Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class luxury SUV/crossover carves out its own particular niche between the company’s subcompact GLA-Class and compact GLC-Class. If anything, it’s closer in size to the GLC.

Its relatively long wheelbase and transverse-mounted engine result in a vehicle that’s roomier inside than its modest dimensions might suggest. Which is why it can offer a third seating row, albeit one best-suited to kids.

The upright windshield and high hood make the GLB-Class boxier and more truck-like than either the GLA or GLC, though not as squared-off as the big Mercedes G-Class SUV. Its chassis, related to the A-Class sedan, feels stable, but can also be agile.

The latest generation of the standard MBUX voice-activated user interface is activated by saying, “Hey, Mercedes.” It can change the cabin temperature, get a weather report, or set destinations in the navigation system. Its ability to understand spoken commands is remarkable, but sometimes a quick nudge of a switch is an easier way to adjust the heating.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is an impressive compact SUV, a competitor for models like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lincoln Corsair, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Volkswagen Tiguan. But Mercedes-Benz may find that there’s another competitor: the company’s own GLC-Class, which is only slightly larger.

The GLB-Class is quiet, easy to see out of, and a delight to drive. In GLB 250 form, it has ample power, natural-effort steering, and strong brakes. Fuel economy on the highway is an excellent 31 mpg.

The smooth-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission always seems to be in the right gear. Standard shift paddles behind the steering wheel are also appreciated, especially when a downshift or two is required for keeping speeds in check on long downhill stretches.

Superb overall comfort, supple ride quality, selectable driving modes, and a contemporary interior make the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class refined enough for both everyday use and long cross-country drives. Respectable ground clearance and short overhangs also help on dirt roads.

On a road trip, we’d shut off the optional lane-keeping assistance, which intervenes too eagerly with automatic applications of the steering and brakes if lane markings are crossed without signaling. One cool aspect of the optional Driver Assistance package, though, is that the GLB-Class uses cameras and radar to “see” up to 1,641 feet ahead and operate with partial autonomy in certain situations.

The new GLB 35 has its hardware tuned and tweaked by AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz. Sprinting from standstill to 60 mph takes just 5.1 seconds, almost two seconds faster than a GLB 250. But its 302 horsepower is entertaining rather than intimidating.

It’s a good thing the 2021 GLB-Class has traditional buttons and a touch-sensitive center screen to help accomplish most tasks in a conventional way. The optional 10.25-inch screens convey information clearly, but the display looks like a digital tablet (think iPad) laid on its side and placed on the small dash shelf. A little more integration would have been preferable.

Front legroom for taller drivers is outstanding, and headroom is similarly generous, even with the optional panoramic sunroof. A 6-footer can sit behind a driver of the same height.

The reclining second row also slides forward and back about six inches to create either extra legroom or greater cargo volume. With the rear seats folded and the front passenger seat laid flat, there are 62 cubic feet of cargo space in a 2-row GLB.

Although two individual retractable seats are available for a third row, they’re small. Mercedes-Benz acknowledges this, stating that they’re suitable only for people 5-foot 6-inches or shorter.

The blocky, upright lines of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class seem far removed from the smooth, larger, and arguably handsome GLC and GLE SUVs. But the strong proportions evoke a cool off-road character. And apart from a couple of muscular creases, at least there are no affectations just for style’s sake.

There’s also a more pragmatic reason for such a squared-off design. It maximizes interior space within a small footprint.

The standard grille features two horizontal bars flanking a central 3-pointed star. With the AMG Line package, a diamond-block grille is divided by a single crossbar with a large Mercedes-Benz logo. An illuminated grille badge is $350.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE
This optional technology package is extremely thorough, including adaptive cruise control (with route-based speed adaption based on upcoming curves), active steering assistance, emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and active blind-spot assistance. Plus, the ingenious Pre-Safe Sound feature, which emits a burst of pink noise to protect occupants’ hearing in the event of a major (and loud) impact.

OFF-ROAD ENGINEERING PACKAGE
Standard with the GLB 250 4Matic, this feature directs torque distribution from 80/20 (front to rear) to 50/50, while also tailoring power delivery and the ABS braking system for optimum control in slippery conditions.

The GLB-Class range starts out with the front-drive GLB 250. In an ideal world, we would have liked all the driver assistance features to be standard, but this year sees the inclusion of blind-spot monitoring. This is joined by forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus Adaptive Braking with hill-start assist and automatic brake drying.

Other standard equipment includes 8-way power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels (with run-flat tires), selectable driving modes, powered tailgate, 115-volt outlet, and the voice-activated MBUX system with twin 7-inch screens (one for driver information, one for infotainment and various functions).

There are all sorts of wonderful ways to spend more money on a new GLB. Option number one may well be the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system that also brings the aforementioned Off-Road Engineering package. Option number two may be the extra seating row.

Packages are plentiful, like the Driver Assistance Package (also mentioned above), Premium (twin 10.25-inch displays, self-dimming mirrors, hands-free tailgate operation, and keyless entry/ignition), Multimedia (navigation with augmented reality), Parking Assistance (self-parking and a 360-degree camera system), plus other desirable extras like a panoramic sunroof, multi-contour front seats, adaptive suspension, heated steering wheel, head-up display, satellite radio, and a Burmester surround-sound system.

The AMG GLB 35 comes with its own special all-wheel-drive system as standard, plus leather/simulated suede upholstery and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. It’s also eligible for a sport-tuned adaptive suspension.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine propels the 2021 GLB and GLB 250 4Matic with 221 horsepower and a muscular 258-lb-ft of torque accessible between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm.

The engine is linked to an 8-speed automated transmission. It’s a dual-clutch setup, but drivers can operate it like a regular automatic. Or they can click between gears with the paddle shifters.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the basic configuration, and 4Matic is Mercedes-Benz’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system. There’s no sacrifice in fuel economy with the 4Matic. In the EPA highway cycle, this variant is one mile per gallon better than its front-drive counterpart.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automated transmission are also in the new GLB 35, which sends 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to a variable 4Matic system. Average fuel consumption is expected to be around 26 mpg.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLB 250/250 4Matic)
221 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (FWD); 23/30 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLB 35)
302 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg