2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

　　

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　One of two small SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, the 2022 GLB emphasizes utility over style. It's shaped more like a box on wheels than many SUVs, but its squared-off exterior dimensions pay dividends when it comes to interior room for people and cargo. Mercedes even offers a third-row seat option for the GLB, though it's useful only for small children.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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

　　$171/mo  for GLB-Class GLB 250

　　GLB-Class GLB 250

　　GLB 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $38,600 MSRPGLB 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) (Most Popular) - $40,600 MSRPAMG GLB 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $49,950 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Mercedes builds the GLB on the same front-wheel-drive platform that forms the foundation of the smaller Mercedes GLA. The GLB also uses the GLA's turbocharged four-cylinder engines and available 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, and it offers an AMG-tuned performance variant for a more responsive and enjoyable driving character.

　　As you expect of a modern Mercedes, the GLB comes with advanced infotainment and safety tech. It's also surprisingly comfortable for four adults and offers an excellent view out of its tall windshield and side windows. Whether you're behind the steering wheel or sitting in one of this SUV's passenger seats, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB provides a driving and riding experience that clearly differentiates it from other Mercedes SUVs and rivals such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.

　　If you need maximum interior space in a small luxury SUV, the GLB is worthy of your consideration. Learn more about what our vehicle testing team thinks of this Mercedes SUV in our full Expert Rating.

　　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 control 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 multi-contour 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, easily soaking 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below