2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB | Review & Road Test

Описание: For the latest Mercedes-Benz GLB pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/glb/


The GLB is a newcomer to the luxury SUV field so here’s a quick primer. It’s a compact yet roomy SUV that shares its engine and basic structure with the CLA sedan. Base price, including destination charges, is around $37-and-a-half thousand dollars…if you don’t mind driving a front-wheel-drive crossover, but all-wheel drive is offered from an extra $2-grand.

Alternatives include the BMW X1, Audi Q3…maybe the Lincoln Corsair, and Lexus NX for good measure.
Given its commonality with the CLA, I’m just gonna copy/paste the next bit from my CLA review. But I promise to read it with passion.

Propelling the GLB is a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (221hp, 258 lb-ft) paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The duo generates ample power and rapid, nearly invisible gear changes, though an observant driver might note occasional clunkiness from the transmission, especially at low speeds.
Even though the GLB’s dual-clutch has one more gear, everything I said about the CLA applies here…perhaps moreso.

The GLB blasts from standstill to 60MPH in 6.9 seconds. Skip out on an all-wheel drive and you can expect some wheel hop and traction control intervention if you floor it from a stop. You can also expect a slightly better fuel economy. [23city/30hwy (FWD); 23city/31hwy (AWD)].
I had to triple check but yes, the all-wheel-drive GLB is somehow more efficient.


Naturally, there are faster more expensive ways to buy a GLB, like this GLB 35 right here. With 302hp, AMG enhanced dynamism, and 0-60 acceleration a tick higher than 5 seconds, the GLB 35 facilitates action-packed trips to your kid’s viola recital.


For normal driving, ride quality is outstanding.
And, to prove my voiceover correct, watch me drive over this big ol’ bump.
Nice.

Fling your GLB with lateral abandon and you might notice somebody lean. But steering efforts are manageable and truly, who’s testing ultimate road holding in a compact SUV. Yeah, there’s one in every bunch. The key takeaway, the GLB is lovely to pilot; offering a controlled ride, a variety of drive modes to suit your taste, clear visibility in most directions, and minimal interior noise.

Speaking of, man, Mercedes has a way with interiors, regardless of price point.
Even though it’s among the brand’s less-expensive offerings, the GLB’s cabin very much looks and feels Mercedes-worthy.

In particular, those Germans have a knack for crafting satisfying controls. Oh, that click is wonderous. And look, the rear vents do it too.

The GLB’s tactile joys help justify its premium price. Where infotainment is concerned, the MBUX system is controlled via a trackpad, through a controller on the steering wheel, or by touching the screen itself.

While dual 7-inch screens come standard I highly recommend the optional dual 10.25 displays, as seen in our test car.

As seen elsewhere in the Mercedes lineup, you can also make demands of your GLB using voice recognition. The magic words are “Hey, Mercedes.” It’s getting hot in here!

The system is even smart enough to recognize which occupant is making the request. So, your passenger won’t accidentally change the temperature on your side.


Moving to an undeniable GLB strength we have interior space. The headroom is properly outrageous throughout and the rear-seat legroom is similarly excellent. Those rear seats slide and recline, and the middle section can be adjusted independently. Further rearward is a plentiful 27 cu-ft cargo hold.
That number drops by 3 cubic feet if you get the optional 3rd row.

Compared to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 the Mercedes-Benz GLB has a slightly higher base price of $37,500. Though that sum includes dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, a power liftgate, and a keyless ignition but not Keyless Go smart key access for the doors.


Of course, Mercedes is happy to facilitate grander GLB ambitions via the option sheet. If you’d like dynamic cruise control, steering assist, blind-spot warning, seat heating and ventilation that can be operated simultaneously, and an AMG styling package, like on our tester (here’s what the basic GLB looks like)…all of that can be arranged. Just be ready to drop nearly $60,000 if restraint eludes you.


While there are plenty of competitors for the GLB perhaps the ones that should be most worried are the Mercedes Benz CLA and GLA, which are cozier than the GLB yet similarly priced. GLC, you’re also on notice.

There are certainly cheaper ways to haul oat milk home from Whole Foods. But if you want a compact SUV that is truly indulgent and looks the part, the GLB is a worthy candidate.