Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class 2021 Review

Mercedes-Benz offers ever more inventive ways of exploring the spaces between existing car segments, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is a textbook study. As its three letters suggest, the GLB slots in between the tidy GLA and the larger, pricier GLC, and it's a bit like a middle sibling in between hand-me-downs: too big to be subcompact, not quite large enough for a compact.

But the GLB stands apart with distinctive style, its upright boxy shape looking more like the rugged, celebrity-favorite G-wagen (G-Class) than its mainstream counterparts on either side of the product lineup. It's also exceptionally comfortable, suitably luxurious and loaded with appealing technology. The GLB even offers an available third-row seat, which is pretty much unheard of in this class. The seat is cramped to the point of being unusable, but the GLB gets credit for at least offering one.

The standard GLB isn't a particularly rousing car to drive, but that all changes this year with the introduction of the high-performance AMG GLB 35. Overall we'd recommend the GLB over its BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 competitors — just mind the options list lest the reasonable base price spiral out of control. Read on for a deeper dive into the Mercedes-Benz GLB from our Expert Rating team.

Which GLB-Class does MatoCar recommend?

For many drivers, the base GLB 250 (or its 4Matic all-wheel-drive counterpart for slick-weather regions) is a fine choice. But for those of a sporting persuasion, we'd recommend the AMG GLB 35 for its 302-horsepower engine and performance-tuned suspension. It demands a significant price jump but transforms the GLB into a small SUV hot rod.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB is a small, entry-level luxury SUV with seating for five. An optional third-row of seats expands capacity for two more (very small) passengers. The GLB comes in three trim levels: GLB 250, GLB 250 4Matic and AMG GLB 35.

The GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GLB 250 is front-wheel-drive, while all-wheel drive comes standard on the 4Matic. The AMG GLB 35 uses a high-performance version of the same engine (302 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque) and eight-speed transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard.

GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic The base trim GLB comes nicely equipped with standard features including:

• LED headlights
• Power liftgate
• 18-inch wheels
• Aluminum roof rails
• Heated side mirrors
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Push-start ignition

Interior features include:

• Dual-zone climate control
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats with memory settings
• Sliding and reclining rear seats
• Household-style power outlet

Standard technology and safety features include:

• 7-inch touchscreen display
• Touchpad controller
• Digital gauge cluster display
• Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Four USB-C ports
• Blind-spot monitor (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)

AMG GLB 35 In addition to a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, the new AMG GLB 35 adds:

• 19-inch wheels
• Aluminum and brushed steel interior trim
• 10.25-inch infotainment display
• Bigger driver information display
• Customizable ambient cabin lighting

The GLB 250 and AMG GLB 35 offer abundant options, both à la carte and bundled in packages. Highlights include:

• Driver Assistance package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the GLB and the car in front
• Lane keeping assist (steers the GLB back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Enhanced blind-spot monitoring (can steer the GLB to help avoid a collision with a vehicle in your blind spot)
• Panoramic sunroof
• Adaptive sport suspension
• Third-row seats
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Touch door lock/unlock
• Navigation system
• Upgraded Burmester sound system
• Wireless charging pad