Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes GLB review - Engines, performance & drive

The GLB is smooth and comfortable, but not in the least bit exciting to drive

Engines, performance and drive rating

4.0

How we review cars
Price
£39,150 - £53,870
  • Seven-seat practicality
  • Efficient engines
  • Impressive tech
  • Dull to drive
  • Small boot in seven-seat mode
  • Can get expensive
Find your Mercedes GLB
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is competent to drive without offering any real involvement. The large alloy wheels are shod in relatively high-profile rubber, which means the GLB rides pretty well for a German SUV.

The suspension is conventional, with the GLB featuring MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Handling is reassuringly predictable and there’s a hint of body-roll to remind you that you’re driving a relatively high-sided vehicle, but generally it’s very good. Only the overly light steering lets the side down, but even this comes into its own in the city and when parking.

Only the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 gets adaptive dampers, but frankly, you won’t miss them. Every model has standard steel springs, with no option of air suspension. This gives the GLC a point of difference from the GLB.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Although 4Matic four-wheel drive is available on some models, the GLB is never going to rival a Land Rover Discovery Sport off road. However, it’s ideal for grass car parks, gravel tracks and slippery roads.

Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

Although diesel-powered vehicle sales might be in decline, Mercedes-Benz expects the majority of GLBs it sells to have a diesel engine. Despite this, the entry-level engine is the 161bhp 1.3-litre turbo petrol in the GLB 200, which will accelerate to 62mph in 9.1 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 129mph. It’s fine for school runs and urban commuting, but with only 250Nm of torque, it’s not ideal for travelling with seven people and for long journeys.

The GLB 200 d is the entry-level diesel option. It uses a 148bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to give a 0-62mph time of 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 127mph. There’s also a useful 320Nm of torque. It’s an engine that’s used to good effect in larger Mercedes-Benz SUVs, so it feels plenty quick enough in the GLB. It’s also available with 4Matic four-wheel drive.

The GLB 220 d uses the same diesel engine, but with the power increased to 187bhp. It gets 4Matic as standard which, when combined with 400Nm of torque, makes this the best GLB for towing. The 0-62mph time is 7.6 seconds, while the top speed is 135mph.

Finally, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 306bhp. It’ll hit 62mph in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph. Thanks to adaptive damping, it’s surprisingly good fun to drive, but it’s likely to be a niche seller in the UK.

A fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQB crossover is expected to go on sale in 2021.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    GLB 200 Sport Executive 5dr 7G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £39,150

Most Economical

  • Name
    GLB 200d Sport Executive 5dr 8G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £39,800

Fastest

  • Name
    GLB 220d 4Matic AMG Line Executive 5dr 8G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £47,080
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
New BMW 3 Series to pioneer German brand’s bold design change in 2026
BMW 3 Series 'Neue Klasse' render (watermarked) - front

New BMW 3 Series to pioneer German brand’s bold design change in 2026

The design of the EV and ICE 3 Series will remain true to the show-stopping Vision Neue Klasse concept revealed last year
News
20 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
22 Nov 2024