A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
3.4
Practicality
4.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a premium compact SUV that combines luxury with practicality? The Mercedes Benz GLB delivers exactly that, offering seven seats in a surprisingly compact package. This versatile SUV sits in the competitive premium compact crossover segment, where it faces strong competition from rivals like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The GLB stands out with its boxy, utilitarian design that maximises interior space while maintaining Mercedes’ renowned build quality and refinement.
What makes the GLB particularly appealing is its flexibility. You can configure it as a five seater for maximum cargo space, or add the optional third row to accommodate seven passengers when needed. The interior showcases Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system alongside premium materials throughout. Performance comes from a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, all tuned for smooth, comfortable driving rather than outright sportiness.
Whether you’re a growing family needing extra seats or simply want the commanding driving position and practicality of an SUV without the bulk of larger models, the GLB offers an compelling blend of luxury, space, and usability. It’s particularly well suited for those who appreciate German engineering and want a premium badge without stepping up to the larger GLC class.
What's the Mercedes Benz GLB Like to Drive?
The GLB range focuses on smooth, refined power delivery rather than outright performance. The entry level GLB 180 produces around 136 horsepower from its 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol engine, providing adequate performance for most family needs. It reaches 60 mph in about 9.6 seconds, which feels perfectly adequate for daily driving. The more powerful GLB 200 and GLB 250 variants offer stronger acceleration, making overtaking and motorway merging feel more effortless and confident.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.3L 4-cylinder petrol / 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol
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Power Output
136 - 224 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.6 - 6.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 42 mpg
- Boot Space
- 570 - 1755 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Mercedes Benz GLB Interior, Tech & Comfort Review
Step inside the GLB and you’re immediately struck by the premium atmosphere that sets it apart from mainstream rivals. The dashboard features Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system with its crisp displays and intuitive controls. The materials throughout feel genuinely upmarket, with soft touch surfaces, quality plastics, and attractive trim details creating a cabin that feels more expensive than many competitors. The attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the precisely machined air vents to the satisfying operation of all the switches and controls.
The Mercedes Benz GLB masterfully blends luxury and
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mercedes Benz GLB?
As a premium SUV, the GLB comes with correspondingly premium running costs, though they’re reasonable within its class. The efficient turbocharged engines deliver real world fuel economy of around 35 to 40 mpg, which helps keep fuel bills manageable for a seven seater SUV. Insurance groups tend to be higher than for mainstream alternatives, reflecting both the higher value and more powerful engines. The initial purchase price is significantly higher than non premium rivals, but this reflects the superior build quality, technology, and brand prestige.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Mercedes GLB
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BMW X1
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Audi Q3
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £36,000 | £34,000 | £35,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.3L 136hp | 2.0L 140hp | 1.5L 150hp |
| Power | 136 bhp | 140 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.6 seconds | 9.1 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 40 mpg | 42 mpg | 38 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 570 litres | 505 litres | 530 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Seven seats, MBUX system, Premium interior | Sporty handling, Quality build, Efficient engines | Virtual cockpit, Spacious cabin, Quattro available |
Mercedes Benz GLB Practicality & Boot Space
For a compact premium SUV, the GLB delivers impressive practicality that genuinely sets it apart from competitors. The 570 litre boot is generous for the class, easily accommodating family holidays, weekly shopping, or sports equipment. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to a massive 1755 litres, rivalling much larger vehicles. The square, upright design maximises interior space, making the GLB feel roomier inside than its external dimensions suggest.
We’ve had our GLB for two years now and it’s been fantastic. The build quality is superb, it’s incredibly practical for our family of five, and it still feels special every time we drive it. The only minor complaint is that the third row is a bit tight for adults, but perfect for the kids.
The Mercedes GLB stands out as one of the most compelling choices in the premium compact SUV market. It successfully combines genuine Mercedes luxury and refinement with the kind of real world practicality that busy families need. The seven seat capability, generous boot space, and high quality interior make it exceptionally versatile, while the smooth engines and comfortable ride ensure every journey is pleasant.