Mercedes-Benz GLB (2020) Review

The Mercedes-Benz GLB takes on the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X1 with prices starting at around £34,000.

Unlike its rivals, the new Mercedes-Benz GLB is available as a seven-seater. It shares a platform with the new A-Class and B-Class, although it's nearly as big as the GLC in size.

The GLB's slightly boxy dimensions suggest it might not feel as claustrophobic inside as you might expect. Indeed, its 560 litres of boot space with five seats in use compares favourably against rivals - although this drops to 130 litres when the third row of seats is in use. That's half the size of a Smart ForTwo's boot.

Four ISOFIX child seat points will appeal to families, as will its various driver assistance systems that have trickled down the range from the S-Class. These include semi-autonomous driving features, such as cruise control which slows down when approaching corners or junctions using navigation data. 

As standard, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is front-wheel drive, and available with a choice of four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines. In a bid to stop it treading on the toes of the GLC, Mercedes-Benz isn't expected to offer six-cylinder engines.

The petrol engine line-up is made up of the GLB 200 and 250, the former with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the latter with an eight-speed gearbox.

The diesels, meanwhile, include a GLB 200d and GLB 220d. The latter is available with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive, while the 220d comes as standard with drive going to all four wheels. Both diesel engines are paired with Mercedes-Benz's eight-speed DCT gearbox.

Like the closely-related A- and B-Class, the GLB will feature Mercedes-Benz's latest MBUX infotainment system. This is available with clever augmented reality navigation, along with the brand's 'Hey Mercedes' voice control system.

UK deliveries from the end of 2019.

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