Used Mercedes GLB (Mk1, 2019-date) buyer’s guide: a high quality used seven-seat SUV

Verdict

There can be no doubt that the Mercedes GLB is a class act. It looks smart inside and out, it’s easy to drive (if not particularly rewarding), and it’s also easy to live with, thanks to its plush and spacious cabin, user-friendly design and comfortable ride. If you buy lower down the range, asking prices aren’t too high, but if you go for one of the posher editions the value tails off, although you will enjoy even more luxury. So, the GLB is one of the most affordable Mercedes SUVs, and it’s also one of the most convincing because it prioritises practicality, which means it can hold its own against rivals.

This year marks 45 years since the arrival of Merc’s first production SUV, the legendary G-Wagen. It now seems incredible that the Mercedes line-up includes no fewer than 11 SUVs, one of which is the seven-seat GLB, which was launched five years ago.

History

When the GLB reached UK showrooms in December 2019, petrol fans could buy the GLB 200, which featured a 161bhp 1,332cc engine, while those who preferred diesel could buy the 148bhp GLB 200d or the 187bhp GLB 220d, both of which have the same 1,950cc four-cylinder engine in different states of tune.

The sole high-performance AMG option was launched in autumn 2020: the GLB 35 4Matic featured a 302bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a price tag of £48,665.

A facelift earlier this year brought upgraded LED headlights and tail-lights, larger digital displays for the dashboard, and the latest MBUX infotainment system. The GLB 200 also added mild-hybrid tech to improve its fuel efficiency.

On the road

The GLB is a big car and it feels it, with its relatively soft steel suspension; unlike the GLC, it isn’t available with air suspension. But the trade-off is decent comfort levels, and refinement is excellent with the petrol engines, although the diesels can be a bit raucous.

Performance is strong and the automatic transmissions are silky smooth, but the steering is vague, even for a large SUV; this is the GLB’s key dynamic failing.

Which should I buy?

Most GLBs have a petrol engine, and while this turbocharged 1.3-litre unit is sweet enough, the diesels provide much more shove and are better suited to the GLB’s bulk. They’re also more economical in the real world. If you’re buying to tow, we’d recommend a 220d, with its 400Nm of torque. In comparison, the GLB 200 can muster just 250Nm.

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Equipment levels are pretty decent, with entry-level AMG Line GLBs having 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, privacy glass, heated front sports seats and a reversing camera. The AMG Line Premium adds electrically folding door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with ambient cabin lighting. The AMG Line Premium Plus also has a panoramic sunroof.

Alternatives to the Mercedes GLB

Mercedes’ own GLC is worth considering if five seats are enough, because it’s even plusher and better to drive than the GLB.

Other five-seaters worth a look include the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace and Volvo XC60, all of which came with a decent amount of tech and have some great engines. A less obvious rival is the Lexus NX, which came only with plug-in hybrid power; it’s closely related to the Toyota RAV4, which we also recommend.

If seven seats are key, look at the Land Rover Discovery Sport or Volvo XC90, while the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, SEAT Tarraco and Skoda Kodiaq are all cracking seven-seat SUVs, and we’d urge you not to be put off by the lack of a prestige badge.

What to look for

Four play

The GLB 200 had front-wheel drive. The 200d came with FWD or four-wheel drive (dubbed 4Matic); the 220d was four-wheel drive only.

Transmission vamp

All GLBs came with an automatic gearbox. The GLB 200’s had seven speeds, but every other edition came with an extra gear. All of the transmissions are very slick.

On the pull

If you’re aiming to tow with your GLB, bear in mind that two-wheel- drive models are rated at 1,800kg, whereas 4Matic four-wheel drive editions can pull up to 2,000kg.

Going spare

All GLBs were fitted with regular summer tyres and no spare wheel; a sealant kit was supplied instead. Mercedes doesn’t offer a spare wheel, but they’re available elsewhere, to be carried in the boot.

Interior

Mercedes produces some of the best interiors in terms of quality and user-friendly design, and the GLB typifies this. It offers premium materials, while the ultra-modern digital displays and MBUX interface are great to live with, especially if you like voice control.

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AMG Line trim comes with a pair of seven-inch digital displays, but posher models get 10.25-inch items that look much better.

There’s loads of head and legroom for adults in rows one and two, but the optional third-row seats in some GLBs are really suitable for kids only.

When the middle row is in use, the boot can swallow 570 litres (500 for seven-seaters) of luggage, or 1,805 litres with the seats down.

Running costs

All GLBs need to be serviced every 11,500 miles or 12 months. The cost of a service can vary significantly depending on engine and mileage; the official minimum cost of a service is £318, which is, in essence, for an oil and filter change. But services at higher mileages can run to as much as £685 once items such as coolant, spark plugs and transmission fluid are replaced. On top of this, fresh brake fluid every other year will set you back £110, but at least the engines are chain-driven, meaning there are no cambelts to replace.

Diesel engines are claimed to give up to 50mpg, and the petrols up to 39mpg, but the AMG 35 is pegged at just 31mpg, while it’s also in group 38 for insurance; the more common derivatives are in groups 24-31.

Only the GLB 200 and GLB 200d in AMG Line form dipped below the £40k mark when new, which means most GLBs are subject to the £410 luxury car tax premium for the first six years, making road tax £600 per year. The GLB comes with a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, although this can be extended at extra cost.

Recalls

A huge 26 recalls in four years is poor; sometimes there was more than one for the same problem.

The first recall, in September 2020, was because of water leaks into the front footwells; later that year would come campaigns because of oil leaks, middle-row seats not latching, faulty rear spoilers and gearbox glitches.

Faulty eCall software led to several recalls in 2021; spoilers and wheelarch covers detaching were behind other campaigns. Airbag problems caused three recalls, while campaigns were also issued for faulty crankshafts, suspension sensor glitches, stability control issues, front axle corrosion and problematic steering software.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The GLB hasn’t been in any of our New Car surveys, and this year just two Mercedes-Benz models were: the E-Class Mk5 in 27th place, and the A-Class in 31st. Those are middling results, but more disappointing is Mercedes’ 25th place in the Brands survey. That puts it towards the bottom of the 32-strong table, with owners unimpressed by the value, high running costs and poor reliability.