Mercedes-Benz’s boxy-looking GLB compact luxury SUV slots between the smaller GLA and larger GLC. It has very good visibility, generous passenger and cargo room, and is easy to get in and out of. In our tests we found it to be quick, nimble, and fuel efficient. By eschewing the heavily-tapered styling found on many of its newer models, Mercedes has built a useful compact luxury SUV—a rare find.
The GLB may share a basic platform with the A-Class and CLA, but it uses an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission—not the seven-speed from those cars. Paired with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the combination gives the GLB a more sprightly feel in urban and in-town type driving, and the hesitation that plagued those sedans is largely absent. There’s plenty of power no matter the speed, and its 26 mpg overall is very good.
We enjoyed driving the GLB whether on our track, back roads, or the highway. Thanks to its quick-to-respond steering and restrained body lean, the GLB gave confidence in spirited driving. It feels light on its feet and doesn’t mind being rushed through corners. The suspension keeps the GLB settled and absorbs bumps decently. Although the ride feels firm, it’s steady and controlled.
Despite its compact dimensions, the GLB is quite roomy and its boxy styling contributes to easy access and good outward visibility. It even offers an optional, albeit tight, third-row seat. There’s plenty of legroom in the second row, and the seat can slide fore-aft adjust space shared between cargo space and passenger legroom. But the seat itself is too low and the bottom cushion is too short to provide adequate under-leg support. Cargo room is modest but the area is well shaped, without odd protrusions to limit what can be carried.
Our testers found the cabin to be very quiet and well-finished, with the different high-grade materials and trim pieces well-assembled. The comfortable and supportive front seats provide an elevated driving position that gives a commanding view out through the huge, square windows. The more broad-shouldered drivers said they found the seats were a bit too narrow.
The dash is dominated by a wide screen that houses the instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment system. We found it complicated to use no matter which way drivers interact with it, be it through the central touchpad, steering wheel pad or the screen itself.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind spot warning are standard.