Mercedes-Benz GLB

Model Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a compact premium SUV under Mercedes-Benz, locally assembled (CKD) in China by Beijing Benz. Debuting in 2019 and launched locally in the same year, it is built on Mercedes-Benz's MFA2 platform. Distinctively standing out in the compact luxury SUV segment, the GLB offers both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, balancing boxy, rugged styling with practical cabin space. At the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2025, the updated Mercedes-Benz GLB officially went on sale, priced between RM311,900 and RM349,900. The lineup was streamlined from five variants to four with the addition of the GLB 220 Collector's Edition, while the GLB 200 Progressive and GLB 220 4MATIC were dropped, shifting the entire range to front-wheel drive (FWD). Key rivals include the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

Design Language

The GLB features an upright and rugged design language. The front end sports a polygonal radiator grille flanked by dual horizontal louvres, alongside squarish headlamp clusters housing signature L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs). Along the sides, clean character lines, a near-flat roofline, and an upright tailgate define its profile. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,638 mm in length, 1,834 mm in width, and 1,687 mm in height (1,706 mm for selected variants), riding on a 2,829 mm wheelbase. The GLB 220 Progressive features a 2+3+2 seven-seater layout, while the remaining variants are five-seaters. In December 2025, the all-new second-generation GLB made its global debut based on the modular MMA platform, growing to 4,732 mm in length, 1,861 mm in width, and 1,687 mm in height, with its wheelbase stretched by 60 mm to 2,889 mm.

Inside, the current GLB features a dual-screen cockpit comprising a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen, powered by the MBUX multimedia system with Apple CarPlay support. The second-generation model steps up to the MBUX Superscreen setup, integrating a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a dedicated 14-inch front passenger display.

Powertrain and Performance

The current GLB is available with two powertrain options. The GLB 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 120 kW (163 PS) and 270 Nm of torque (quoted as 250 Nm in certain data), paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The GLB 220 features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a 48V RSG mild-hybrid system, delivering 140 kW (190 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

In terms of fuel efficiency, the GLB 220 returns a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 6.94–7.1 L/100 km. It completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h.

The second-generation ICE-powered GLB will adopt an all-new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid setup, offered in 134 hp and 161 hp FWD outputs as well as a 188 hp AWD variant; the fully electric EV version will come standard with an 800V architecture and an 85 kWh battery pack, delivering a WLTP-rated range of 631 km.

Chassis and Handling

The current GLB sits on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Following the 2025 model year refresh, the entire lineup has moved exclusively to a front-wheel-drive layout, with the previous 4MATIC AWD variants discontinued. The chassis setup leans toward ride comfort, soaking up road undulations effectively. Steering duties are handled by an electric power steering (EPS) system. The second-generation model retains the front MacPherson and rear multi-link setup, while introducing a dedicated TERRAIN driving mode tailored for unpaved tracks and gravel roads.

Cabin and Equipment

The 2025 GLB adopts a "more kit, same price" value proposition. The GLB 200 Style adds 64-colour ambient lighting and heated front seats; the GLB 220 Style gains an electrically adjustable front passenger seat, Keyless-Go Comfort Package, Burmester surround sound system, and heated front seats; the GLB 220 Progressive adds Keyless-Go and the Burmester sound system. The GLB 220 Collector's Edition comes standard with the Collector's Edition Package (comprising MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey solid paint, Night Package, front wireless smartphone charging, dark-tinted privacy glass, and 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke light-alloy wheels) alongside the Parking Package with 360-degree camera.

Practicality-wise, the five-seater variant offers a boot capacity of 560 litres (540 litres in the second-gen model), expandable to 1,800 litres (1,715 litres in the second-gen) with the rear seats folded; the seven-seater model offers a standard boot volume of 480 litres. The second-generation model also introduces a smart electrochromic panoramic sunroof illuminated with 158 backlit Mercedes stars.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety equipment is comprehensive across the GLB range, with tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and Active Brake Assist fitted as standard. For ADAS, the 2025 model turns the previously optional Driving Assistance Package Plus into a standard fitment across the board, offering full Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities such as full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane centering, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and evasive steering assist.

The second-generation GLB upgrades its sensor suite to 10 exterior cameras, 5 radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, enabling point-to-point navigation pilot assist in both urban and highway conditions.

Market Performance and Verdict

The GLB’s sales momentum peaked at 3,432 units in December 2025 before softening, recording 1,012 units across the range in May 2026. Industry observers attribute this slowdown partly to the removal of the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive variants. That said, dealership discounts remain aggressive, with cash rebates exceeding RM100,000 on selected variants, pushing the entry-level baseline price down to just above the RM200,000 mark.

Motoring media review the GLB favourably as the only luxury compact SUV in its segment to offer seven seats, with its boxy stance and versatile practicality remaining its core selling points. However, the third row remains strictly for short trips or occupants under 170 cm in height. Serving as a late-lifecycle refresh for the current generation, the updated GLB sharpens its competitive edge through enhanced standard equipment at no extra cost. With the all-new second-generation GLB already unveiled globally, this popular compact SUV is well on track for a comprehensive next-gen evolution.