2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB Review and Test Drive
Among the least expensive Mercedes models, the GLB SUV delivers the premium experience expected of this luxury brand.
Jun 14, 2024 | 10 min read
Perry Stern
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB is one of the lowest-priced models in the automaker's lineup, so I set my expectations accordingly. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a small and boxy SUV in a beautiful shade called Patagonia Red Metallic and equipped with stylish black wheels, a bold grille, and dual exhaust outlets. When I saw the AMG badge, I knew this 2024 GLB 35 sat at the top end of the lineup.
Any Mercedes with an AMG badge promises the highest levels of performance, and this is the same for the GLB to a degree. The 2024 AMG GLB 35 has good power for a compact crossover, and while it is a step up from the base-level GLB 250, AMG light may be the best description for it. The GLB is still fun to drive.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GLB between the even smaller GLA and the compact GLC. For the 2024 model year, it gets a refresh inside and out, marking the GLB's first significant update since its introduction in 2019. While the exterior changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, the cabin gets noticeable improvements and a cleaner, simpler look. The powertrains also get new hybrid technology.
Perry Stern
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB Pricing Is Very Appealing
Mercedes-Benz offers the 2024 GLB SUV in two model designations: GLB 250 and GLB AMG 35. The GLB 250 comes with front-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the GLB 35 is exclusively AWD. Prices range from the mid-$40,000s for the GLB 250 to the low $60,000s for the AMG GLB 35, including the destination charge to ship the SUV from the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to your local dealership.
Mercedes-Benz provided my test vehicle, which I evaluated in Southeast Michigan. In addition to the standard equipment, the Patagonia Red Metallic paint vehicle included the Premium, Driver Assistance, Multimedia, and AMG Night option packages for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $69,900, including a $1,150 destination charge.
Perry Stern
The Mercedes-Benz GLB Delivers Stylish, Comfortable Seating
The GLB is easily recognizable as a Mercedes thanks to the traditional large grille adorned with a large three-pointed star logo in the center. The front and rear bumpers are revised this year, and new LED headlights and taillights further enhance the updated SUV. The AMG version gets a unique front fascia, vertical bars in the grille, and for the first time, an AMG crest on the hood instead of the Mercedes logo.
Inside, one large screen incorporates dual 10.3-inch displays, one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the touchscreen infotainment system. This screen was optional in the past, but it is standard on all GLB variants for 2024. The display rests on the dashboard, above the large round turbine-style vents, which are the focal point of the front cabin space.
The center console is less cluttered for the 2024 model year, eliminating all shortcut buttons and the center infotainment system controller. That frees up space for a storage tray, adjustable cupholders, a volume knob, and a wireless phone charger. Climate functions still use hard switches and buttons, with standalone controls for easy access.
Another significant update is the introduction of a new steering wheel for all versions of the GLB. The standard AMG Performance steering wheel looked quite complex, with four cross spokes loaded with controls and two dials for adjusting vehicle settings. That said, everything is well labeled and nicely laid out, making the control placement convenient and intuitive.
Perry Stern
The Mercedes-Benz GLB's standard seats are stylish, environmentally friendly, and trimmed in MB-Tex synthetic leather with microfiber inserts. According to the automaker, the seat upholstery consists primarily of recycled materials.
My AMG GLB test vehicle came standard with sport seats, which, with the contrasting red stitching on the black upholstery, add a performance vibe to the cabin. The seats have comfortable padding without being too stiff, and the bolsters add support. Genuine leather is available.
The rear seats have the same sporty look and offer a comfortable space with good headroom and legroom. The seats can recline for added comfort and slide forward or aft to provide more cargo space, if necessary. The GLB is available with third-row seating, but my test vehicle did not have this option. A third row is unusual in an SUV this size, and not surprisingly, based on my experience in other GLB models, it offers limited legroom.
Perry Stern
Space Is King in the GLB
Although the GLB is a small SUV, it offers good storage space around the front seats. There's a deep bin below the center armrest, and with virtually no controls in the center console, there's room for a tray that works for storing small items, as well as the available wireless phone charger and cupholders. Wide pockets in the doors easily carry a large water bottle.
Behind the rear seats is 22 cubic-feet of room, which is more than enough for a few suitcases or multiple bags of groceries. Folding the rear seats increases the available space to 62 cu-ft. With the optional third row in place, there is only 12.4 cu-ft of room with all seats in use, meaning you can carry people or cargo but not both.
Perry Stern
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB MBUX Infotainment System Is Intuitive and Entertaining
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB gets an updated version of the MBUX infotainment system. The bright, clear screen features large icons that swipe to the left or right, making the system easy and intuitive to use. The cabin temperature setting remains static at the bottom of the screen, while shortcuts to smartphone projection and vehicle settings remain at the top.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are standard. I quickly connected my Samsung Galaxy S23+ via Bluetooth, opting to launch Android Auto immediately. Android Auto utilizes the entire screen, but a static home button remains in the top left, making it easy to return to the native MBUX environment.
With the center controller eliminated, you interact with the infotainment system via the touchscreen or the intelligent voice assistant. Say, "Hey, Mercedes," to activate the system, which responds to natural conversation requests quite well. When I said, "Hey, Mercedes, I need some coffee," it responded with a selection of locations where I could get my caffeine fix. I told the MBUX assistant which one I wanted to go to, and it set the destination in the navigation system, all without touching a button or looking away from the road.
Perry Stern
The GLB Provides Augmented Navigation to Prevent Getting Lost
One of my favorite features of the GLB is the navigation system with augmented video, which uses a forward-facing camera to enhance directions to your destination. I've used this feature in other Mercedes-Benz models, and it almost guarantees you won't get lost.
Using voice commands, I set a destination in the native navigation system. This doesn't work with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. When a turn or freeway exit approaches, the MBUX center display brings up a camera view looking forward from the front of the vehicle and overlays arrows and street names so it is crystal clear where to turn. As you get closer to the turn, the arrows move to hover over the planned route virtually.
Perry Stern
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB Advanced Safety Features
The GLB may be at the lower end of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, but it has a long list of standard and available advanced driver-assistance systems. Unusual standard features include Crosswind Assist, Exit Warning Assist, automatic brake drying, and driver monitoring systems.
My test vehicle had an optional Driver Assistance Package, which equipped the AMG GLB 35 with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, and speed limit assist. It also added Emergency Stop Assist, which can detect an unresponsive driver and bring the GLB to a safe stop with the hazard lights flashing as long as the adaptive cruise-control system is operating.
Driving the AMG GLB on Interstate 94 west of Detroit, I turned on the adaptive cruise control and set the speed to 70 mph via the steering-wheel controls. The lane-centering system worked well, keeping the GLB in the middle of the lane even when going around bends in the freeway, and the speed smoothly dropped when I approached a slower vehicle.
Rather than sitting behind the slower vehicle, I activated the left turn signal, and the GLB automatically steered into the next lane, centered itself, and resumed its original speed, all with ease and confidence. It is important to note that this is not a hands-free system, and sensors ensure that the driver always keeps at least one hand on the wheel.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't published crash-test ratings for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does not provide an overall safety rating for the GLB, the small SUV earned a five-star side-impact crash rating and a four-star rollover-resistance rating.
Perry Stern
Turbo Power Delivers AMG Performance
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine features a 48-volt hybrid system that uses a belt-driven starter/generator, providing a 13-hp boost under certain conditions while improving the engine stop-start operation.
A quick-shifting AMG-tuned eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends the power to all four wheels through the automaker's 4Matic AWD system.
Perry Stern
It May Be AMG Light, but Performance Is Stellar
Mercedes-AMG models often boast insane horsepower and acceleration, but the AMG GLB 35 is not one of them. While it is not a rocket, it does deliver satisfying performance. Acceleration feels strong with lightning-quick gear shifts and a pleasing exhaust note. Mercedes says the AMG GLB will deliver 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds, but it feels quicker from behind the wheel.
Choosing the Sport + mode via the dial on the steering wheel, I headed out on my favorite winding back road, which takes me to Hell, Michigan, and back. While it may have less power than other AMG models, the GLB 35 delivers the handling and outstanding driving characteristics you expect of a vehicle with those three letters on the back. Steering is quick and precise with good feedback, and the GLB felt solid when pushed through the corners with very little body lean.
Many of the roads in this area of Michigan are dirt and gravel, and the AMG GLB performed well on the loose surfaces. When launching from a stop, the AWD system provided plenty of grip to deliver speedy but stable acceleration, and the ride was surprisingly comfortable, even at higher speeds on rough roads.
Perry Stern
Leaving the back roads behind, I took the AMG GLB out on highway I-94 and set the drive mode to Comfort. The small crossover rapidly accelerates to highway speeds, and the ride is reasonably smooth and solid. However, on sections of the highway that need repair, the bumps were quite noticeable in the cabin but not so bad that I would call them uncomfortable, and the GLB never felt unsettled.
The EPA rates the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 at 21/26/23 mpg in city/highway/combined driving, less favorable than the GLB 250, which achieves 25/33/28 mpg. During my time in the GLB 35, the system indicated 22.8 mpg, which aligns with the EPA estimates.
Perry Stern
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB a Good SUV?
The 2024 GLB is indeed a good SUV, proving that an entry-level Mercedes is still a proper Mercedes. Its stylish design and cabin, replete with premium materials and high-tech features, deliver a high-end experience. Also, thanks to this year's updates, the GLB remains competitive with rivals in the small luxury SUV market, which includes models such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Cadillac XT4, Jaguar E-Pace, Lexus UX, and Volvo XC40.
Those alternatives are unavailable in a performance-tuned specification. That makes my favorite version of the Mercedes, the AMG GLB 35, one not to miss despite the hefty price bump it commands over the GLB 250.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
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