Benz cabin ought to communicate 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 purple stitching that’s not provided in Australia) supply a commanding view of the street forward, and there’s loads of adjustment for odd-shaped drivers.
The steering wheel feels sensible in your arms, 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 aware of 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 the easiest way doable.
When you’re attuned to how the menus work it’s not exhausting to leap round, and the actual fact Apple CarPlay is now wi-fi and takes up the entire display is a step ahead.
For all of the high-tech flash, there’s a disappointing sense of cheapness to elements 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 minimize beneath what you get in a GLC. At the very least the panoramic sunroof makes for a light-weight 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’s loads of storage up entrance, from the large underarm storage bin to the large 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 follow.
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 have the ability 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 baby 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 prime tethers for baby 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? Properly, 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 comfy on the varsity run. It’s a correct 5+2.
At six-seven, I may get again there and fold the second-row seatbacks into place. It’s not precisely a Kia Carnival, but it surely’s match for goal.
There’s storage, USB-C ports, and curtain airbag protection again there, all of that are welcome and enhance the third row’s usability.
The massive, flat tailgate is energy operated, and may be activated with a kick sensor beneath the rear bumper in case your arms are full. House behind the third row is proscribed, however there’s sufficient room for a number of purchasing luggage.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB shapes up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The engine within the base GLB is shared with a spread of Renault autos, together with entry-level variations of the A-Class and GLA.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB shapes up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class drive?
The bones beneath the GLB are featured in three different vehicles in Australia, so the way in which this automotive drives is acquainted.
The steering is mild within the metropolis, and it’s tuned for consolation. Which means pace bumps and the pimply surfaces frequent in Australian cities don’t damage the temper behind the wheel, and you may park in tight areas with out huge biceps.
For just a little 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 once you’re making an attempt to creep slowly in visitors, juddering on mild inputs earlier than sharply partaking and surging ahead.
Mercedes-Benz has accomplished 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 possibly can drive round its quirks – however there’s no escaping the yawning pause once you flick from drive to reverse, or the occasional stunted begin.
You’ll discover the engine must kick down up hills with just one particular person on board, and typically must drop one, two gears with a heavier load to maintain its pace up.
It’s not too noisy within the cabin, with a comparatively refined bark, however you’re conscious the engine is working exhausting at occasions which doesn’t really feel significantly Mercedes-Benz.
The way in which it delivers its torque means all-wheel drive can be welcome as properly; the transmission kicks in sharply once 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 simple automotive to position on the town.
As seven-seaters go it’s a very simple one to drive in tight areas, or to park in slender underground spots at your native grocery store.
At larger speeds, the GLB is a cushty cruiser. Though it’s working to get to the authorized restrict at occasions, 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 might get a bit shouty on coarse chip nation highways, the GLB is quieter and extra refined. It’s nonetheless not going to provide a GLC any sleepless nights, but it surely’s higher than its platform mates.
Mercedes-Benz has lengthy been a pioneer within the lively 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 niche to the automotive in entrance, and the lively lane centring system holds the automotive between the white traces with out ripping the wheel out of your arms.
Options equivalent to the automated lane change, which handles steering and checks your blind spot once you flick the indicator, elevate the GLB over some rivals.
Mercedes-Benz additionally does a number of the greatest cameras within the enterprise, which suggests there’s no excuse for dinged wheels or bumpers.
What do you get?
On take a look at is the entry-level GLB 200.
Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 and GLB 250 4Matic highlights:
19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels Run-flat tyresPanoramic sunroof AMG Line exteriorPrivacy glassHands-free energy tailgateLED headlightsAdaptive high-beamElectric folding aspect mirrorsAdjustable damping10.25-inch digital instrument cluster10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment systemWireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Wi-fi telephone chargerDAB radioUSB-C port Tri-zone local weather controlAmbient inside lightingNappa leather-wrapped steering wheelArtico/Microcut upholsteryProximity entry and push-button startHeated entrance seatsElectric entrance seats with reminiscence
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class protected?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB obtained a five-star ANCAP security ranking in 2020 based mostly on testing performed by Euro NCAP in 2019. This ranking solely applies to the GLB 200 and GLB 250 4Matic.
Customary security tools contains:
9 airbagsAutonomous emergency brakingBlind-spot assistExit warningLane maintain assistAdaptive cruise controlTraffic signal recognitionDriver consideration monitoringEmergency SOS calling systemSemi-autonomous parking assistFront and rear parking sensorsSurround-view digital camera
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class price 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 a dear automotive to service.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB stays a novel, succesful possibility in Australia.
Mercedes-Benz has accomplished a superb job profiting from a comparatively small bundle, with an impressively versatile cabin and refined manners on the street when you think about it’s a household SUV working just a little 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 folks (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 resolve the inside trim points, but it surely does at the very least get you a powertrain with extra headroom for those who’re planning to spend plenty of time on the open street.
Because it stands, the GLB 200 is a good suggestion executed properly – however not in addition to it in any other case may have been.
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