Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class 2020 Review – International

The name gives it all away. The sixth SUV model from the storied German marque, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is positioned between the GLA and GLC. And we reckon it’s odds on to replace the latter as Australia’s favourite Mercedes-Benz quick smart.

It’s cliched but the truth – Aussies love SUVs and they love a prestige badge. Voila – success story almost certainty guaranteed. It won’t hurt that the GLB family will stretch from affordable through to hoonable. It’s looking like a licence to print money…

Boxier than both the GLC and the outgoing GLA (which itself will soon be replaced with an even sportier, high-riding five-door crossover model), the new Mercedes GLB-Class shares its front/all-wheel drive MFA II compact-car platform with the new A-Class and CLA-Class models.

Overseas it will be offered in both five-seat and seven-seat versions, but Mercedes-Benz Australia is pushing for seven seats as standard Down Under.

At 4634mm long, 1834mm wide and 1662mm high for the seven-seat version, it delivers its extra space via a 100mm wheelbase stretch over the latest gen A- and B-Class. That sees the GLB stretch to almost as long as the 4660mm GLC -- and larger than, say, the latest Toyota RAV4.

It’s bigger also than the Land Rover Discovery Sport but shorter (even if it does roll on a substantially longer wheelbase) than both the Skoda Kodiaq RS and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

Pitched as a versatile and spacious family SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class claims class-leading headroom of 1035mm, 967mm of rear legroom in the second row (thanks to a 140mm sliding split/folding seat) and space for two 168cm tall individuals in the paired third-row seats.

And that third row isn’t an afterthought… The rearmost occupants are serviced via side window airbags, retractable head restraints, seat belt tensioners and ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchors, plus twin central cup-holders and outboard storage compartments housing USB ports. The only thing missing are dedicated HVAC outlets.

And we can attest the third row is usefully sized. I know, I got in there myself.

While there are diesels offered in European markets, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class will arrive Down Under as a petrol-only only, but with front-wheel drive and AWD options.

The base model, front-drive GLB 200, features the same 120kW/250Nm 1.33-litre turbo-petrol engine seen in the A-Class. This is matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT),

Mercedes-Benz claims the GLB 200 will accelerate to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds and its NEDC Combined fuel economy is rated at 6.0-6.2L/100km (higher figure is for the seven-seat version).

The volume-seller Down Under will, however, likely be the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol 165kW/350Nm GLB 250 4MATIC. This model gets Daimler’s new eight-speed DCT and accelerates to 100km/h in a spritely 6.9sec. Fuel economy is rated at 7.2-7.4L/100km.

The GLB 250 4MATICs we drove rolled on 20-inch alloys and 235/45R20 Bridgestone Alenzas. They were also fitted with adaptive dampers and steel springs. There is no air suspension option on the GLB but adaptive damping may end up as an option in Australia. At this stage pricing and final specifications are still a WIP.

The top-of-the-range Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC leverages the powertrain from the Mercedes-AMG A 35 warm hatch.

That means it gets a tuned version of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system that can shuffle more power rearwards more quickly; a bespoke version of the eight-speed DCT; and a 225kW/400Nm version of Benz’s latest muscular 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol.

There are no plans for a GLB 45 – and frankly after driving the GLB 35, there needs not be.

The 35’s cultured but athletic powerplant features a twin-scroll turbocharger, die-cast aluminium crankcase and variable valve control. It’s an eager engine that will power the GLB 35 to 100km/h from rest in just 5.2sec.

Of course, you’ll pay for the privilege at the pump – in theory the GLB 35 sips 98 RON fuel at a NEDC Combined rate of around 7.5L/100km. Drive it hard and you’ll likely see considerably more than that.

Brakes and suspension are also uprated on the GLB 35 4MATIC. At the front there are four-piston fixed callipers and 350x34mm ventilated discs, with the rear single-piston floating callipers grabbing 330x22mm rotors.

The suspension, stability control and drivetrain are managed via five driving modes: Slippery joins the usual Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual settings.

This is in contrast to the four-mode Dynamic Select system used on the GLB 250 4MATIC, which delivers ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual.

The AMG GLB, however, misses out on the off-road electronic aids fitted to the 250 4MATIC, such as hill descent control and 50/50 front/rear drive lock which Mercedes claims gives the mid-size SUV some off-road “capability”.

As well as no GLB 45, there will not be a plug-in hybrid GLB variant – instead that drivetrain option will probably find its way into the next-generation GLA due in early 2020.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB platform will, however, spawn a full battery-electric model as early as 2021. To be dubbed the EQB, the all-electric, all-wheel drive SUV will retain the practicality of seven-seat petrol versions and some degree of mild off-road capability, says Benz.

The eighth model to be built from Mercedes-Benz’s compact car platform, the raison d’etre of the GLB-Class is its packaging.

Indeed, the square-rigged look of the GLB might be a subtle nod to Benz’s iconic G-Wagen, but it is also a function of the versatility the company wanted to build into this vehicle. At the same time, the designers say they wanted a proper SUV – there were no intentions of building a mini people-mover like the B-Class.

Thus, the GLB has off-road and three-row friendly proportions – including an upright stance and short front and rear overhangs. The roof height is carried rearwards all the way to the powered tailgate, delivering good headroom even in the rearmost row.

There’s a very welcoming feel to the interior. It’s light and spacious – even without the optional sunroof.

At the same time the beltline is lower than we often see in this class of vehicle. There’s plenty of glass and combined with a slight ‘theatre seating’ effect, smaller adults and children will easily be able to see out of both the second and third rows. Rear three-quarter (over the shoulder) visions is also excellent.

The two individual third-row seats seat stow flat into the floor of the cargo area – so don’t expect a spare tyre when the car arrives Down Under. Nor should you expect to fit much luggage in if all three rows are in use – there’s only so much Tardis effect that can be built in.

Otherwise, Benz claims a sizeable 560 litres (10 more than the GLC and 139 more than the GLA) as a five-seater, which expands to 1755 litres with the middle row folded.

Of particular note is the 40/20/40-split middle row which can slide 140mm fore and aft. Even at its forward most setting, there’s enough room (just) for me (170cm) to sit behind a 180cm tall driver, thanks in part to the cleverly scalloped front seat backs. This aspect of the packaging is impressive.

Even access to the third row is not too bad. Kids will scamper in thanks to the ability to slide one of sections of the second row individually. While they are unlikely to be elegant entries or departures, adults of my size can fit easily too.

A familiar dual-widescreen cockpit display based on the latest version of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment platform greets the driver and front passenger in the new Mercedes-Benz GLB. Think A-Class, CLA, even EQC.

There is a unique leather surfacing option in ‘launch’ variants of the GLB 250 4MATIC (not confirmed for Australia yet) and ‘butched’ up aluminium tubular grabrail and door-handle elements that set the cabin apart from the likes of the A-Class. More alloy ‘style’ is provided via the three round centre air-vents.

Simple ‘analog’ climate controls also look like they’ve been crafted from alloy. The overall effect is substantial and suits the GLB’s ‘can do’ character.

There’s a significant suit of tech and driver aids available to the product planners via Mercedes’ compact car platform and we’d expect the GLB will arrive standard Down Under with many of them.

LED High Performance headlights and MULTIBEAM LED headlights, LED fog lights, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Lange Change Assist and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC are all likely to appear at least at Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC level.

On past performance, Mercedes-Benz Australia throws the lot at these cars. The 200 may miss out on radar-based autonomous emergency braking, but a low-speed AEB will be standard along with the ‘normal’ suite of safety systems.

When the GLB was tested by Euro NCAP it was awarded a maximum five-star crash rating.

The go-fast Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 retains the full seven-seat capability of its less frenetic stablemates and adds the usual extra AMG goodies.

These include everything from a fatter steering wheel with integrated drive-mode and performance controls to sportier seats, big twin exhaust outlets (two not four – a departure from AMG tradition), the now trademark Panamericana grille and, of course, special performance-orientated instrument displays and gauges.

The GLB 35 4MATICs we drove rolled on 21-inch alloys with 255/35ZR21 Continental SportContact 6s. I like these tyres as they are not only quiet and grippy but incorporate a potentially rim-saving ridge just above the bead.

Mechanical changes to the GLB 35 include a fully reworked suspension system (revised springs and dampers, new steering knuckles, new transverse control arms on the front, a new rear subframe and new rear wheel carriers), which goes a long way to explain the very, very different driving characteristics of what might be the best handling seven-seater on sale today.

We drove both the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC and the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC at the mid-size SUV’s launch in Malaga, Spain last week.

They’re very different animals but share some basic attributes – they’re both quiet and refined and both ride exceptionally well. Indeed, even on its 20-inch wheels, the GLB 250 4MATIC simply soaks up road irregularities – big and small. The 21-inch equipped GLB 35 was also remarkable in this regard.

Both cabins are cultured and quiet and there’s a very grown up feel to the way the 250 and 35 ride and responds to inputs. The relatively long wheelbase means there’s little pitch on throttle or brake and lateral control is excellent.

Indeed, the GLB is one Mercedes-Benz SUV that isn’t afflicted with that most annoying of habits – head toss. This is where the car’s motion side to side when responding to bumps is poorly controlled. It’s annoying and uncomfortable and present in almost every Benz SUV I’ve driven.

The last-gen GLE was especially bad. In comparison, the GLB, despite its compact car platform underpinnings, is a sanctuary of calm – in a way that belies its small car origins.

In contrast to the GLB 35, the GLB 250 isn’t is the best of handlers, however. The steering weight is heavier than some buyers will like, though it’s direct and accurate at modest pace. But drive even a little enthusiastically and the GLB 250 4MATIC understeers (pushes wide) early and often.

It’s one of the most pronounced understeerers I’ve driven in some time. The powertrain may have the power and torque to be decently quick, but there’s little desire in the chassis to comply.

In its defence, if you’re considering this car for its corner carving ability, however, you are looking in the wrong pigeonhole. In fact, the only reason it bares mention is the diametrically opposed abilities of the AMG-fettled GLB 35. This shows what wizards the AMG team employs.

The GLB 35’s steering is equally deliberate in weighting but there’s an added level of accuracy and front-end grip that is in a different league. Indeed, I’d go so far as to say here is a seven-seater with a proper hot hatch feel to it.

Handling is sharp and there’s grip for miles – at both ends. The all-wheel drive system seems to distribute drive more seamlessly and the twin-clutch gearbox is also significantly improved compared to the standard GLB 250 4MATIC’s.

Not only do the shifts seem quicker, they’re smoother and in auto mode there’s less hunting from gear to gear.

The engine note is a little fruiter in the GLB 35 too, although I’ve no complaints about the purposeful four-cylinder soundtrack of the 250. In Sport + mode there’s not the drama of the A/CLA 45 with its pops and farts. But is this such a bad thing given the GLB’s target buyers?

Gear nuts will probably wax lyrical about the multi-mode tuning options the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATRIC offers the driver, but frankly I think a simple Comfort/Sport setting toggle is all this (and many other cars) needs. Most owners will set and forget…

That’s the big question at this time. Mercedes-Benz Australia is coyly only saying “between the GLA and the GLC and hopefully closer to the GLA”.

Final equipment specifications are yet to be locked away and, as is often the case, there will be horse-trading to take place as this is a new segment for Mercedes-Benz.

If we were to guess, we’d expect the GLB 250 4MATIC to land in Australia at around the $60,000 mark and with the most common options ticked perhaps sit at around $65,000. The 200 could, however, be a carrot that Benz dangles to get buyers into the fold at around the mid to high $40K mark.

The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 won’t be cheap but is literally a ‘white space’ vehicle – hot hatch performance and seven seats. Better stock up on car sick bags, Dad… Expect to pay around $78K to play – at least.

At this stage the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC will be the first variant to land Down Under in June 2020. Such is the demand for the vehicle in Europe already that the date could blow out a little.

The front-drive GLB 200 and Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 will follow shortly afterwards, with the EQB electric version to debut in Europe in 2021.

Should the Mercedes-Benz GLB be on your shopping list for 2020? I think so. It’s one of those rare vehicles that feels right from the moment you step onboard.

It’s not often I go out on a limb on the basis of an overseas launch test but considering the overall packaging and refinement of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, I think we’ve already identified a vehicle that will make many Car of the Year shortlists in 2020.

Two aspects above all impress – the cabin packaging and execution, and the on-road refinement. The GLB 250 4MATIC is not the handler the AMG is but it’s quiet, comfortable, rides like a limo and provides the space and the family-friendly proportions that should make it a hit.

Can you ask for more in a mid-size seven-seater? Even if it doesn’t win awards, the success of the GLB is almost a given. It’s the right size, it’s wearing the right badge, it’s got all the tech you’d expect and it’s an SUV.

All that aside, however, the GLB still deserves to be a runaway success.

It might be the newest Mercedes-Benz SUV, but I reckon, it’s the best… By a margin.

How much does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC cost?
Price: $60,000 (estimated)
Available: Mid-2020
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 165kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 165g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP 2019)

How much does the 2020 Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC cost?
Price: $75,000 (estimated)
Available: Mid-2020
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 225kW/400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive
Fuel: 7.5L/100km (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 171g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP 2019)