The all-new GLB-Class is available in two trims namely GLB 250 & GLB 250 4MATIC. These trims differ mainly in their drivetrain, with the base model having front-wheel-drive and the latter featuring all-wheel drive. The features of both the trim levels are almost identical to some point, but the 4MATIC comes with heated seats as standard. Additionally, a package is available for the 4MATIC models that add more features such as a 10.3-inch display screen, power side mirrors, push-button ignition, and other features.

Meanwhile, the 2020 GLB's base trim also offers many great features that make your cabin more comfortable and sophisticated. Its touchscreens can be operated in three different ways, either with the touch feature in the screen itself, with the touch-sensitive controls mounted on the steering wheels, or with the touchpad. 

Which Trim Should You Buy?

It's the GLB 250 4MATIC trim that comes out on top when choosing between these two trims. It's because the top trim, 4MATIC, comes with an AWD drivetrain that costs you $2,000 more than the actual price, and you'd want that on an SUV with good engine power. Furthermore, the 4MATIC can also be configured with various additional packages, which cost a little extra, but all ultimately make it worthwhile. So, if you're uncertain which trim to opt for, you can surely trust the 4MATIC trim.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class shares the same engine as its sibling, the CLA 250, a 2.0L Intercooled Turbocharged Premium Inline-4 engine. The same engine is found in most of its competitors. However, it can generate up to 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive for an SUV designed for families. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power either to the front wheels or to all four wheels depending on the trim you choose. 

However, the SUV's acceleration isn't great, but it's pretty good considering it's a three-row vehicle. However, it is not as sporty as you would expect despite having a sport mode as it doesn't make any difference.

Overall, the 2020 GLB-Class is good considering its segment, but if you wait for another couple of years then you will see more enhancements. Rumors suggest that more packages will be added to this model, which will take it to even greater heights.

Although there is some lack of performance in the GLB-Class, the approach to pricing has been quite reasonable. Compared to the competition, the Infiniti QX50 has a considerably lower price and offers the maximum power with CVT, which is a plus. It is the quickest of the lot covering the 0-60MPH run in 6.9 seconds and is closely followed by GLB-Class. Yet, the Volvo XC60 has better figures to work with overall and dominates this section.

How well does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class handle?

When cruising on uneven roads or making sharp turns, the 2020 GLB-Class has excellent ride and handling characteristics. On top of that, the AWD drivetrain provides good road holding. The steering wheels are responsive enough, and the presence of multiple driving modes makes it more convenient to adjust the settings based on the conditions. 

There are no issues with visibility in front and rear and the visibility is decent from all sides. However, Mercedes took a big dump on the cabin insulation, allowing unwanted noises to enter the SUV. Its front row offers sufficient space for the driver to control the driving mechanics efficiently, and the design and technology utilized in its cabin create an overall positive experience for the driver.

Braking Performance

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class has small brake rotors on both sides. Due to its small brake rotors, which are 12.6 inches at the front and 11.6 inches at the rear, it falls short of its competition who offers a bit better braking performance. 

Compared to its competitors, the GLB-Class brake rotors are much smaller, and Land Rover Discovery tops the list, as expected. Mercedes GLB 250 stops from 60MPH to a standstill in 123 feet. This is average at best considering that it is the lightest of the lot.This cannot be considered exceptional as the heavier QX50 stops much better than the Merc.

With a combined range of around 26 miles, the 2020 GLB-Class scores the best in its class regarding fuel economy. However, we get a slightly smaller fuel tank than the competitors in the GLB-Class, resulting in a shorter range. It is also worth mentioning that even the AWD trim of the GLB-Class has almost the same fuel economy as the FWD model and this is highly appreciated. 

Finally, with regards to fuel economy, there are no other SUVs that would play well against the GLB. However, if they were to put a larger tank, it would be the clear winner here. It can't match the range of the XC60 which has a much bigger tank with decent mileage.All the cars here have a tank with bigger capacity than the Merc and thus outdo the car which is a very saddening fact considering that the GLB is the most efficient car here.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's interior shares both its good and bad aspects. There is enough space inside the cabin to make yourself comfortable, although the optional third row is exceptionally tight for adults. In addition to looking neat and clean, the dashboard is designed upright, so that the front passenger and driver can rest their legs properly. Overall, the dashboard has a premium look owing to the quality of materials used and the aluminum trim on the dashboard.

Several controls are mounted on the steering wheels, and a touch-sensitive button is even added to the wheel for controlling the display screen. There are 8 power adjustment options for the front bucket seats, and all seats are bolstered with fine leather. There is also an option to opt for heated & ventilated front seats for an additional cost of about $1,030. GLB-Class has a huge cargo space, which can easily accommodate the luggage of up to seven people. The third-row seats, however, limit the cargo space considerably so even one bag can't fit perfectly inside, but when you fold down the third row it allows you to store a lot more.

Overall, its interior is a pleasant place, but certain limitations prevent it from becoming the best cabin in its segment. Many of the material used in the frequently touched points does not feel and look high quality, compared to its rivals who do it much better. There is no competitor in this segment that can match the Mercedes GLB-Class for space between rows, both in the front and rear. It also has huge cargo space that is only behind that of the XC60 by about 1 cubic foot.

Standout interior features:

• Power Driver Seat with 8-way power driver and 3-position memory
• 12-way power-adjustable front seat
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• MB-Tex synthetic leather seats

What’s there to keep you entertained?

It doesn't appear that the 2020 GLB-Class has much to offer you in terms of infotainment. In addition to the floating touchscreen display, the gauge cluster displays a unique design integrating seamlessly with the main touchscreen display. It has a very comfortable user interface which comes with excellent screen response. A potential downside of this car's infotainment system is the lack of a navigation system.

Across all the rows, there are seven USB C-ports, and that's again a big plus. As an additional measure, a power duct is also available at the rear seats to prevent the USB ports from becoming occupied. The car also comes with standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. In addition to this, other features include Bluetooth, voice control, wireless charging, and 8 stereo speakers. The infotainment sector can be further enhanced by opting for an extra package that increases the screen size and also offers a variety of other entertaining features.

Standout infotainment features:

• 8-speaker stereo
• 7.0-inch touchscreen display
• Apple Carplay & Android Auto
• Wireless Charging
• Bluetooth 
• Voice commands

The exterior design of the 2020 GLB-Class has been the subject of debate among many of its peers. The SUV's boxy design makes it easy to get around inside, but it makes it look dated next to competitors with bolder designs. In terms of design, it is very simplistic with no distinct styling elements. However, that is what you can expect from an SUV that is focused on meeting the needs of a family.

With regards to features, let us start by telling you that the GLB-Class comes without a moonroof, neither as a standard nor in any package, which is one of the biggest downsides. In addition to those features, the SUV's exterior features include 18-inch wheels with silver accents, daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, and brake lights. A power liftgate is also available so that goods can be easily loaded and unloaded from the boot.

Ground clearance is very good for XC60 and Discovery, while 2020 GLB-Class ground clearance is not yet known but is expected to be a little lower than them. On the other hand, the GLB-Class's wheelbase is impressive and allows for the car to create ample space inside.

Standout exterior features:

• 18.0-inch aluminum wheels
• Auto On/Off Projector Beam Led lights
• Front And Rear Fog Lamps
• Lip Spoiler
• Power liftgate

Since this is the very first model in this lineup that was launched only this year, NHTSA and IIHS have not yet tested it. However, looking at the quality of its MFA2 platform, which this SUV is built upon, and comparing its performance to those of other models from the same manufacturer. In all probability, this car will be rated highly by both testing agencies when it reaches the testing grounds.

With various standout safety features standard in the vehicle, the SUV ensures an incredibly safe environment aboard. Furthermore, one can add $2,200 for the driver assistance package that adds even more advanced safety features to the list.

Standout safety features:

• Active Brake Assist 
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Lane Departure Warning
• Automatic Steering Assist

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2020 Infiniti QX50

Infiniti QX 50 offers more power and a whole lot of trim levels than the GLB. It is also a lot cheaper than the Merc but as you scale up the trim ladder in the QX50, the pricing escalates quickly. Merc on the other hand offers a spacious and comfortable interior. It also has the option for a third row, unlike the Infiniti. Moreover, GLB Class offers segment-leading fuel economy. If power is your concern, go for the Infiniti or else Merc GLB-Class seems to be a better option.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2020 Volvo XC60

Compared with GLB-Class, Volvo XC60 is a little more expensive, but its extra performance over Mercedes more than makes up for it. Nevertheless, GLB has better space and a better fuel economy than the XC60, but its small tank capacity puts it behind the XC60. As a result, the XC60 appears to offer better value, higher quality, and a bolder design for a little more money.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport

 In their respective fields, both contenders are clear winners. With almost the same price as the Mercedes, the Land Rover Discovery offers excellent handling and off-roading capabilities. While the GLB-Class focuses on aspects that are perfect for families such as large cargo space, good fuel economy, and good spacing. In this case, it is completely up to the buyer to select the best fit according to their requirements.

Yes, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class dominates most segments, except for performance, where it lags by a little. In addition to that, it doesn't disappoint in any other aspect, and the price has been kept quite reasonable. For a normal buyer, GLB-Class is a good car and can fulfill most of the important aspects that you will require, but if you are looking for more power and a balanced set of features and specs, its competitors especially the Infiniti QX50 will be a better choice.