Highs Comfy, upright seating position, plenty of available tech goodies, chic Benz-family styling.<br /> Lows Entry-level models are spartan, optional third row is kids-only territory, it’s not a G-class.<br /> Verdict The GLB-class’s boxier body makes it more practical than its GLA-class sibling, but the two are still equally compelling mini-Benzes.<br /><br />Overview<br /><br />Mercedes-Benz knows what kind of SUV you really want: a big, hairy G-class but that style icon is priced for the gods and out of reach for the majority of us. Enter the 2023 GLB-class. This spunky little crossover has a boxy look, a big thre-pointed star on the grille, and a starting price about a hundred grand less than Mega-G. Based on the same platform and four-cylinder engine that underpin the sleek GLA-class SUV, the GLB’s squarer proportions endow it with more practicality: additional cargo space and a more upright seating position. It can even be had with an optional third row of seats—although the rearmost perch only has room enough for kiddies. A host of technology features is available, including Mercedes’s MBUX infotainment interface and several desirable pieces of driver-assistance tech. While loaded GLB250s can crest the $50,000 mark that’s still about a third of the cost of a G550. <br /><br />What's New for 2023?<br /><br />Mercedes-Benz’s boxy, baby SUV receives no updates for the 2023 model year, so it’s the same stylish and practical package it was for 2022.<br /><br />There is just one trim level available for the GLB-class but the 4Matic model adds all-wheel drive for $2000. From there, we'd add heated seats and the Premium package, which includes blind-spot monitoring, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side view mirrors, keyless entry with push-button start, and dual 10.3-inch digital displays for the infotainment and gauge cluster. There is an AMG Line body kit available, but we'd skip it since it only gives you the looks of a Mercedes-AMG without the performance of one.<br /><br />Engine, Transmission, and Performance<br />Behind the GLB's big, grille-mounted three-pointed star is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 221 horsepower. The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. At our test track, an all-wheel drive example managed a fairly brisk 6.0-second zero-to-60-mph time. We didn't find the GLB250 to be particularly sporty, but for an SUV its ride and handling are agreeable and competent.<br /><br />Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG<br /><br />Front-wheel-drive GLBs carry EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined; the all-wheel-drive version receives the same ratings except for the highway, where it's estimated to receive 30 mpg. Those numbers are comparable but slightly lower than the EPA-estimated mileage of the BMW X1. On our 75-mile highway fuel economy test route, the GLB250 4Matic outperformed its EPA rating with a 32 mpg result, beating a comparable X1 by 1 mpg. ...
