What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class? What does it compare to?
A step up from the entry-level GLA-Class, the 2025 GLB crossover SUV is available with a third row of seating, though it works better with two. Competitors include the GLA-Class, as well as the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.
Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class a good SUV?
Yes. This Mercedes SUV has a lovely interior that’s more practical than it looks, as well as affable road manners. The GLB racks up a TCC Rating of 6.5 on our 10-point scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What’s new for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
The GLB-Class is light on updates for 2025, following a refresh last year. Mercedes now offers the surround-view camera system as a standalone option instead of burying it in expensive packages, and a new interior Night Package Lite joins the menu.
The GLB-Class wears boxy lines for a mildly rugged look outside that gives way to a clean, minimalist look inside. The GLB-Class features a pair of 10.3-inch touchscreens behind a sleek glass pane, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard. The effect is luxurious overall, even though base models come light on features.
The GLB 250 comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated for 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 mph run of 6.9 seconds. The AMG GLB 35 version also uses a 2.0-liter turbo-4, but boosts output to 302 hp and shaves its sprint time to just a tick over five seconds. Both versions use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to improve acceleration, maximize fuel economy, and provide a temporary 13-hp boost. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission drives both versions, to the front wheels in the GLA 250 and to all four with the GLA 250 4Matic and AMG versions.
The GLB has sharp steering response and a smooth ride, though the bigger available wheels do compromise the ride quality somewhat. Most versions come standard with 19-inch wheels, and we wouldn’t go bigger.
The interior yields stylish seating for four passengers. A third row is available, but both second- and third-row riders will feel the squeeze. Cargo space with two rows is a decent 22 cubic feet, which drops to just 12.4 cubes with the optional third row. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded, though, is about 62 cubes.
The GLB-Class hasn’t been fully crash-tested by the NHTSA, or at all by the IIHS, but the couple of tests performed have yielded good results. Mercedes supplies standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors, while features like adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system cost more.
How much does the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class cost?
The GLB 250 costs $46,950, including the $1,150 destination fee. The 4Matic version with all-wheel drive starts at $48,950. The top AMG GLB 35 starts at $61,250.
Where is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class made?
Mercedes builds the GLB in Mexico.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB ClassStyling
More like a tall wagon than a crossover, the 2025 Mercedes GLB’s profile stands out.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class a good-looking SUV?
It’s likable enough, though it hasn’t changed much since its introduction. It earns points for its stylish lines inside and out, for a 7 on our 10-point scale.
Mercedes softens the boxy profile with details that are mostly subtle, such as the long roof and tall greenhouse that give an airy, wagon-like vibe. Up front, its squared-off chin hints at ruggedness, but the GLB is a soft-roader. Several AMG styling packages and options help eliminate brightwork for a sportier look, while the new Night Package Lite adds high-gloss black exterior trim along the underbody, beltline, window line, and mirror caps, and 19-inch wheels with black accents.
The centerpiece of the cabin is a pair of 10.3-inch touchscreen displays housed side by side under a single pane of glass. Alone, it’s classy, but other details, like metallic trim in a variety of textures and ambient lighting, can overwhelm. Opt for warmer upholstery color schemes for a more inviting effect.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB ClassPerformance
The optional adaptive dampers yield a smooth-riding GLB-Class.
A mild-hybrid system adds extra pep to both versions of the GLB-Class. This SUV scores a 7 here, with points for strong acceleration and surefooted handling.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class 4WD?
The base GLB 250 is front-wheel drive, though 4Matic all-wheel drive is an affordable upgrade. AWD comes standard on the AMG version.
How fast is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
It’s peppy in base 250 form and fast in its AMG configuration, with extra zip from the mild-hybrid system.
The GLB 250 features a 2.0-liter turbo-four good for 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds a temporary 13-hp boost when called upon. The AMG GLB 35 also uses a 2.0-liter turbo-4, the same mild-hybrid setup, and the same transmission, with output increased to 302 hp and 295 lb-ft. Mercedes claims a 5.4-second sprint from 0-60 mph for the GLB 35.
Both versions have confident and surefooted handling, bolstered by a thoughtful selection of drive modes that shift between sharper responses or a cushier ride by tapping a button. The optional adaptive dampers further elevate comfort, and are highly recommended if you upgrade to wheels bigger than the standard 19 inches.
In the AMG, even Comfort mode is noticeably firmer than the base version, while the AMG-only Sport+ mode provides the snappiest responses. If you live somewhere with rough roads, give it a go on your home turf before buying. On smooth pavement, though, it’s all hustle.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB ClassComfort & Quality
The optional third row in the 2025 GLB-Class isn’t particularly practical.
For the most part, the 2025 Mercedes GLB-Class makes good use of its interior space, with reasonable passenger room in the first and second rows, as well as a decent cargo area. However, the optional third row is almost unusable. It’s a 7 here, with points for its comfortable front seats and overall cargo space.
The GLB-Class stretches a tick over 182 inches on a wheelbase of 111.4 inches, perfect for four passengers but a squeeze for more. In three-row configuration, stick with preteens in the way-back.
The second row is much better, thanks to a sliding seat base and a padded bench.
Behind the third row, even luggage will feel the pinch, but in the two-row configuration, cargo space measures in at 27.0 cubic feet. That opens up to 62.0 cubes with the seats folded down. The three-row version has just 5.1 cubes behind the third row and 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row.
Materials and finishes aren’t particularly posh, but the cheapest surfaces are mostly tucked out of reach, and there’s plenty of distraction thanks to an abundance of texture.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB ClassSafety
The 2025 Mercedes GLB-Class has incomplete crash-test results.
How safe is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
It’s hard to say. Only a few crash tests have been conducted, and only basic advanced safety tech comes standard. It’s a 7, with points for its standard features and its options.
The GLB-Class has not undergone IIHS evaluations, and the 2024 model has only been subject to the NHTSA’s side crash and rollover tests, scoring five and four stars, respectively.
Every GLB-Class comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, automatic parking, automatic high beams, and a driver-attention monitor. Options include adaptive cruise control with automatic lane changes, active lane control, active blind-spot monitors, intersection assist, and a surround-view camera system, which is especially worthwhile considering the chunky rear pillars and the headrests compromise outward vision.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB ClassFeatures
Mercedes equips the 2025 GLB-Class with decent features for the price.
It’s not cheap, but the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB is reasonably well equipped. The GLB 250 starts at $46,950, including the $1,150 destination charge. The 4Matic version runs $48,950. These base versions include synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, a pair of 10.3-inch touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power tailgate, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The GLB scores an 8 here, with points added for its decent standard features, useful touchscreens, and vast options menu.
Mercedes backs the GLB-Class with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, which is just average for the class and nets no points. While some luxury brands offer some complementary service, Mercedes does not.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class should I buy?
We’d stick with the GLB 250 4Matic and be careful with the options. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, and premium audio will push the price over $50,000.
How much is a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
The AMG GLB 35 starts at $61,250, and the available options here are even more expensive. It’s certainly fun, but we can’t recommend it from a value standpoint.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB ClassFuel Economy
In base form, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is pretty frugal.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class good on gas?
The GLB-Class does pretty well in fuel economy for a luxury crossover. The base GLB 250 earns EPA ratings of 25 mpg city, 33 highway, 28 combined. That’s a 3 on our scale.
The GLB 250 4Matic dips slightly, to 24/33/27 mpg, and the AMG version nets 21/26/23 mpg.
All three versions require premium fuel.
