Hi. I test drove a GLB yesterday in Downtown LA. I test drove three vehicles to compare: GLB, GLE 350, and GLE 450. They were all good vehicles. I'm considering the GLB but I may want the larger size of the GLE. And for the GLE the power of the 450 is very enticing compared to the 350. I will be upgrading from my 2009 ML 350 4MATIC, which is running well but doesn't have any of the current technology for safety and convenience.

 

Thanks for the report. I didn't see a GLC mentioned. Is it in your list to consider?

 

No, because the GLC doesn't have the updated tech like the GLE and GLB and I don't like the GLC body style.

 

Which tech options does the GLB/GLE offer that the GLC doesn't? Seeing as the GLB slots in under the GLC in the pricing scheme, I'm surprised they'd have better safety convenience options in the GLB than the GLC.

I will certainly agree to the styling of the GLC. Not a fan in the slightest. Wish the GLB had been built on the larger platform, and introduced *instead* of the GLC.

 

GLC does have the updated tech. check out the 2020 models

 

You are correct. The models I drove recently were fairly new loaner GLC's from the dealer, but they were 2019 so they didn't have the touchscreen.

 

While the 2020 GLC has the updated MBUX, they chose (for reasons unknown) to keep the standard dashboard config so you have two separate screens.
One stick-up in the center, and one wrapped in a traditional instrument cluster. IMO it looks ugly and not in line with ANY of the other new models.

 

I think I might take the GLB 250 for a test drive today. I saw it in person the other day but didn't have time for a test drive then. I have to say that after seeing it and viewing ALL of the available videos, on YouTube (especially for the new instrument panel) I'm 95% sure that this will be my next car very very soon. Moving from a traditional sedan and not having more than two occupants (typically) I feel the GLB is the "perfect" size for me, offers a lot of "luxury" AND best of all comes in at a great price point for me. I might break my long standing personal rule of never buying a 1st year production vehicle because I REALLY WANT ONE!!

 

“ 1st year production vehicle...” I was in the same boat but considering it uses the same engine (but tuned for GLB) in the GLA which has been around for a while. So hopefully they have already worked out the kinks with the engine. The 8 speed DCT looks like it’s the first run of it for this car.

 

To me the GLB feels like the lesser babka. Babka, yes. Lesser nonetheless. Exterior appearance is quite smart. Interior doesn't get the job done for me.

 

I like the exterior and interior of the GLB, with the exception that 3 persons in the rear seat may be tight. I asked for quotes from my dealer on a loaded GLB and not loaded GLE 450. I'd prefer to GLE for power but maybe I could get used to the 4 cylinder GLB. Hard step down in HP for me from my ML350 though, but the pricing of the GLE 450 putting me off a little.

 

As far as HP from ML/GLE to GLB....the GLB is a lighter car, so it maaaaybe ok.

 

That is what I was thinking! See below horsepower to curb weight ratios.

• GLB 250 has 221 hp for 3,638 lbs., .060
• GLE 350 has 255 hp for 4,696 lbs., .054
• GLE 450 has 362 hp for 4,991 lbs., .072

This is why I'm not considering the GLE 350, and I felt this difference when test driving them all. For reference, my 2009 ML350 is 268 hp for 4,795 lbs., giving a .055 ratio but it feel so much stronger than the GLE 350 I suppose because the ML is V-6.

 

They had an almost fully loaded GLB250 on the lot when I stopped in the other day to schedule a service appointment.

All the added options took it to just a few hundred $ below $50,000.

I was both impressed, and horrified that they managed to jam in almost $14,000 in options.

 

My wife is getting rid of her 2017 E300 and picking up a GLB. The E300 has been a pain in the rear. We hope the GLB will be better. We like the room in the GLB. We like the smaller size of the GLB. I'll give a rundown after we have had the GLB a while.

 

Looking forward to your review especially when it comes to power when you punch the pedal!

 

I just got a GLB on Jan. 26. I love it!

 

Pics please and congrats.

 

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