Mercedes-Benz GLB (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a mid-sized SUV available with either five or seven seats. It is based on the smaller GLA model, although it is closer in size to the larger GLC. The GLB arrived in the UK in late 2019.
The GLB is currently available with either a petrol or diesel engine, although a plug-in hybrid is likely to join the range at a later date. There is also a high-performance model called the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 – we are building a separate page for this model, so be sure to check back soon.
As of October 2021, the Mercedes-Benz GLB holds an Expert Rating of 69% on our unique Expert Rating index, based on 20 different UK reviews from the UK’s leading automotive websites.
It has received praise from reviewers for its comfort, safety and advanced technology; however it has been criticised for limited practicality compared to similarly-priced rivals, and for only offering a limited choice of engines.
Key specifications
Body style: Mid-sized SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £36,945 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2019Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Score: 8 / 10“The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a stylish family SUV with an upmarket interior and seating for seven.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 220 dScore: 8 / 10“The Mercedes-Benz GLB 220 d is certainly the most competent rival yet for the Land Rover’s baby seven-seater Discovery Sport. It offers strong performance and refinement, along with a better-finished cabin and more coherent in-car tech, but you will have to forego some boot space to get it.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mercedes-Benz GLB puts practicality above all else, and looks all the better for it. It’s not, by any stretch of the imagination, exciting to drive but it is comfortable and refined, and has one of the finest interiors in its class. A truly worthy contender for your next family car.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.4 / 10“A further spin-off from the A-Class hatchback family, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is both a compact SUV and a seven-seat family car in one. Where its GLA brother aims for the younger, crossover crowd the more upright GLB goes out and out for practicality and usability.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Mercedes-Benz GLB is an accomplished vehicle in its own right and brings appealing levels of additional practicality to the premium family SUV class. For those set on a seven-seat layout, the Discovery Sport may not be the obvious choice it once was.”
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Model reviewed: 200Score: 7 / 10“Comfort and refinement are the order of the day with the GLB.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 220d 4Matic AMG Line PremiumScore: 8 / 10“Up to now, there was a clear gap in the Mercedes-Benz range. We can imagine many drivers with Mercedes-Benz on their choice lists -particularly if they have a family – feeling the GLB is the model best suited to their needs.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“If you opt for a seven-seat GLB (a five-seat version is available), you might be pleasantly surprised with how much room there is, not just in the third row, but all-round.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mercedes-Benz GLB looks great, has a big boot and is available with seven seats, making it desirable and practical”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mercedes GLB is a small, stylish SUV with a posh cabin and seven seats, but alternatives are more practical, cheaper and come with a greater choice of engines.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 220d AMG Line“New GLB crowns Mercedes’ broad small car range and offers seven-seat practicality (just about), or plenty of passenger and luggage space for five, in a nice-driving package that looks the part as a mini off-roader.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 220d 4MaticScore: 6 / 10“The Mercedes-Benz GLB is ideal for when Postman Pat goes first class – and is fine if you don’t have an issue with how it looks.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview“Four ISOFIX child seat points will appeal to families, as will its various driver assistance systems that have trickled down the range from the S-Class.”
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Model reviewed: Mercedes-AMG GLB 35“The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is an entertaining SUV oddity. In fact there’s nothing else quite like it, and it’s executed in the usual Mercedes-Benz way – with a quality interior and entertaining driving experience. Its biggest catch, however, is going to be the price which is expected to be in the region of £50,000.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a convincing, if pricey, option. Space in the third row of seats isn’t far off the Skoda Kodiaq and Kia Sorento, yet in return you get a car that’s nicer to drive, has a better interior and features the all-important Mercedes-Benz badge.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview“Mercedes-Benz bills its new GLB as the ultimate all rounder — and it might be just that”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 220d AMG Line Premium PlusScore: 8 / 10“Surprisingly better than it has a right to be, this B-class on stilts has a great ride quality and decent body control (at least it does on air suspension, although that isn’t available in the UK) and the interior of the top models is gorgeous. You will look like Postman Pat, though.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Not a bad effort from Mercedes. Will do very well, even if the Disco Sport is more likeable and Kodiaq more practical”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Despite some quibbles with its refinement levels, the fact that the Mercedes-Benz GLB is a seven-seat SUV with the three-pointed star on its nose – along with the technology, driving qualities and an interior that lives up to the expectations that the famous emblem inspires – will be a deciding factor for many.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.9 / 10“Compared with its sister GLA model, the Mercedes-Benz GLB offers extra space – enough to fit seven people – and chunky styling. It’s a comfortable package with plenty of technology on board, plus it’s good to drive and a very safe choice. Its sheer size does have an impact on fuel efficiency, though.”
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Safety rating
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2019
92%
ADULT OCCUPANT
88%
CHILD OCCUPANT
78%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
74%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
No eco rating
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP. The testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic, before resuming later in the year.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz GLB has received
2021
- carwow Awards – Best Family SUV
2020
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Medium Family Car
- Business Car Awards – Best Premium Large SUV
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz GLB, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C5 Aircross | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Sorento | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Mitsubishi Shogun Sport | Nissan X-Trail | Peugeot 5008 | SEAT Tarraco | Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
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Keyword: Mercedes-Benz GLB