2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB

Reviews

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  Adam Aubrey

  18 Jan 2021

  Review: 2021 Mercedes Benz GLB 200 - A Small SUV That Is Big On Practicality

  Who is the GLB for? People who love the idea of owning a smallish Mercedes SUV that can carry more than five people yet it won't cost them an arm and a leg to buy one. How did Mercedes get the price to be so low? Well, despite its rugged SUV styling and looks, it is built on the same front-wheel-drive platform as the GLA, which is actually a platform that is heavily borrowed from Mercedes' most entry-level car, the A-Class hatchback. Driving the GLB 200, you'd think that the SUV would have a typical 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, but the GLB 200 is powered by a 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque, paired to a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is sufficient even when the car is fully laden, but it is a bit jerky during initial acceleration - an inherent dual-clutch character. Once it gets going though, it's as smooth as any Mercedes. Mercedes' turbocharged engines are superb and this one is no different despite its smaller displacement. Seeing that the GLB 200 comes with comfort suspension, you'd think that the SUV would handle badly, but it's quite alright, you know. The car feels tight, doesn't wallow as much as I thought it would and has a good planted feeling. The steering feels a bit light, but you'd probably love that when manoeuvring around town when it has to navigate through tight parking spots and city streets.

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