The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Perky bod
- Turbo power
- Decent ride/handling
- Fun personality
Dislikes
- Ha-ha third row
- Can get expensive
- Stingy spec
- Oddball options list
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class makes a good family hauler if you’re after city-friendly dimensions, a suave cabin, and occasional-use third-row seats.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class? What does it compare to?
The 2024 GLB-Class is a crossover SUV with decent room in two rows and in-a-pinch third-row utility. Shop it against Mercedes’ own GLA-Class and GLC-Class crossover SUVs, plus the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5.
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class a good SUV?
The GLB-Class has a great interior, decent road manners, and surprising utility. It’s a 6.7 out of 10 on the TCC Rating scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
A host of tweaks accompany the GLB-Class into the 2024 model year, including a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system for both versions that doesn’t change power output but should improve fuel economy. These small crossover SUVs have boxy styling that imparts a hint of ruggedness outside. Light tweaks give the bumpers and headlights a new look, though you’ll probably need to compare this year’s model with the 2023 to know. Inside, they’re svelte, clean, and luxurious, even if the feature count is on the skimpy side if you don’t add a few options.
Most models use 2.0-liter turbo-4 that nets 221 hp and a 6.9-second 0-60 mph sprint. The zippy–but pricey—GLB 35 AMG ups the ante to 302 hp and hits 60 mph in just over five seconds. All models use an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox to send power to the wheels—all four in most cases, though front-wheel drive is standard. Regardless of engine, the GLB now makes use of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with a belt-driven motor-generator that can provide up to 13 hp of boost. The system is designed to improve acceleration and allow the gas engine to turn off in cruising, which should yield a bump in fuel economy estimates.
Quick-witted steering and a supple ride so long as you don’t select the biggest possible wheels all work in the GLB’s favor. Most versions ride on 19-inch wheels to start, and that’s as tall as we’d go.
Inside, the modern design offers up a stylish abode for four. Sure, there’s a third row on the options list, but anyone sitting back there had better be pretty small. And don’t expect to bring any luggage with you if row three is deployed. Flop the rear seats down, however, and about 62 cubic feet of luggage space awaits.
Mercedes now fits twin 10.3-inch touchscreens behind a single pane of glass. Wireless smartphone mirroring comes standard. A heated steering wheel is newly available.
Good crash-test ratings from the NHTSA are an asset, but the crash-avoidance tech Mercedes includes is pretty typical for the price point. You’ll pay extra for adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display, for instance.
How much does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class cost?
Budget around $41,000 to start, but buckle up if you add any options. A GLB with all-wheel drive and a few features can easily nudge $50,000, while the AMG model crests $55,000 with ease.
Where is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class made?
In Mexico.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB Class Styling
With its tall wagon shape, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB cuts a dashing profile.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class a good-looking car?
We like it well enough, even though this year’s tweaks don’t really do much to update it. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB nets points above average for interior and exterior lines, bringing it to a 7 out of 10.
The boxy profile has soft detailing. A tall greenhouse and long roof that drops down sharply at the tailgate give the GLB a big wagon vibe. The square jaw up front imparts a rugged look, though the GLB isn’t intended for serious off-road use. Various AMG-designed packages add a little flair for drivers seeking to eliminate brightwork, too.
The imaginative cabin gets a tech upgrade this year with newly standard 10.3-inch displays resting under a single glass pane. Add in ambient lighting and plentiful textured metallic trim and there’s a lot to absorb here, though warm upholstery hues can make it feel more inviting in a traditional Benz way.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB Class Performance
Opt for adaptive dampers to net the best-riding GLB.
Newly electrified powertrains may give the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB improved performance this year, but we’ve yet to drive them. For now, we rate these models at 7 out of 10 thanks to good acceleration and handling.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class 4WD?
Yes, though base models are front-wheel drive. It’s optional on the GLB 250. The GLB 35 AMG comes standard with all-wheel drive.
How fast is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
Last year’s non-electrified versions were peppy. We don’t expect the 2024 models to be any slower.
The base GLB 250 delivers 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That combo was good for a 60-mph sprint in about 7 seconds, which isn’t bad given the GLB weighs upward of 3,600 pounds before passengers and fuel are added in.
Look to the GLB 35 AMG for the best acceleration thanks to its 302-hp turbo-4. It’s heavier than the base model, but it’s the better part of two seconds quicker to 60 mph.
All models exhibit a poised, confident feel and they’re aided by a range of well-tuned drive modes that deliver sharper responses or a more plush ride at the tap of a button. Opt for the adaptive dampers where available and you’ll find an even better ride, especially if you upgrade from standard 19-inch wheels to bigger rolling stock.
The AMG version adds a Sport+ mode for snappier response. Even in Comfort mode, it’s a bit firmer than the standard car, though hardly punishing. Try before you buy if you live where roads are especially rough. It’s ready to hustle its way through the urban jungle on smooth pavement, though.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB Class Comfort & Quality
Don’t think of the GLB-Class as a real-world three-row vehicle.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class has an imaginative interior with decent space for passengers in rows one and two and a well-utilized cargo area. Its optional third-row seating is a joke, though.
We rate it at 7 out of 10 thanks to comfy seats up front and all that space in the rear.
This model stretches just over 182 inches long on a 111.4-inch wheelbase, which is plenty for five passengers but cramped for more. The odd third row is best for preteens.
Row two is much better thanks to a padded bench and a seat base that slides fore and aft to open up more leg or cargo space.
Your gear will have scant room behind the third row. Without it, the GLB can lug about 27 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row. Fold those seats and you’ll unlock around 62 cubic feet.
Interior materials aren’t lavish, but Mercedes-Benz does a good job tucking away the cheapest bits. Plenty of high-buck textures serve as a good distraction.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB Class Safety
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class has a great safety record.
How safe is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
It should be a good choice, though Benz charges extra for the best driver-assistance tech.
We rate the 2024 GLB at 8 out of 10 due to its five-star rating from the NHTSA, standard fare, and abundance of extra-cost options. It has yet to be tested by the IIHS, though.
Every model leaves the factory with the basics, such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors. A surround-view camera system, automatic lane changing, adaptive cruise control, and automatic park assist are optional.
Outward vision is decent overall, though chunky rear roof pillars and plenty of headrests make the surround-view camera system a worthwhile add-on.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB Class Features
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB is well-equipped, as it should be for its price.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class isn’t cheap, but it is pretty well equipped.
Figure north of $41,000 for the cheapest version, plus a couple grand for all-wheel drive. That cash buys synthetic leather trim, dual touchscreens behind a single glass pane, power-adjustable front seats, a power tailgate, and a few other niceties. Spend $2,000 more and power will go to all four wheels.
We give it an 8 thanks to decent standard fare, big screens, and plentiful options. The 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is good but not exceptional. You’ll pay for all servicing, unlike some luxury brands.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class should I buy?
A base GLB 250 with all-wheel drive works for us. Watch the options, though. Adding features like heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, upgraded audio, and adaptive cruise control can easily nudge one to $50,000 or more.
How much is a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
The GLB 35 AMG runs about $53,000 to start, though it can quickly top $60,000 if you’re not careful. We’re not sure it’s a great value at that point.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB Class Fuel Economy
Stay tuned; this year’s new hybrid powertrain should net better fuel economy.
It should be all right. As of press time, the 2024 GLB has yet to be rated using the EPA test procedure. Last year’s model scored a 3 on our scale thanks to its 23 mpg city, 30 highway, 26 combined estimates. Curiously, all-wheel-drive versions were rated slightly higher, though the GLB 35 AMG checked in at just 23 mpg combined.
This year’s new hybrid tech should yield at least a modest improvement.
