2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The GLB is the sensible stablemate to the GLA, with whom it shares a foundation. It’s squarer, so it’s more practical. That’s fine by us. We think it’s great to have the choice. If the GLA works for a young couple or an empty-nester, then the GLB is ideal for those with more people to move.

Sure, seven seats in a small SUV can’t offer expansive accommodations, but that optional third row can be handy at times. The rest of the GLB follows the usual Mercedes-Benz formula of smart designs, user-friendly tech, smooth suspensions, reassuring safety features, and quality materials.

Anyone thinking of going all-electric might want to check out the Mercedes-EQ EQB, which is very much a battery-powered version of the GLB.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and assessing the current collection of subcompact luxury SUVs, including the GLB.

Styling tweaks at both ends bring an updated look to the 2024 GLB SUV. This includes new LED headlights and taillights. The previously optional 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen becomes standard, along with keyless entry/ignition, an extra USB-C port, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration goes wireless.

A so-called mild-hybrid system makes its way under the hood for 2024, bringing benefits in fuel economy and a smoother engine stop/restart action than before.

The optional Driver Assistance package sees a refinement to its lane-keeping assistance function. A heated steering wheel is part of the AMG Line package. And the optional Burmester surround-sound system now comes with Dolby Atmos, a new audio technology for exceptional clarity.

To compare, the Audi Q3 and Lexus UX both start in the high $30K range. The BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 are more in the low 40s. Keeping it in the Mercedes-Benz family, the sleeker GLA starts at $43K. Or the next-size-up GLC starts at about $48K.

At this level of expenditure, anyone seeking something bigger might also like to check out the Lexus NX from around $40.2K, or the Genesis GV70 starting at about $43.1K.

Out of all these contenders, though, the GLB is the only one to offer a third seating row.

Before buying a new GLB luxury subcompact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

Excellent Resale Values

Although the Lexus UX has a slight edge over five years of ownership, the GLB’s resale values are among the strongest in its class. Recouping more money when it comes time to sell could mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is one of our favorite cars for running around town on the weekends. Its small footprint makes every parking lot roomier. The upright dimensions make loading and unloading — people and packages — effortless. And let’s face it, flitting around town in a Mercedes is a nice way to flit, for a range of reasons.

But it’s also among the best subcompact luxury SUVs you could take on a road trip. Highway ride is smooth for a vehicle this size, but we noticed a little more wind noise than you might expect for a luxury vehicle. The seats are supportive, if a bit tight for some. And we had plenty of room for a four-person, 500-mile weekend trip packed with more clothes and comfort items than the driver thought necessary.

A new mild-hybrid system for 2024 makes the fuel-saving engine stop/restart action smoother, delivers small gains in efficiency, and provides modest, temporary power boosts of 13 horsepower in certain conditions. Even without the upgrade, the GLB 250 was able to zip to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, which qualifies it as plenty quick.

The more powerful, sport-tuned AMG GLB 35 model can do 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. While most will be better served by the more modest GLB 250, we were delighted by the feisty driving experience the AMG model provides without sacrificing its practicality.

Fuel Economy

In mixed city-and-highway driving the front-wheel-drive GLB delivers 28 mpg (25 city/33 highway). Opting for AWD scrubs off 1 mpg. The AMG GLB35 gets 23 mpg.

We think Mercedes-Benz has a special way with interiors, even in relatively affordable models like this GLB subcompact SUV. Things like the “turbine” design of the air vents, the materials, comfortable seats, and the general build quality all add up to an exceptionally pleasant environment.

Considering the small footprint, the GLB is also quite spacious, with plenty of room in the first and second rows, plus a decent amount of cargo space. The second-row seats recline and slide forward and back — optimizing conditions for humans or hauling. We couldn’t help but notice and appreciate that the GLB has more cargo space and second-row legroom than the bigger, pricier Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Selecting the optional third row, however, will reduce the luggage area while providing accommodation for only a couple of smaller family members. But then again, finding a rival with a third row isn’t possible. This could be fine for those occasions when fitting in an extra kid or two would be useful.

This year, the GLB has received some styling revisions. The LED headlights and taillights have been updated, while the front bumper now includes larger air intakes. There are new designs of 18-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels, and buyers have a fresh color choice of Starling Blue Metallic. The AMG model also gets the performance division’s crest on its hood.

MBUX
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is the grand name for the infotainment system. But it’s equally quite a grand setup, with a now-standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, over-the-air updates, user-friendliness, and the ability to recognize voice commands given in natural speech. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is also newly standard.

Boxy shape
When you’re carrying boxes, a boxy shape is a definite asset. It turns out to be good for rear passenger headroom as well. So, we think this is a compliment, not a criticism.

Mercedes me
This is an app giving users remote access to their new GLB. They can do various things like lock/unlock the doors, locate the vehicle, and — if navigation is on board — send it directions.

Augmented reality
By superimposing video and graphics on the touchscreen, the instructions given by the navigation system are super-easy to follow. This is part of the optional Multimedia package.

Burmester audio
Our feeling is this: If you’re going to be listening to the car’s stereo for the next five years or so, you might as well make it a good one. Mercedes’ Burmester systems are consistently among the best, and the GLB offers a 12-speaker/590-watt surround-sound version. Now it comes with Dolby Atmos technology for a more immersive listening experience.

Parking Assistance package
Although the squared-off design of the GLB SUV makes parking quite easy, this option will self-park into (and out of) parallel or perpendicular spaces. It also includes a 360-degree camera system.

All versions of the 2024 GLB SUV have a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. This year sees the inclusion of a mild-hybrid system, whose battery is kept topped up by the engine and through brake energy regeneration.

The upshot is a more refined engine stop/restart action, as well as a few other fuel-saving functions. It also helps the engine achieve its maximum output with less effort. Power levels remain the same, however.

The GLB 250 with front-wheel drive (FWD) has 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The GLB 250 4Matic has all-wheel drive (AWD) and an identical engine.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 stirs that engine recipe for a spicier outcome: 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This model has AWD as standard.

Each variant has an 8-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, the one in the AMG model is tuned for faster shifts.

We’re expecting slightly better fuel economy figures compared with the 2023 GLB and will publish them when made available.

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
221 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy (2023): 27 mpg (city/highway 24/32 mpg) (FWD), 25 mpg (city/highway 22/30 mpg) (AWD)

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
302 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-4,000 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy (2023): 23 mpg (city/highway: 21/27 mpg)

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a 2024 GLB SUV lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered for the same period. This is all standard practice among European luxury manufacturers.

Safety

No third-party agency has safety rated the Mercedes-Benz GLB.