I spent 8 days driving this thing as a rental in Australia, it only had 8000km on it (with a build date of Aug 2022, as a 2023 model), might as well give it a mini review:

Pros of the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200:

• High definition dual 10.25" OLED displays that are visible in bright sunlight
• Headlights provide good visibility
• Good body control, with a smooth and comfortable ride experience
• Spacious interior with good ergonomics and modern design
• Tight turning radius and easy to park in tight spaces
• Apple Carplay works seamlessly via USB-C
• Panoramic roof creates a feeling of openness in the cabin
• Pretty good looking boxy car (better than the Toyota RAV4)
• 7 Seater! No idea how they fit 7 seats in there, never tried lifting the rear seats up.

Cons of the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200:

• Difficult to drive smoothly, with a noticeable dead spot during initial acceleration
• Noisy 1.3L turbo engine and cabin, with noise from the air conditioning system and engine
• Air-con has trouble keeping the car cool
• Vibration at idle
• Some cheap plastics used in the interior
• Fuel economy while probably good for an ICE, is not as good as my 2-tonne RX hybrid.
• Gearstick feels cheap and requires the driver to look at the dashboard to confirm the gear they're in (R/D/P)
• Base model comes with manual seats and no rear seat air vents

In summary, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 offers good value for its low price point, with a spacious interior and good practicality. However, some limitations such as a noisy engine and cabin, low performance air conditioning, vibration, and cheap plastics may not meet the expectations of those seeking a high-end, refined vehicle. The GLB 200 is worth considering for those who prioritize practicality over refinement and want a 3 star pointed badge.

Anyone who is looking at a Lexus NX should probably cross-shop this, but look at the GLB 250 instead with the bigger engine and probably smoother tranny.

 

7 seater and 1.3L …. HAHAH!


 

Diesel or gasoline ?

 

great review!

someone i know just bought a 1 yr old glb250 and it's great. as you say the engine is bigger and while it's not a creamy smooth v8, it's not bad and plenty quick enough. the transmission is very smooth.

the mbux system and the dual screens is pretty amazing. it has fog lights (looks like your rental doesn't), and the crazy ambient light package.

packaging is great (loads of room).

and same color as the one you rented. i'm sure that's a very popular color.

 

It's gas.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M282_engine

It was jointly developed by the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance and the Mercedes-Benz Group

120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) at 5,500 rpm
250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 1,620–4,000 rpm

 

Yes I was surprised at how good MBUX is, given that I have never used it before I was able to figure it out pretty fast, and the touch screen is very responsive and fast with zero lag. Ours did have the interior LED moods and the overhead crystal reading light that looks pretty good.

Not sure about GLC sales, but I reckon the GLB is a better car even it's positioned below it?

I had no idea that the GLC 200 had a 1.3L engine, until I looked it up, it felt more like a 2.0L turbo.

 

my brother-in-law has a glc so i've spent time in one. it's a step up in material quality and slightly bigger althogh more curvy.

 

Thanks. Never knew they went that small. And it even has cylinder deactivation.

 

Nice review 703, enjoyed it!

Really is a good looking car, wow.
I'd upgrade from the hamster wheel to the bigger engine tho but if looks could kill, this is a stone cold killer. haha

 

I hate these, I actually refuse them as loaners...

If cross shopping the NX, NX is a much better choice IMO.

 

Intersting, guess it's a love it or hate it situation. lol

I think the looks are good.
What your thoughts on why you don't like, lay it out for us plz if ya feel like it.
Made junky?

 

Utter trash. FWD Mercedes-Benz

 

Interesting, I don't mind the new FWD Mercedes vehicles. I had a GLA loaner a couple of weeks ago and it actually felt on par with its peers. The NX is nicer though I agree- I was shocked to see the GLA starts $2k under the NX, while the GLB is placed directly in line with it.

 

A hybrid NX is much smoother and overall refined vs these imo

 

Nice review. This is what they call "baby GLS" right? I remember reading something like, is it worth paying the extra? Lol. Interesting SUV, not bad. The strange thing I noticed on the one I drove was it didn't have sensor for the fob at the door so I had to physically press to lock/unlock. Is it an option? Other than that it drove well for the size and price. Since you posted, I think the MB odometer display **** ugly. Could they have it somewhere else more subtle?