New for 2020, the new Mercedes GLB presents Mercedes with an “entry level” crossover that can seat 7 albeit in a tight fit. The GLB sits between the entry level GLA and midsize GLC. Here’s the pricing.
There is only one model and engine to choose from. The only engine is a 2.0 turbo 4 with 221 horses mated to an 8 speed dual clutch auto putting power to the front wheels. MPG is said to be 30. There are 10 exterior colors. White & Black are no charge. The other 8 are all $720. There are 6 wheel choices including the standard 18” alloy. There are 2 choices for each all the way through 20”. But they require different option packages. There are no other trims. Mercedes lists the GLB 250 4Matic like its another trim but its not. It starts at $38,600 with AWD.
There are 3 main option packages that you can choose from. There is the $2600 AMG line pack that includes AMG body styling, 19” AMG 5 spoke wheels, aluminum shift paddles etc; an AMG Line with Night Package for $3,000 that’s pretty much the aforementioned AMG Package but with Black accents and Black wheels. And lastly there is the Exterior lighting package that for $900 equips the GLB with active LED headlights and adaptive highbeam assist. Other than those packages for the exterior, there are 7 stand alone exterior options:
- Pano Roof $1500
- Illuminated Star $350
- Chrome door handle inserts $100
- Body color rear spoiler $350
- Carbon “style” mirror housings $250
- LED entry lamps that project the Mercedes logo $275
I added the AMG Night package, the pano roof and illuminated star, which required certain paint and interior color choices as well as other options that will be mentioned in a bit.
Inside there are 8 seat color choices. 4 are no charge standard MB-Tex seating, while the other 4 options are all $1,450 leather options. I choose a Black/Red leather seating, which required another $1,030 for heated and cooled front seats. There are also 4 dash inlays available. 2 (faux carbon look & carbon structure) are no charge, while the other 2, both woods, are both $325. Other individual interior options include heated front seats ($580), multicontour front seats ($590), heated steering wheel ($250), 64 color LED ambient interior lighting ($310).
The surprising (kind of) option is the fact that the GLB comes standard with seating for 5. If you want the 3rd row its going to cost you. The 3rd row is an $850 option so I added it. It should also be noted that if you want the multi contour seats, you can’t get them with leather or the AMG night pack. So I didn’t choose them.
Other packages include a $2200 Premium Package that includes 2 10” displays for the speedo and center console, keyless go, power folding mirrors and blind spot assist; and a $1,150 Multimedia Package that comes with speed limit assist and an augmented navigation system. You can also choose from a Sat radio subscription for a year ($460), wireless charging pad ($200), HUD Display ($1,100), Burmester Surround Sound System ($850) and a garage door opener for $280, 2 driver assistance packages ($1,090 & $2,250 respectively), Blind Spot assist ($550 and it’s weird that its separate from the other drivers aid packages) and a $990 Adjustable suspension system with active dampening. I added all of these except the garage door opener. It should be noted as well you cant choose the $2,250 drivers aid package if you choose the illuminated star due to sensor placement. All in, a loaded GLB 250 will set you back $55,480. Give or take a few hundred depending on things like color choices. Weirdly with 4Matic, loaded a GLB 250 4Matic comes in cheaper at $53,620.
As I consider with most crossovers, I have to wonder, who this is for? One thing it has going for it is that it is the cheapest way to get 7 seats at Mercedes as the GLA and GLC don’t offer a 3rd row. And loaded out, a GLB costs as much as a base GLE, but adding a 3rd row on the GLE is a over $2k option, while on the GLB its only $850. But even then, it still doesn’t make sense. Without having the 3rd row standard, its nothing more than another crossover that brings MB’s 5 seat crossover count to 4 (GLA, GLB, GLC & GLC Coupe). And unless you just have to have the 3 pointed star, a VW Tiguan can be had with a 3rd row for cheaper.