The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 makes for a proper family-oriented box-form SUV that comfortably seats five with the option for an additional two kid-sized passengers if you opt for the third-row seating option. A 2.0L 4-cylinder engine front-wheel drive configuration will come standard and $2,800 upgrades the GLB with a 4-Matic all-wheel drive system for added traction and stability.
INTERIOR
Thanks to its box-like form factor, the 2020 GLB 250 offers a spacious cabin that comfortably fits five full size passengers. Additional cargo space can be made by folding down the 40/20/40 split rear folding seats. Front passengers get a 12-way power adjustable and heated front seats with options for ventilated option for an extra $1,000.
Front passengers will also enjoy Mercedes’ in-house MBUX infotainment that features a wide-screen digital display that integrates both the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen as a single unit.
Overall, the interior remains in the basic realm of luxury. Still, various dimpled-design paneling, leather upholstery and brushed aluminum complete a buttoned-up German-made interior cosmetic design.
POWERTRAIN
The 2020 Mercedes GLB 250 gets a turbo charged 2.0L inline four cylinder engine that makes 221hp, with no other engine option upgrades available. The inline four is paired with a reputable 8-speed dual clutch transmission to help extract maximal power from the narrow power band of the 2.0L engine. While the engine configuration doesn’t make high horsepower, it will benefit from excellent fuel economy at an EPA rating of 23/31 mpg in the city and highway respectively.
Front-wheel drive will come standard, but we prefer upgrading to the 4-Matic all-wheel drive system for better immunity to slippery and wet conditions with its added traction and stability control.
Dynamic Select system that comes standard will also offer the ability to select Sport, Comfort and Eco mode that will configure the sensitivity of the throttle and steering response accordingly.
Overall, the drive feels responsive, smooth and spritely and definitely doesn’t feel like driving an SUV, other than the high up seating position. The relaxed steering, easy maneuverability and the zippy turbo makes driving the 2020 GLB a pleasure.
TRIMS AND OPTIONS
While only one trim is available, the 2020 GLB 250 is offered with a granularity of luxury and tech upgrades. For an extra $3,300, the Premium Package upgrades the standard 7” cluster and infotainment screen to a larger 10.25”, blind spot monitoring, and Mercedes’ LINGUATRONIC voice recognition system. Software navigation will also be available for an additional $1000.
Other options include exterior cosmetic upgrades with larger 19″ wheels, AMG styling, heated steering wheel, heads-up display and Burmester surround sound system. A third-row seat can be added for an additional $1,300, but we don’t recommend it unless they are reserved for small kids.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2020 Mercedes GLB 250 is a respectable entry point into the Mercedes SUV class that favors practicality within affordable proportions at a base price tag of $43,990 with 4-Matic AWD configured. While the more practical box-like form factor won’t win any particular design awards, the GLB 250 offers plenty of jazzy exterior upgrades to enhance it’s exterior appeal including available 19” wheels and AMG body styling available with the Sport or Night Package.
Fuel economy is also a plus in our books thanks to the miniature turbocharged 2.0L inline 4, but there’s no escape for the physical capability of small engine size as power quickly diminishes due to its narrow power band, despite its best efforts with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Still, the spacious interior and upright seating arrangement serves its primary design intent to offer plenty of growth for young families.
