The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class stands as a versatile and appealing option in the luxury SUV segment, slotting neatly between the GLA and GLC models in Mercedes’ extensive lineup. For those seeking a blend of practicality and performance, the AMG GLB 35 variant emerges as a compelling choice. However, with the allure of AMG comes a significant question: is the Mercedes Glb 350 Price justified by the enhancements it offers? This review delves into the details of the GLB 350, exploring its performance, features, and ultimately, its value proposition in relation to its price tag.
Pros of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class:
- Ample space for passengers and cargo, defying its subcompact classification.
- Robust overall performance, especially in the AMG GLB 35 guise.
- Exceptional comfort in ride quality and seat design.
- Equipped with cutting-edge technology and convenience features.
Cons to Consider:
- The base GLB 250 model can feel somewhat uninspired in driving dynamics.
- Option packages can rapidly inflate the price, pushing it beyond entry-level aspirations.
What’s New for the 2025 GLB-Class?
- The 2025 model year sees no major changes, following a recent refresh.
- This generation of GLB was initially introduced in 2020, establishing its presence in the market.
Overview of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB-Class occupies a unique position as Mercedes’ second smallest and second most affordable SUV, bridging the gap between the GLA and the more popular GLC. Interestingly, it closely mirrors the GLC in size and even cargo capacity, while offering a distinct boxy aesthetic that sets it apart from many curvier competitors. While it shares technological advancements with higher-tier Mercedes models, it understandably forgoes some of the outright luxury appointments to maintain its price point. The 2025 model year is a carryover from the refreshed version introduced the previous year, which brought updated styling and enhanced standard technology.
Cost Analysis: Is the Mercedes GLB 350 Price Competitive?
Understanding the cost is crucial when considering the Mercedes GLB 350. While specific pricing can vary based on location and options, the AMG GLB 35 naturally commands a higher price than the base GLB 250. This premium reflects the upgraded engine, performance-oriented AMG enhancements, and additional standard features. To assess its competitiveness, it’s essential to compare the Mercedes GLB 350 price against rivals in the performance subcompact SUV segment. Competitors like the BMW X1 M35i or Audi SQ3 offer similar performance levels, and a price comparison is necessary to determine where the GLB 350 stands in terms of value for money. Potential buyers should carefully weigh the cost against the features and performance benefits offered by the AMG variant to decide if the Mercedes GLB 350 price aligns with their budget and expectations.
Edmunds Spotlight: Versatility Redefined
Despite not being classified as a compact SUV like the Audi Q5 or BMW X3, the GLB cleverly packages similar interior space in a slightly smaller and more affordable footprint. Compared to subcompact SUVs such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, the GLB offers a noticeable increase in passenger and cargo room. A standout feature is the availability of an optional third-row seat, a rarity in this vehicle class, expanding seating capacity to seven, albeit best suited for children and with a compromise on cargo space when in use. The GLB range includes several versions: the standard GLB 250, the all-wheel-drive GLB 250 4Matic, the high-performance AMG GLB 35, and the all-electric EQB (reviewed separately). For those prioritizing performance, the AMG GLB 35 is the clear choice, but this naturally impacts the overall Mercedes GLB 350 price.
Considering the Competition
When exploring the realm of small luxury SUVs, the Mercedes GLB-Class faces a robust field of competitors. While the GLB is highly regarded, alternatives like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 are also strong contenders. For buyers needing more space, the compact luxury SUV category offers excellent options like the Genesis GV70, known for its value, and the Mercedes GLC, the GLB’s larger sibling. The redesigned 2025 BMW X3 also warrants consideration if it aligns with your budget. However, for those specifically seeking performance in a subcompact package, the AMG GLB 35 distinguishes itself, and the Mercedes GLB 350 price becomes a key factor when cross-shopping against performance-oriented versions of these competitors.
Edmunds Expert Rating: A Well-Rounded Luxury SUV
Great
8.1 out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The GLB earns its place as an appealing luxury SUV, particularly when considering its price point in the standard GLB 250 form. Its boxy design translates to practical advantages in passenger and cargo space, while still maintaining a manageable footprint. Coupled with advanced technology features, the GLB presents a compelling package in the small luxury SUV segment. The AMG GLB 35 elevates this appeal for driving enthusiasts, but naturally, the Mercedes GLB 350 price reflects these performance upgrades.
Rated by America’s best test team.
Performance: AMG GLB 35 Excitement
8/10
How does the GLB-Class drive? In evaluations, the GLB 250 achieves a 0-60 mph sprint in a respectable 6.5 seconds, placing it among the quicker vehicles in its class. While there’s a slight hesitation upon mashing the accelerator, smoother acceleration is easily achieved with measured pedal input. The standard GLB 250 prioritizes composed handling over outright excitement. However, the AMG GLB 35 transforms the driving experience. It boasts a significantly more potent engine and sport-tuned chassis, delivering thrilling acceleration and sharper handling. This enhanced performance is a core justification for the higher Mercedes GLB 350 price.
Comfort: A Smooth and Quiet Cabin
8.5/10
How comfortable is the GLB-Class? The GLB excels in ride comfort, providing a smooth and composed experience. The front seats are designed for long-distance comfort, remaining supportive even on extended drives. The cabin effectively isolates road noise, maintaining a serene atmosphere even at highway speeds and on imperfect road surfaces. The climate control system is also highly effective, ensuring consistent temperature regulation in diverse weather conditions. This focus on comfort extends across the GLB range, including the AMG GLB 35, making it a pleasant daily driver, even considering the sportier tuning of the AMG.
Interior: Practical and User-Friendly Design
8.5/10
How’s the interior? The GLB’s design prioritizes ease of entry and exit, thanks to its ride height and generously sized door openings. The interior layout is logically arranged, with controls that are intuitive and quickly mastered, minimizing driver distraction. The boxy silhouette maximizes interior space, surpassing many competitors in terms of passenger and cargo volume. Excellent outward visibility is another benefit of the tall windows. While minor details like undersized sun visors exist, the overall interior design is functional and well-executed. The AMG GLB 35 interior receives sporty enhancements, such as sport seats and unique trim, further justifying the Mercedes GLB 350 price for those seeking a more dynamic aesthetic.
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Value Proposition: Balancing Features and the Mercedes GLB 350 Price
Assessing the value of the AMG GLB 35 requires careful consideration of the Mercedes GLB 350 price against its feature set and performance. While the base GLB 250 offers a compelling entry point into the luxury SUV segment, the AMG variant elevates the driving experience significantly. The increased horsepower, sport-tuned suspension, and AMG-specific styling cues contribute to a more engaging and dynamic vehicle. However, this performance upgrade comes at a cost. Potential buyers must determine if the enhanced driving dynamics and exclusive AMG features justify the price jump from the standard GLB models. When compared to similarly priced performance SUVs, the GLB 35 holds its own, offering a unique blend of Mercedes luxury, practicality, and AMG performance. Ultimately, the “value” is subjective and depends on individual priorities and budgets.
National Average Price for the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Technology: Leading-Edge and User-Friendly
8.5/10
How’s the tech? The GLB shines in its technology offerings, featuring Mercedes’ acclaimed MBUX infotainment system, along with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. MBUX is widely recognized as one of the most intuitive and comprehensive systems available, offering multiple control methods, including voice commands. While voice command processing can occasionally exhibit a slight delay, accuracy is generally high. The GLB’s driver-assistance features are particularly noteworthy, with adaptive cruise control that functions effectively in both heavy traffic and open highway scenarios. Lane keeping assist, while occasionally assertive, generally performs well in maintaining lane position. These advanced tech features are standard or available across the GLB range, adding to the overall appeal, including the AMG GLB 35, where they complement the performance-oriented nature of the vehicle.
Storage: Boxy Design Maximizes Cargo Space
8/10
How’s the storage? The GLB’s boxy design truly pays dividends when it comes to cargo capacity. It readily accommodates large and bulky items, and the low cargo floor liftover height, coupled with a standard power liftgate, simplifies loading and unloading. Ample storage for personal items is also provided, with generously sized door pockets and a substantial center console bin. Thoughtful details like spring-loaded cupholder tabs further enhance practicality. For families, the GLB proves to be a capable hauler. While rear-facing infant seats can be accommodated, it may require adjusting rear and front seat positions. It’s worth noting that some car seat bases might present a slight challenge when latching onto the GLB’s car seat anchors. The practical storage solutions are a benefit across the GLB lineup, making it a versatile choice beyond just performance considerations of the AMG GLB 35.
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Fuel Economy: Respectable for its Class
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? EPA estimates for the GLB-Class reach up to 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is slightly above average for the subcompact luxury SUV category. Real-world driving experiences suggest that achieving the EPA figure is attainable with a mindful driving style. While fuel economy might not be the primary concern for AMG GLB 35 buyers, it’s still a relevant factor, and the GLB 35’s fuel consumption is reasonable for its performance level.
Value: A Balanced Offering
7.5/10
Is the GLB-Class a good value? The GLB effectively bridges the gap between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, presenting an attractive option for buyers seeking a balance of size, features, and price. However, exercising restraint with optional extras is advisable, as adding numerous options can quickly escalate the price, potentially pushing it into GLC territory, which offers a more refined experience. Compared to other extra-small luxury SUVs, the GLB might carry a slightly higher price tag, but this is often justified by its superior space, performance (especially in AMG guise), and comfort. While some material choices might reflect its entry-level positioning, the GLB generally conveys a sense of quality commensurate with its price point. The Mercedes GLB 350 price, while higher, brings significant performance gains, making it a potentially good value for driving enthusiasts within the luxury subcompact SUV segment.
Wildcard: Distinctive and Utilitarian Styling
8/10
The GLB’s upright and boxy styling distinguishes it from many of its curvier SUV counterparts, projecting a more traditional and utilitarian SUV aesthetic, which resonates with many buyers. While the GLB 250 might not be described as overtly “fun” to drive, the AMG GLB 35 variant injects a significant dose of excitement into the equation. The AMG GLB 35 caters to drivers seeking a more engaging and thrilling driving experience, justifying the Mercedes GLB 350 price for those prioritizing performance.
Which GLB-Class Model is Recommended?
For most buyers, the GLB 250 or GLB 250 4Matic (for all-wheel drive) represent the most sensible choices. These models come generously equipped with a comprehensive list of standard features and offer a range of option packages to personalize the vehicle. However, for those with a penchant for performance and the budget to match, the AMG GLB 35 emerges as the top recommendation. The Mercedes GLB 350 price reflects its enhanced performance capabilities and exclusive features, catering to driving enthusiasts seeking a sporty subcompact SUV.
Compare 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class trim levels Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Models: Trim Breakdown
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is primarily configured as a five-seat small luxury SUV, with an optional third-row seat expanding capacity to seven (suitable for children). Three main versions are available: GLB 250, GLB 250 4Matic, and AMG GLB 35.
The GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) supplemented by a mild hybrid system, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GLB 250 is front-wheel drive, while the GLB 250 4Matic incorporates all-wheel drive. The AMG GLB 35 boasts a performance-tuned version of this powertrain, generating 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Key standard features across the GLB 250 range include:
GLB 250 Standard equipment highlights:
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Power liftgate
- Keyless entry and start
- Heated seats
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Voice assistant
- Wireless charging pad
- 64-color ambient lighting
Standard driver aids:
- Forward collision mitigation
- Blind-spot warning
- Automated parking system
- Safe exit assist
- Parking sensors
- Driver attention warning
- Automatic high beams
GLB 250 4Matic Adds all-wheel drive to the GLB 250 feature set.
AMG GLB 35 Enhancements beyond the GLB 250 4Matic include:
- 19-inch wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- AMG sport-tuned all-wheel drive
- Adaptive sport suspension
- Front sport seats
- 12-speaker Burmester audio system
- Leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
- Surround-view camera system
Mercedes offers several option packages for further customization, including Driver Assistance, Exclusive Trim, Pinnacle, AMG Night, and Winter packages, allowing buyers to tailor the GLB to their specific preferences and needs. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of how options impact the final Mercedes GLB 350 price, especially when considering the AMG variant.
