Bingo. He succinctly hit all the high and the low points. I could tell that I was in total sync with him because at the end, I started to finish his sentence. Great reviewer!
We have a GLB 4 matic and it does everything well. The options do jack up the price but it is that way in almost all German cars. Like how the 8 speed double clutch auto always shifts quick and smooth, always in the right gear for the smooth torque curve. Rode in a Highlander hybrid, pretty boring compared to this ute
Seems like a negative reviewer. I got this SUV because I loved the interior room for super tall (partner is 6'9") people and good fuel economy. It also has lots of torque and offers a nice infotainment system. I switched from the Lexus NX hybrid to this and won't be going back anytime soon. I also test drove a highlander which was trash in my opinion.
I don’t think it’s a negative review, it’s just as it is. I do have the same car and color, I like it so far and the only thing I don’t like is the seating comfort and hood looks low (maybe they purposely made like that to looks like a lower end).
Thanks for all that info and great video in just six minutes! This was a great look at a car that really fascinates me, as a nerdy fan of small three-rows. I have spent a lot of time configuring my fantasy model. It comes in at about $48k. Based on your review, I am not sure I’d be happier in this car as opposed to my Sorento once I got over how pretty the Benz is (here we differ: I’ve never seen it in person, but to me it looks gorgeous, especially in Denim Blue). I think I’d be annoyed by the tech interface, and I’m not the type to suffer that (and pay the price premium) just for beauty and the badge. When the time comes (in several years), we’ll see. If I no longer need the third row, then this thing will drop right off the list.
i was so excited about my GLB and i love it and think it’s an amazing entry level mid size suv especially when you add on most of the options. this review just made me kind of hate it :/ this is my first mercedes coming from toyota and i was amazed by all it had to offer that my toyota’s never had
Dude don't hate! it is a class leading vehicle in it's category. Also, you're getting one of the most premium brands at such a bargain price. People who criticize Mercedes haven't owned a brand new one and if they did, they drive it like they drive a Honda. The GLB is the most practical of the SUVs. You're getting a baby GLS and that's a huge compliment. MB wants you to get a taste, and trust me, after driving MB, it's hard to drive other cars and brands. Long story short, don't listen to this guy, you made a good choice.
Interesting timing on this review. I took our leased GLC in for it's 2 year service and got a GLA loaner today. I don't care what MB tries marketing the GLA as - it's an economy car. It's MUCH smaller on the inside than the GLC, has a more sporty drive, but inexplicably gets worse mileage than the much heavier GLC. GLA is a cramped car - no getting around that. I can't believe the GLA stickers for 35k base. No way is it worth that. It's about as good as a base Jetta or Civic, cars that cost about 10k less, and even then, I'd prefer those other options. I'd be curious to check out the GLB as size-wise, it's a closer match to the GLC. Steve's review here doesn't fill one with excitement to check it out.
I love the GLC! I ended up with the GLB because when leasing it the residual value was 9% higher at the end of the lease and that saved me quite a bit of money over 36months. GLB back seat feels bigger than the GLC and that mattered to me because we are a family of super tall people. The GLC turbo I had as a rental car definitely went faster than my GLB ;-)
hmmm, you seem to be in the decided minority among car reviewers. I cant seem to find any other reviewer that is negative on this model. I have spoken with other owners (5 overall) and they like it very much so far. including three who previously owned lexus. the owners and nearly all reviewers specifically noted the upright boxy styling as preferable, more utilitarian, to the bubble/rounded look.
He's a hypercritical idiot that's why. I own a 2020 GLB 4matic and LOVE IT! It's smooth, it's roomy, surprisingly quick and a great highway cruiser. Took my first road trip from San Francisco to Palm Springs and enjoyed every mile. The seat kinetics setting was a lumbar and bum saver too! I have zero complaints.
So that’s the true catch. 37K for tires and doors. Everything else is a option that you pay extra for. So the price of the car will always be at least 50 K or more
Anyone here driven a Mercedes into deep snow or mud? I used to own an AWD Acura. It was fantastic in snow. I will be buying another one soon. Am wondering what Mercedes owners think, of their AWD system?
Currently own a 300c 4matic and glc 4matic. With winter tires., they're both mountain pass demons. The glc, surprisingly good snow/mud on say, logging roads if youre not a moron.. Again, correct tires are the main thing. For reference, I previously owned a Nissan 4wd then a Jeep when I was more of an off roader. Seriously bro, get the right tool for the job. If you're gonna do some bogging and crawling, get a 4WD not an AWD. If all you doing is going back roads for skiing to Tahoe or Bear, 4Matic with winter tires rocks. Edit: when you said deep mud and snow, I inferred you were thinking off roading. but when I saw you baselining it to an Acura, maybe you were talking a road going vehicle? apologize if i misunderstood your question.
Show me a Mercedes with less than 25% of "starts at MSRP" in options, and you'll see a car that will make daily use less desirable and few clients will want. Why do luxury cars not include luxury items standard? To much al-a-cart is a bad thing.
I'm afraid I have to disagree with your statement of aesthetically challenged, I own a 2020 and am very happy with it, and feel that it is a better-looking car than many other models. I do agree that the many controls are not intuitive, and road noise is rather noticeable inside the cabin.
Nikele Schwendiman they do look pretty similar and almost every interior does now too. I noticed how much the new CLA looks like the CLS, I appreciate the love Mercedes is giving their ‘lower class’ models
What you have here is a car reviewer who is not really reviewing cars but really just working on his own brand as a reviewer. You can always tell, they give you the condescending comments instead keeping with the specifics of the car.
I have no idea what the hell you just said because it makes no sense but whatever you want to believe, man. I’ve been doing this for 23 years. And I’m one of the few reviewers who will actually give you honest opinions, unlike some others who are beholden to the car dealers they get their vehicles from.
I bought the GLB and definitely would have considered a Kia, Toyota or Subaru. Just did not like them (and I tried). Telluride was nice but bigger and more expensive than the GLB.
Mercedes-Benz is living off the name only. They are over priced with tons of cheap materials. You will notice this when you step in a 4 or 5 years old Mercedes
They expect customers to lease only; then return in 2-3 years and lease again. Rinse and repeat. Their overpriced nature gets lost in the lower lease payment, so tack on all the options you want...
Couldn’t agree with you more! I have the 2013 c300 sport and getting into “newer” models definitely feels much cheaper and is making me shy away from it unfortunately. I do love the styling of this model tho
This feels like one that looks much better in pictures. It's brawny and elegant looking in print, but then in person the scaling is off and it looks derpy.
I have a 2020 GLE. I feel the GLA GLB GLC GLE and GLS all look so similar but each is bigger than the previous level. And each has similar tech too. Looking at the the whole range of Mercedes SUVs reminds me of textbook diagrams showing how humans evolved from monkeys. Anyways I agree. You get the GLB bc you want to join the Mercedes club. But if membership is not your thing the Highlander and the For Explorer both give much bigger bang for the buck. And they’re bigger too.
He was wrong. They start at $39k with mid-range being $45k. I bought one 2 months ago & it drives like a dream. Also has tons more bells & whistles than he showed.
A lot of people will choose this Mercedes GLB over a fully loaded Acura RDX. It’s really sad 😞 some people rather have a luxury name, over what’s truly matter.
The dated exterior doesn't match the attractive interior, especially the grille. Give it the AMG straight lines grille, and it would be improved dramatically. At this price point, I'd go for the Lexus RX~
Great review. Love the way you articulate the pros and cons.
This review is a perfect example why I am a big fan and subscriber.
Thanks, Ben!
Bingo. He succinctly hit all the high and the low points. I could tell that I was in total sync with him because at the end, I started to finish his sentence. Great reviewer!
We have a GLB 4 matic and it does everything well. The options do jack up the price but it is that way in almost all German cars. Like how the 8 speed double clutch auto always shifts quick and smooth, always in the right gear for the smooth torque curve. Rode in a Highlander hybrid, pretty boring compared to this ute
The GLB is basically a baby GLS. Any other SUV in this category is SOOOOOOOO boring to drive.
@@maddcrz AMG SUV's look promising...but other than that if you want a fun drive you should not be driving a UTE. The GLB is my wife's car.
Seems like a negative reviewer. I got this SUV because I loved the interior room for super tall (partner is 6'9") people and good fuel economy. It also has lots of torque and offers a nice infotainment system. I switched from the Lexus NX hybrid to this and won't be going back anytime soon. I also test drove a highlander which was trash in my opinion.
You forgot bitter and old.
Would a 6.4 driver seat comfortably . Thanks in advance
I got the same vibes lol he really didn’t say anything positive
I don’t think it’s a negative review, it’s just as it is. I do have the same car and color, I like it so far and the only thing I don’t like is the seating comfort and hood looks low (maybe they purposely made like that to looks like a lower end).
Thanks for all that info and great video in just six minutes!
This was a great look at a car that really fascinates me, as a nerdy fan of small three-rows. I have spent a lot of time configuring my fantasy model. It comes in at about $48k. Based on your review, I am not sure I’d be happier in this car as opposed to my Sorento once I got over how pretty the Benz is (here we differ: I’ve never seen it in person, but to me it looks gorgeous, especially in Denim Blue). I think I’d be annoyed by the tech interface, and I’m not the type to suffer that (and pay the price premium) just for beauty and the badge. When the time comes (in several years), we’ll see. If I no longer need the third row, then this thing will drop right off the list.
Thanks, Andy!! I wish I liked it more because it looks very promising on paper.
i was so excited about my GLB and i love it and think it’s an amazing entry level mid size suv especially when you add on most of the options. this review just made me kind of hate it :/ this is my first mercedes coming from toyota and i was amazed by all it had to offer that my toyota’s never had
most reviews are positive.. this one , is strangely different. i guess its a matter of taste
Dude don't hate! it is a class leading vehicle in it's category. Also, you're getting one of the most premium brands at such a bargain price. People who criticize Mercedes haven't owned a brand new one and if they did, they drive it like they drive a Honda. The GLB is the most practical of the SUVs. You're getting a baby GLS and that's a huge compliment. MB wants you to get a taste, and trust me, after driving MB, it's hard to drive other cars and brands. Long story short, don't listen to this guy, you made a good choice.
Interesting timing on this review. I took our leased GLC in for it's 2 year service and got a GLA loaner today. I don't care what MB tries marketing the GLA as - it's an economy car. It's MUCH smaller on the inside than the GLC, has a more sporty drive, but inexplicably gets worse mileage than the much heavier GLC. GLA is a cramped car - no getting around that. I can't believe the GLA stickers for 35k base. No way is it worth that. It's about as good as a base Jetta or Civic, cars that cost about 10k less, and even then, I'd prefer those other options. I'd be curious to check out the GLB as size-wise, it's a closer match to the GLC. Steve's review here doesn't fill one with excitement to check it out.
I love the GLC! I ended up with the GLB because when leasing it the residual value was 9% higher at the end of the lease and that saved me quite a bit of money over 36months. GLB back seat feels bigger than the GLC and that mattered to me because we are a family of super tall people. The GLC turbo I had as a rental car definitely went faster than my GLB ;-)
Depends.... The 2019 and prior GLA yes. Utter piece of crap.
hmmm, you seem to be in the decided minority among car reviewers. I cant seem to find any other reviewer that is negative on this model. I have spoken with other owners (5 overall) and they like it very much so far. including three who previously owned lexus. the owners and nearly all reviewers specifically noted the upright boxy styling as preferable, more utilitarian, to the bubble/rounded look.
He's a hypercritical idiot that's why. I own a 2020 GLB 4matic and LOVE IT! It's smooth, it's roomy, surprisingly quick and a great highway cruiser. Took my first road trip from San Francisco to Palm Springs and enjoyed every mile. The seat kinetics setting was a lumbar and bum saver too! I have zero complaints.
So that’s the true catch. 37K for tires and doors. Everything else is a option that you pay extra for. So the price of the car will always be at least 50 K or more
Excellent review Steve
Thank you kindly
IMO, this is one of the best new vehicles you can get below $50k
I love the mini-GLS look
... $50k buys you a lot of telluride or palisade too.
@@K03sport Those new SUVs are great, and also are among the best vehicles under $50k you can buy.
@@InvestBetter. but those other suvs don't have a badge that tells the rest of my instagram followers that I've made it.
You will see a lot of 50k millionaires driving these around Southern California soon.
Summary: $30k car, $20k badge.
Terrible 🙈
What do you think of the 2021 GLA?
I've only driven the CLA: ruclips.net/video/qgxIfNljQ3g/видео.html
Anyone here driven a Mercedes into deep snow or mud? I used to own an AWD Acura. It was fantastic in snow. I will be buying another one soon. Am wondering what Mercedes owners think, of their AWD system?
Currently own a 300c 4matic and glc 4matic. With winter tires., they're both mountain pass demons. The glc, surprisingly good snow/mud on say, logging roads if youre not a moron.. Again, correct tires are the main thing. For reference, I previously owned a Nissan 4wd then a Jeep when I was more of an off roader. Seriously bro, get the right tool for the job. If you're gonna do some bogging and crawling, get a 4WD not an AWD. If all you doing is going back roads for skiing to Tahoe or Bear, 4Matic with winter tires rocks.
Edit: when you said deep mud and snow, I inferred you were thinking off roading. but when I saw you baselining it to an Acura, maybe you were talking a road going vehicle? apologize if i misunderstood your question.
Show me a Mercedes with less than 25% of "starts at MSRP" in options, and you'll see a car that will make daily use less desirable and few clients will want. Why do luxury cars not include luxury items standard? To much al-a-cart is a bad thing.
I agree that why Infiniti and Lexus win in that department they come equipped
Excellent review.....when are you reviewing the genesis GV 80?
I was at the reveal in Miami back in January so now I'm just waiting for it to hit my press fleet.
Steve Hammes New Car Reviews my coworker debating btw lease Benz glb or genesis gv 80, which would you recommend?
I'm afraid I have to disagree with your statement of aesthetically challenged, I own a 2020 and am very happy with it, and feel that it is a better-looking car than many other models. I do agree that the many controls are not intuitive, and road noise is rather noticeable inside the cabin.
1:44 umm that’s a GLE on the screen🤔
The GLB is seriously a mini GLE. There are videos comparing them and they look almost identical.
Good eye!
Nikele Schwendiman they do look pretty similar and almost every interior does now too. I noticed how much the new CLA looks like the CLS, I appreciate the love Mercedes is giving their ‘lower class’ models
radudeATL thank you lol
Wireless car play does exist through bluetooth mode🤗
Unless I missed it, the GLB only supports wired CarPlay.
@@stevehammes you have to go into media, select bluetooth devices, etc. to access wireless car play
I just picked my GBL last week and it's like every other Mercedes infotainment
Steve Hammes New Car Reviews WRONG!
@@pleasejoe The audio will play via Bluetooth so while you can hear the Apple Maps navigation, it doesn’t project the CarPlay visuals.
What you have here is a car reviewer who is not really reviewing cars but really just working on his own brand as a reviewer.
You can always tell, they give you the condescending comments instead keeping with the specifics of the car.
I have no idea what the hell you just said because it makes no sense but whatever you want to believe, man. I’ve been doing this for 23 years. And I’m one of the few reviewers who will actually give you honest opinions, unlike some others who are beholden to the car dealers they get their vehicles from.
Telluride is a better deal but sadly most MB drivers won't be caught dead in a Kia.
Telluride is also bigger, this is marketed as a crossover not a full size SUV.
@@TheTruth-qu4xx the telluride is mid size
I bought the GLB and definitely would have considered a Kia, Toyota or Subaru. Just did not like them (and I tried). Telluride was nice but bigger and more expensive than the GLB.
Mercedes-Benz is living off the name only. They are over priced with tons of cheap materials. You will notice this when you step in a 4 or 5 years old Mercedes
They expect customers to lease only; then return in 2-3 years and lease again. Rinse and repeat. Their overpriced nature gets lost in the lower lease payment, so tack on all the options you want...
Couldn’t agree with you more! I have the 2013 c300 sport and getting into “newer” models definitely feels much cheaper and is making me shy away from it unfortunately. I do love the styling of this model tho
This feels like one that looks much better in pictures. It's brawny and elegant looking in print, but then in person the scaling is off and it looks derpy.
Question? Where have you been???
Damn! 50+ grand in. 2 years want be worth 29 smh
Yeah no way I would spend 50k for a 4 banger.
I have a 2020 GLE. I feel the GLA GLB GLC GLE and GLS all look so similar but each is bigger than the previous level. And each has similar tech too. Looking at the the whole range of Mercedes SUVs reminds me of textbook diagrams showing how humans evolved from monkeys. Anyways I agree. You get the GLB bc you want to join the Mercedes club. But if membership is not your thing the Highlander and the For Explorer both give much bigger bang for the buck. And they’re bigger too.
The GLB is like a mini GLE but cheaper.
Steve I believe its pronounced M-B-U-X not M-BUX
Correct. I just used some slang ;-)
How about mmmm-bucks? ;-)
The proportions look odd to me. The wheelbase is far too long. It has the same awkward side profile that those long wheelbase Chevy Trailblazers have.
Totally anonymous
I'd go get a RAV4 TRD instead.
Why in the hell are car maker using usb-c inputs instead of usb-a, which every single person in the world has a cable for? I don't understand.
That's what I always think!
because times change and now USB C is a standard?
At that price, you can get a Genesis GV80. You really have to be badge blind to get a GLB at this point
Vlad Saghin Hyundai suspended its production of gv80 because of suspected engine malfunction. Hyundai for prestige? Nope...
What the price😅
50k?? That’s insulting. Pass
It's a Mercedes...like.....buy a Japanese car then.
He was wrong. They start at $39k with mid-range being $45k. I bought one 2 months ago & it drives like a dream. Also has tons more bells & whistles than he showed.
A lot of people will choose this Mercedes GLB over a fully loaded Acura RDX.
It’s really sad 😞 some people rather have a luxury name, over what’s truly matter.
The dated exterior doesn't match the attractive interior, especially the grille. Give it the AMG straight lines grille, and it would be improved dramatically. At this price point, I'd go for the Lexus RX~
Agreed.
Great review.
This sounds like a terrible car!! And so overpriced. Scrap it
Mercedes SUVs are plain ugly with the exception of the G class.