2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Overview

Mercedes-Benz knows what kind of SUV you really want: a big, hairy G-class but that style icon is priced for the gods and out of reach for the majority of us. Enter the 2023 GLB-class. This spunky little crossover has a boxy look, a big thre-pointed star on the grille, and a starting price about a hundred grand less than Mega-G. Based on the same platform and four-cylinder engine that underpin the sleek GLA-class SUV, the GLB’s squarer proportions endow it with more practicality: additional cargo space and a more upright seating position. It can even be had with an optional third row of seats—although the rearmost perch only has room enough for kiddies. A host of technology features is available, including Mercedes’s MBUX infotainment interface and several desirable pieces of driver-assistance tech. While loaded GLB250s can crest the $50,000 mark that’s still about a third of the cost of a G550.

What’s New for 2023?

Mercedes-Benz’s boxy, baby SUV receives no updates for the 2023 model year, so it’s the same stylish and practical package it was for 2022.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

There is just one trim level available for the GLB-class but the 4Matic model adds all-wheel drive for $2000. From there, we’d add heated seats and the Premium package, which includes blind-spot monitoring, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side view mirrors, keyless entry with push-button start, and dual 10.3-inch digital displays for the infotainment and gauge cluster. There is an AMG Line body kit available, but we’d skip it since it only gives you the looks of a Mercedes-AMG without the performance of one.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Behind the GLB’s big, grille-mounted three-pointed star is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 221 horsepower. The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. At our test track, an all-wheel drive example managed a fairly brisk 6.0-second zero-to-60-mph time. We didn’t find the GLB250 to be particularly sporty, but for an SUV its ride and handling are agreeable and competent.

More on the GLB-Class SUV

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Front-wheel-drive GLBs carry EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined; the all-wheel-drive version receives the same ratings except for the highway, where it’s estimated to receive 30 mpg. Those numbers are comparable but slightly lower than the EPA-estimated mileage of the BMW X1. On our 75-mile highway fuel economy test route, the GLB250 4Matic outperformed its EPA rating with a 32 mpg result, beating a comparable X1 by 1 mpg. For more information about the GLB-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The GLB-class has a spacious interior, with 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats and 62 cubic feet with those seats folded down, which is almost equal to that of the next-size-up BMW X3. The entry-level GLB-class isn’t very well appointed, but it does come standard with power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Heated seats will cost you extra, as will ventilated ones, and a third row of seats is also optional. We expect most buyers will spend money outfitting their GLB250 with popular luxury features such as leather upholstery and interior ambient lighting.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

While lacking a robust amount of standard interior equipment, the GLB-class makes up for some of that with its infotainment and technology offerings. A 7.0-inch digital gauge display and 7.0-inch touchscreen both come standard, but dual 10.3-inch screens are part of the Premium package, and a color head-up display is a standalone option. There are plenty of ways to link your phone to the GLB250, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports, and Bluetooth. If you want to wirelessly charge your phone, a wireless charging pad is a $200 option.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The GLB-class comes standard with cruise control, active brake assist, and adaptive braking, and is available with safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot assist. For more information about the GLB-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Benz offers warranty coverage that is competitive with its rivals, but it doesn’t offer the same complimentary scheduled maintenance policy as the X1 or the Jaguar E-Pace.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 4Matic

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED
$57,475 (base price: $39,595)

ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 cu in, 1991 cc
Power
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.0-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza 001, 235/45R-20 96W MO

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.4 in
Length: 182.4 in
Width: 72.2 in
Height: 65.3 in
Curb weight: 3869 lb
Passenger volume: 103 cu ft

C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.4 sec
60 mph: 6.0 sec
100 mph: 17.1 sec
120 mph: 28.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.9 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.9 sec
¼-mile: 14.7 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 26/23/31 mpg

More Features and Specs