Highs Comfy, upright seating position, plenty of available tech goodies, chic Benz-family styling.
Lows Entry-level models are spartan, optional third row is kids-only territory, it’s not a G-class.
Verdict The GLB-class’s boxier body makes it more practical than its GLA-class sibling, but the two are still equally compelling mini-Benzes.
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.
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.
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. ...
Lows Entry-level models are spartan, optional third row is kids-only territory, it’s not a G-class.
Verdict The GLB-class’s boxier body makes it more practical than its GLA-class sibling, but the two are still equally compelling mini-Benzes.
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.
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.
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. ...
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