2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Review

　　

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Every now and then, we're caught off guard by how good a vehicle is. Such is the case with the all-new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB. As its name suggests, the GLB slots between Mercedes' subcompact GLA and the larger and more expensive GLC. It stakes out its own distinctiveness with an upright, boxy shape that faintly mimics the larger and pricier G-Class. Yet the proportions and lower ride height make it seem smaller than it is.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class GLB 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$181/mo  for GLB-Class GLB 250

　　GLB-Class GLB 250

　　GLB 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $36,600 MSRPGLB 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) (Most Popular) - $38,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Much of the GLB's appeal comes from its comfort and technology. The GLB rides a bit softer than other SUVs in its class, and the seats are particularly comfortable over long distances. As a new vehicle, it benefits from all of Mercedes' latest advanced safety features and driver assistants as well as Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system, which has the best personal assistant-style voice commands in the business.

　　On the downside, the introductory GLB 250 isn't overly fun to drive. For the majority of drivers, it's more than adequate as is, but more enthusiastic drivers will likely want to wait for future sporty AMG variants. Another concern might be price. Even though the GLB is affordably priced at the base level, adding a lot of options will drive the cost skywards quickly.

　　Overall, we think the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB is more appealing than similarly priced subcompacts in its class, as well as some larger and more expensive models. We heartily recommend it against the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3. It even challenges the Mercedes GLC in all areas except for interior refinement. We're confident you'll be just as pleasantly surprised as we were.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the GLB-Class drive? In our testing, the GLB 250 reached 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is properly quick and at the top of the class. When you stomp the pedal, there's a noticeable delay before it starts accelerating, but with a lighter pedal application, it gets underway smoothly.

　　The GLB isn't particularly exciting to drive, but it is more capable than most SUV owners will need. The GLB's brakes are easy to modulate for smooth stops and impressively strong when you need to make an emergency stop. Around turns, the GLB feels sure-footed and planted.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the GLB-Class? The optional multicontour seats with ventilation and heating are comfortable for hours at a time. The massage function doesn't actually massage. Rather, it subtly changes the seatback and cushion angles to shift your contact points, which in theory should help alleviate soreness on long trips. The rear seats are lower and shorter, which means taller passengers will find thigh support lacking, but not by much.

　　The suspension tuning is on the soft side in Comfort mode and easily soaks up road imperfections. It can feel a little floaty on certain broad undulations, but it's far from unsettling. Sport mode dials out that softness without introducing any harshness. The cabin is pleasantly quiet on the highway, even on coarser surfaces.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The GLB's ride height and tall door openings make it easy to get in and out of. There's no need to step up or stoop down — just slip on in. Once inside, you'll find that all of the controls are logically placed and, after a very short time, you can operate them without having to take your eyes off the road.

　　The GLB boxy shape affords generous space compared to most of its competitors. Its tall windows provide excellent outward visibility. One minor downside: The sun visors are too small and don't provide full coverage when moved to the side of the vehicle.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The GLB gets high marks for its tech features. It comes with Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. MBUX is the easiest and best system out there, with many ways to control functions. Voice commands are accurate but sometimes take a moment to process.

　　The GLB's driver assist features are particularly good. The adaptive cruise works great whether you're driving in dense highway traffic or cruising on the open highway. The lane-keeping assist system can be a little too aggressive in trying to keep you in the lane, but that situation is pretty rare.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The GLB makes good use of its boxy shape when it comes to taking on cargo. It'll accommodate big and bulky objects, and the low liftover height of the cargo floor and the standard power liftgate make loading easier. There are also plenty of places to keep your personal items, with large door pockets and a sizable center bin. Spring-loaded cupholder tabs keep narrow beverages secure too.

　　For family duty, the GLB should work out OK. A rear-facing infant safety seat can fit, but only if you keep the rear seats slid all the way back and the front seats in a reasonable position. We did notice that some car seat bases we tested were a bit hard to latch onto the GLB's car-seat anchor points.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy at 26 mpg (23 city/31 highway), making the GLB slightly more efficient than most class rivals. We observed 26 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, which is just a hair lower than expected but still a good result. We suspect the EPA figure should be achievable with a light foot.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the GLB-Class a good value? The GLB splits the difference between the smaller and more affordable GLA and the slightly bigger and more expensive GLC. It's an appealing option as long as you know what you're getting. Buying one with a ton of options significantly inflates the price, and at that point you should consider the more refined GLC.

　　Compared with other extra-small luxury SUVs, you pay a little more for the GLB, but you also get more in terms of space, performance and comfort. As with most models in this class, the quality of materials feels a bit cheap in some areas, but overall the GLB feels worth its price.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The GLB's upright and boxy styling gives it a more traditional and utilitarian SUV look, which we like. Is the GLB fun? No, not really. But that's mostly because we've only tested the GLB 250 so far. AMG variants are sure to join the lineup, so drivers seeking more excitement should be covered.

　　

Which GLB-Class does zzdcar recommend?

For a lot of shoppers, the base GLB 250 is a great choice. Naturally, the GLB 250 4Matic is a smart alternative for those who need added traction for slick-weather regions. To either one, we suggest adding the Premium and Driver Assistance packages for their safety and convenience items.

　　

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class models

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB is a small entry-level luxury SUV with seating for five. An optional third row of seats expands capacity to seven, though those additional passengers will have to be very small.

　　It comes in two trim levels: the base GLB 250 and the GLB 250 4Matic, which adds all-wheel drive. Both use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

　　Standard feature highlights include LED headlights, a power liftgate, simulated leather upholstery, 40/20/40-split rear seats that slide and recline, Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is also included.

　　Several bundled option packages are available. Among them, we suggest springing for the Premium package that adds blind-spot monitoring, larger 10.25-inch displays, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, a hands-free liftgate and keyless entry. The Driver Assistance package is also worth adding. It comes with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, evasive steering assist, emergency stop assist and active speed control.

　　Among the GLB 250's stand-alone options, go for the adaptive dampers if you want slightly sportier handling. Other notable add-ons include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium Burmester sound system.

　　

2020 GLB-Class Highlights

Trim: GLB 250GLB 250 4MATICGLB 250

　　

Base MSRP	$36,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$181/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles