First Drive: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB Delivers Practical Luxury
All-new compact SUV even offers an optional third-row seat
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is boxier and more rugged-looking than the mechanically similar GLA. These attributes may help it appeal to buyers looking for a practical compact luxury SUV while still delivering the brand cache that comes with a Mercedes.
The GLB is an all-new model, and sizewise it slots above the GLA and below the GLC SUVs, while utilizing the same front-wheel-drive-based platform that anchors Mercedes’ A-Class and CLA small sedans. Despite the GLB’s compact dimensions (182 inches long overall, similar to a Honda CR-V—a nonluxury compact SUV that easily costs $10,000 less than the Mercedes), it is offered in both five- and seven-passenger configurations, the latter by way of an optional third-row seat.
Update: Since this first drive was originally published in February 2020, we finished testing the GLB.
See the complete Mercedes-Benz GLB road test.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial assessment of the new GLB is available to you. If you haven’t signed up yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.
Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter, so we can tell you when we post all our latest road tests.
What we bought: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic
Powertrain: 221-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $38,600
Options: $7,840, including Premium package (10.25-inch instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment screen), panoramic sunroof, Parking Assistance package (surround-view camera), Galaxy Blue metallic paint, blind spot warning, heated front seats, heated steering wheel
Destination fee: $995
Total cost: $47,435
