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The Mercedes GLB X247 has a double personality and is developing a third because it looks more like the successor to the GLK than the GLC, which is the actual successor. So, we need to see what’s going on with the GLB.

As I wrote in the GLC article, around 2015, Mercedes decided to revamp their SUV and crossover names based on the cars they were derived from. Thus, the GLK transformed into the GLC because it’s the crossover version of the C-Class, the GLA is the crossover version of the A-Class, the GLE is the crossover/SUV version of the E-Class, the GLS is the SUV version of the S-Class, and the GLB is based on the B-Class platform. It competes with the Qashqai and Sportage, and perhaps its most direct rival, the Land Rover Discovery Sport, in a sea of crossovers where the Discovery and GLB stand out.

Why buy a GLB over something else?

• It’s probably the most utility-focused Mercedes in the premium crossover lineup. It looks utilitarian, has small, efficient engines that are not very sporty, and the suspension is not sporty either. This wouldn’t be a bad thing if it didn’t start at 40,000 pounds new and about 24,000 pounds used. If you want a utilitarian vehicle, you don’t go for a premium brand. I’m a bit confused.


• However, it’s one of the few crossovers in its class that offers a 7-seater option. The only other one that comes to mind is the Discovery Sport, which costs about the same as the GLB and is much less reliable, especially from 2019 onwards, since the legendary 2.2 diesel with manual transmission was retired. But now I’m getting lost in thoughts about the Discovery Sport.


• The Mercedes GLB maintains its utilitarian character through simplicity. It offers one 2 litre diesel engine and two petrol engines, plus a hybrid option. It only comes with automatic transmissions—either 7-speed or 8-speed—and an optional 4×4 system. They’ve managed to keep the car’s weight very low (it weighs about the same as an Octavia II estate 4×4), even though it’s larger than the GLA and very close to the GLC in size, while offering 7 seats.

Mercedes GLB X247 Engines

Gasoline:

• 1.33 Turbo M282 Mild Hybrid with 136 and 163 horsepower – The M282 engine, also known as the 1.3 TCe from Renault, is widely used in the Renault-Nissan-Mercedes group, from the Duster to the Megane to the Arkana to the Mercedes GLB. Yes, it’s assisted by the Mild Hybrid system but it feels like it’s included mainly due to new hybridization and emission requirements. It has no specific issues but isn’t necessarily recommended for the GLB, especially if you plan to load it with 7 passengers and luggage.


• 2.0 Turbo M260 with 190, 224, and 306 horsepower – The pre-facelift versions up to 2023 manage on their own, and from 2023 onwards, they get two electric motors for a hybrid system. The power remains the same, but consumption decreases. This is important for the GLB, especially when you’re paying 50-60,000 pounds for a stretched B-Class. There’s also the 306 horsepower GLB35 AMG, which can keep up with a 300 horsepower 5 Series E60 535i.

Diesel:

2.0d OM654 with 115, 150, and 190 horsepower – Honestly, they should have sold the GLB only with this engine. Maybe not the 115 horsepower version, but the 150 and 190 horsepower versions are all you need for the GLB. It’s a modern engine, probably the last diesel developed by Mercedes, and it has no specific reliability issues. However, like the 2 litre petrol, it’s very complex and repairs can be costly.

Mercedes GLB X247 Reliability Issues

• The build quality can be questionable, but this applies to all modern cars really. However, you’d expect better from the GLB. Poor sound insulation at high speeds is a serious issue however for the GLB and unacceptable at this sort of money.


• The 7G-Tronic automatic transmission has proven reliable since it’s an older model, but the new 8-speed dual-clutch 8G-Tronic DCT is still too new to comment on. Why wasn’t the 9G-Tronic automatic offered? We’ll never know. 


• Yes, it comes with a 7-seater option but it’s more of a 5+2 setup, with the rear seats suitable for children or friends you don’t like much. The seats are fine for short trips, but not for vacations.

Mercedes GLB X247 Verdict

I’m not sure exactly for whom the Mercedes GLB X247 is aimed at, but it’s clear there’s a target audience. And why wouldn’t there be? It has a fuel efficient 2 litre diesel engine, an automatic transmission, acres of space, the ability to host 7 passengers or a lot of luggage, and it’s a Mercedes. Is there anything it can’t do? Apart from the price, I don’t have many objections.

Which engines do I recommend? The 2.0 diesel with either 150 or 190 horsepower, as the rest are honestly just gimmicks for the type of vehicle the GLB is presenting itself to be.