2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz doesn’t seem to offer major changes to the GLB-Class, as of now. What that means is that buyers would still have a standalone option; the GLB 250. Although there's also a GLB 35 AMG, but owing to its performance moniker, it is treated as a separate model altogether. While there’s a single-engine available with the regular GLB 250 though which comes standard as FWD, butter can grab the $2000 optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive as well. 

Also, if you are someone who finds the $40K Mercedes to be lacking features there is an optional premium package available. The package adds blind-spot monitoring, auto-dimming side-view mirrors, and dual 10.3 -inch displays for infotainment and gauge clusters. For a sportier look, an AMG line body kit is available at extra cost. The kit brings only the looks of a Mercedes AMG and not its performance. If we are to consider the history of the GLB-Class we could expect an actual AMG version of the car with a more powerful engine offering robust performance for a higher price tag.

Which trim should you buy?

With only one trim level to choose from, the GLB-Class doesn’t leave much choice to its customers. The choice between the regular FWD GLB or the AWD GLB 4Matic is a personal choice depending on the buyer's need and use case scenario. Furthermore, buyers can also pair the GLB with their desired optional packages and features.

Expected release date

While Mercedes is yet to make a statement on the official release date of the 2022 GLB-Class, we expect it to hit the stores by the end of 2021. With no major updates, the transition of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class into its 2022 model year would be smooth and minimalistic. 

No changes on the power front and the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class continue to derive all its house from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine churns out 221 hp, and power is sent either to the front or all four wheels. The engine feels peppy and refined with a linear and steady power delivery. The 8-speed automatic compliments the four-cylinder engine well with precise and hassle-free shifts. On startups, the engine gets going in an instant and the healthy torque pushes the current 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class from 0-60 in just 6.0 seconds. Even in terms of braking, the ventilated discs at all four corners have a good bite into them and the brake pedal feels firm and inspiring as well. Stopping from 60-0n MPH takes 123 feet which is at par with its segment standards. 

The ride doesn’t feel much sporty owing to its bigger size and form factor; however, the handling is great with a good response. The car is able to cruise through twists and turns rather easily with the driver feeling confident. The independent suspension, electronic power steering, and power mode selector enhance and tune the performance of the car for a variety of personalities from economy-minded to Sporty to comfort soaked. In most of its driving modes, the car has a good throttle response combined with nicely weighted steering. The sports mode further enhances the steering effort and throttle response making the car more aggressive and fun to drive.

*2021 MY data used for reference

All the cars in the competition are pretty similarly matched with none having any monstrous advantage over another. The BMW X1 produces the most power and torque spec-wise, while the Volvo XC40 falls behind in terms of power-producing 187hp and 221lb.-ft of torque. However, the performances are commendable with an average 0-60 timing of around 6.2 seconds. The Audi is the only AWD car in comparison and is the slowest in terms of 0-60 timings and quarter-mile timings. While the GLB is a new entry into the class it is well equipped to meet the competition in performance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB seems to provide an average MPG for the luxury crossover it represents. The FWD model of the car carries an estimated fuel rating of 23 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway, and a combined efficiency of 26 MPG. The 4Matic version also provides the same MPG except on the highway where the figure drops slightly to 30 MPG. Compared to the previous models the GLB is expected to have a fuel tank capacity of 15.9 gallons.

*2021 MY data used for reference

The fuel efficiency offered by the GLB is similar to that of its peers. The BMW X1 provides the most efficiency of 27 MPG, while the Audi Q3 provides the least. The Volvo XC40 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB provide similar efficiencies. The BMW X1 has the largest capacity fuel tank at 16.1 gallons compared to 15.9 on the Q3 and GLB250. Volvo features the smallest fuel tank with 14.2 gallons and results in much lower ranges than the Mercedes despite similar MPG figures.

The standard seating capacity on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is five passengers. However, the car opens up ample space on the inside to accommodate up to seven passengers with the optional third row. The interior space is good with a lot of adjustments. The seats are comfortable and can sustain a long journey. Seats are available in heated cooled and leather-wrapped versions. The interior fit and finish are one of the finest in its segment with leather, wood, and brushed metallic accents across the cabin to uplift the luxury quotient.

With the multiple power adjustments and plenty of headroom and legroom, one can easily find a good driving position. The second row of seats slides to expand legroom or cargo space depending on the need. However, fitting three adults can be difficult. The optional third-row seats are so small that the company suggests only medium-sized passengers or children be accommodated. The cargo capacity stands at 26 cubic ft behind the second row of seats.

*2021 MY data used for reference

The 2022 GLB-Class is quite spacious in comparison to its competition. The car has the most head and legroom on both front and rear seats. Also, the cargo capacity is great at 26 cubic ft. It is only surpassed by the BMW X1 in terms of cargo capacity with 27.1 cubic ft. The Volvo has the least cargo carrying capacity at 20.7 cubic feet. Key interior features in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class are:

• Sports power front seat with three-position memory
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with dust, pollen, and odor filters
• 64-color ambient LED lighting
• Natural grain black linden wood trim
• Power front seats with memory
• Leather steering with paddle shifters

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The GLB-Class stands tall for the list of technological features the car provides. It is equipped with the MBUX infotainment which features 14’ inches of digital real estate. There’s a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as well. Both the screens are merged together which look like a single piece of floating screen. The digital cockpit has good graphics and can be customized easily via steering-mounted controls. 

The central infotainment screen is sharp and crisp with good visibility and is also quick in its responses. The system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration. This is easily one of the better systems out there in the market and also the easiest to operate. The system can be controlled in different ways including voice command, gestures, and steering mounted controls. Key infotainment features in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class are:

• Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)
• 7” high-resolution color touchscreen multimedia display
• 7” digital instrument cluster
• Smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Voice assistant with natural language understanding
• Hands-free Bluetooth interface
• MBUX augmented video for navigation
• Burmester surround sound

The GLB features the box-like design of the G Class into compact cars. The big SUV attributes of the very famous Mercedes-Benz G-Class are scaled-down well into the GLB’s medium dimensions. It is chunky but in a friendly manner. The design is quite square-jawed and comes out as a rugged design. The big headlights are placed on a large grille with a big tristar logo which can be illuminated if you desire. The long roofline tapers into the rear gradually without the coupe-like drape. The car features a simple SUV style which can be further enhanced in appearance with Night and AMG line packages that enlarges the spoiler and brings flare along with bigger wheels.

*2021 MY data used for reference

The GLB is a big car in terms of dimensions when compared to its counterparts. The car weighs in at over 3800 pounds making it second only to the Audi Q3. The car has the most length, width, and height. The wheelbase of the car is the longest at 11.4 inches while the rest of the competition settles around 105-106. The large dimensions can be attributed to the fact that this car has an optional third row of seating. Also, the ground clearance is respectable at 8.2 which is at par with what the competition offers. Key exterior features in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class are:

Powered liftgate

• Automatic light-sensing headlamps
• Keyless entry
• 19” wheels
• Chrome diamond-block grille
• Gloss black exterior and wheel accents

Being a new Mercedes-Benz product, it’s no surprise that the GLB-Class gets a bunch of advanced safety features. The crossover comes with active brake assist, adaptive braking, auto emergency braking, and cruise control as standard. Blind-spot monitoring was made a standard feature with the previous generation of the car. Mercedes-Benz offers a rather long list of optional safety features for the car including automatic lane changing, adaptive cruise control, automatic park assists, and a surround-view camera system. 

Sadly though, ratings are not yet available as the NHTSA and the IIHS have not crash-tested the 2022 GLB250. However, we do expect the score to be in line with or improved over the previous model. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 GLB-Class with a four-star for its FWD trim level and five stars for the AWD trim level. Salient safety features of the car include the following:

• Blindspot assist with exit warning
• 3 Stage electronic stability program
• Antitheft alarm system with remote panic feature
• Crosswind assist
• Adaptive braking technology
• Predictive brake priming
• Hill Start assist
• PARKTRONIC with active parking assist
• Lane change assist with evasive steering assist

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 vs 2021 BMW X1 sDrive28i

The BMW X1 offers good performance and handling. Adding the M Sport option makes it an even sharper performer. The X1 provides excellent fuel efficiency and ranges. The X1 is comparatively cheaper than the Mercedes and comes with free maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles. However, the car doesn’t feature Android auto, and cabin noise can be an issue.

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 vs 2021 Audi Q3 45 TFSI

The Audi Q3 is marginally cheaper than the Mercedes and offers similar fuel efficiencies. The Audi provides decent handling combined with engaging driving dynamics and the smaller dimensions make it easier to park and maneuver out of tight spots. However, it falls short on space inside the cabin. The Benz fares better in terms of performance with better power and torque figures. Also, cargo capacity in Q3 is comparatively smaller than that of the GLB.

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 vs 2021 Volvo XC40 R-Design

The Volvo stands out with its bluff styling and minimalist cabin. Also, the XC40 offers excellent safety and reliability features and provides a better relaxing drive. Also, the smaller dimensions help in the easy maneuvering of the car through busy streets and tight spots. The Bez is more powerful and has better performance along with a bigger cabin. The Benz has more head and legroom on both rows of seats. However, the Volvo remains a non-German alternative in a class dominated by German cars.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is a solid contender in the compact SUV space offering the vibes and features of the larger SUVs from the brand. The car brings a fresh look with its boxy design and decent power combined with good fuel efficiency. The MUBX system on the car is a great system and notable addition to the car. The optional third-row makes the car extra appealing to anyone who wants to seat more passengers. In the populated luxury compact SUV market, the GLB debuts as a solid contender which can easily be recommended. This car definitely deserves a test drive before making a final decision to prove itself.