Mercedes-Benz introduces a new vehicle to its line like clockwork every few years, and normally I meet that with a resounding yawn or, alternatively, outrage. I vary between the two. But when the new GLB came out last year I was cautiously optimistic. I like the size, just an inch or so smaller than the GLC (though I still don’t understand why Benz needs a vehicle for every integer of length), I like the shape (it reminds me of the old GLK) and the engine output, at least, was agreeable. And holy smokes, it offers three rows!?
Both the GLB250 and 4Matic options get a 221-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. 4Matics are all-wheel drive; base GLBs are front-wheel drive. Top speed is 130, and it feels like one could get there. I did not. The 4Matic gets to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.
I like the output of this four-cylinder engine, but like the other vehicles across the company’s range with the turbo-four, it just doesn’t feel or sound like a Mercedes. This engine is buzzy, and sound comes through the GLB250’s firewall in the higher rev ranges. It’s particularly noticeable because the engine likes to rev: In normal mode, if you put the pedal down past halfway it revs almost to redline before shifting. In sport mode, it goes there almost every time. The amount of force makes it feel quick, but the delivery of said force feels a little jerky.
And it’s not just the GLB250’s eight-speed DCT. I actually thought it was a sportily tuned torque-converter automatic until I read the specs. The last few feet of braking, as well as the first few feet of takeoff, feel quite normal. But when you hammer the GLB midrange, it jerks forward and the engine wails until the next shift comes.
As for handling, the Mercedes GLB is a little closer to what you would imagine a Mercedes to be. The steering takes a medium effort, though it’s generally direct, and most bumps are absorbed without complaint. The drive mode select button tightens up the adaptive dampers in sport mode, firming the ride, and, along with the higher shift points, makes the GLB250 feel much sportier. The small/medium overall size of this SUV helps here, too. It doesn’t feel like you’re trying to launch a land yacht around the corners like some of the company’s bigger vehicles.
My GLB250 4Matic tester only had two rows of seating, but there was a ton of space in the rear cargo area for an office-worth of stuff . The GLB has more space than the slightly longer GLC in the cargo area.
From the driver’s perch, there’s a long screen that stretches from the central infotainment area over to where the instrument cluster would be, and it all looks great. You can change menus by touching the center screen, if that’s what you like, but there’s also a touchpad for the one person who likes those. You can also say “Hey, Mercedes,” but I’d advise against it. The interior appointments are good, but the seats look and feel a step below the aforementioned GLC. Of course, the GLB starts at about $37K. Also, the visors don’t extend to block the sun if it’s on your right shoulder. I hate that.
Mercedes says the GLB competes against the BMW X1, which is a full 6 inches shorter; it measures almost the same length as the Land Rover Discovery Sport. This Mercedes is the best looking of those three to me. The Discovery Sport has a little more power at 246 hp. The X1 makes 228 hp.
If you like a blockier luxury SUV/crossover, the GLB250 is a good choice. It’s also a good choice if you need more space than the Audi Q3 or BMW X1, but don’t want to shell out for the GLC/BMW X3-size level. Just turn the radio up a little to drown out the engine noise and you’ll be fine.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 4Matic Specs
Base Price: $36,600 (FWD); $38,600 (4Matic)
Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4, eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, AWD
Output: 221 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 258 lb-ft @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
Fuel Mileage (City/Highway/Combined): 23/31/27 mpg
Pros: Slick shape, good for a family with five or seven rows.
Cons: Engine note and power delivery aren’t very refined.
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