I have a soft spot for boxy cars. They look tough. They look useful. That is why I was excited to drive the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB. People call it the “Baby G-Wagon” because it has that square shape, but it costs way less money.
I spent a week with the GLB 250 4MATIC to see if it is just a cute face or a real luxury SUV. If you are a parent looking for a fancy school bus, or just someone who wants a tall car, this review is for you.
Quick Spec Table
Here is the data for the car nerds.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder + Mild Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or 4MATIC (AWD) |
| 0-60 MPH | ~6.9 seconds |
| MPG (Est.) | 24 City / 32 Hwy |
| Cargo Space | 22 cu ft (seats up) / 62 cu ft (folded) |
| Seating | 5 standard / 7 optional |
| Base Price | ~$45,800 |
What is the GLB?
The GLB is a small luxury SUV. It sits between the tiny GLA and the bigger GLC. But here is the magic trick: it is the only one in its class that offers three rows of seats. Yes, you can fit 7 people in this small car. (Well, maybe 5 people and 2 very small people. I will explain later).
For 2025, Mercedes gave it some nice updates. It has a new “mild hybrid” engine to save gas, and the big screens inside are now standard. It feels very modern.
Exterior Design: Cute but Tough
I love the way this car looks. Most SUVs today look like jelly beans. They are round and smooth. The GLB is square. It stands up straight.
The Front
The grill is upright and bold. The headlights are square-ish. It looks like a bulldog. My test car had the “Night Package,” which makes all the chrome parts black. It looked very sharp.
The Shape
Because the roof is flat, it does not slope down at the back. This is good for two reasons:
- It looks cool.
- It gives you more headroom inside.
The wheels are pushed to the corners, so it looks stable. It is not a huge car—it is actually easy to park—but it looks bigger than it is.
Interior: Screens and Lights
Mercedes is killing it with interiors right now. When you open the door, it looks like a spaceship.
The Screens
There are two 10.25-inch screens. They sit next to each other behind one piece of glass. It looks very expensive. The graphics are bright and colorful. You can control them by touching the screen, using a touchpad on the steering wheel, or just talking to the car.
The Vents
The air vents are round and look like jet turbines. At night, they light up! The ambient lighting in this car is amazing. You can choose from 64 colors. My kids made me change it to purple, then blue, then red. It makes driving at night very fun.
The Quality
Most of the materials feel soft. The steering wheel is wrapped in nice leather. However, if you look down near your feet, there is some hard plastic. It is not perfect, but it is good for the price.
Also Read My Review of the 2026 Mercedes E-Class: The Smartest Car I Have Ever Driven
The 3rd Row: The Big Question
Okay, let’s talk about those extra seats.
My test car had the optional third row. It costs about $850 extra.
Is it usable? Barely.
I tried to sit back there. I am 6 feet tall. It was impossible. My knees were hitting my chin.
These seats are strictly for small children. If you have kids who are 6 or 7 years old, they will fit fine. But teenagers? No way.
Also, when the third row is up, you have almost no trunk space. You can maybe fit two backpacks.
But, if you only need the seats for emergencies (like bringing a friend’s kid home from soccer), it is a great feature to have. Just don’t plan on using them every day.
Driving Impressions: Peppy and Solid
I drove the GLB 250 4MATIC. This means it has All-Wheel Drive.
The Engine
It has a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. It has 221 horsepower.
For 2025, it has a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This adds a little electric boost when you start moving. It makes the car feel smoother in city traffic.
It is not a race car, but it is peppy. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds. That is plenty fast for merging on the highway.
The Ride
Because the car is tall and boxy, I thought it would lean a lot in corners. But it actually handles well. The steering is light and easy. The suspension soaks up bumps nicely. It feels solid, like a German car should.
The Noise
On the highway, there is a little bit of wind noise because of the square shape. But it is not bad. You can still talk to your passengers without shouting.
Technology: “Hey Mercedes”
The tech is very smart. You can say “Hey Mercedes,” and the car listens.
- “Hey Mercedes, I am cold.” (She turns up the heat).
- “Hey Mercedes, find a pizza place.” (She puts it on the map).
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. This is a big win. You don’t need to fumble with cables. You just get in, and your Spotify is on the screen.
Practicality: The Cargo King
If you don’t use the third row, the GLB is very practical.
Because the shape is boxy, you can fit tall things in the trunk.
- Seats Up: You have about 22 cubic feet of space. Good for a big grocery run.
- Seats Down: You get 62 cubic feet. I fit a new office chair box in there easily.
The second row of seats can slide forward and backward. This is very helpful. If you have tall people in the back, you slide it back. If you need more trunk space, you slide it forward.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 GLB comes in three main flavors.
- GLB 250: The base model with Front-Wheel Drive. Starts around $45,800.
- GLB 250 4MATIC: The one I drove. It adds All-Wheel Drive for about $2,000 more. I recommend this one if you live where it rains or snows.
- AMG GLB 35: The sporty one. It has 302 horsepower and is much faster. But it starts over $60,000. That is a lot of money.
Watch Out for Options:
Mercedes options are expensive.
- You want the sunroof? Extra.
- You want heated seats? Extra (sometimes).
- You want the fancy cruise control? Extra.My test car had a sticker price of almost $55,000. Be careful with the checklist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the third row worth the money?
A: Only if you have small kids. If you are all adults, skip it. You get more trunk space without it.
Q: Does it have a spare tire?
A: No. It uses “Run-Flat” tires. If you get a flat, you have to drive to a shop. There is no spare in the trunk.
Q: Is it reliable?
A: It is average. The engine is solid, but the electronics can sometimes be glitchy. Make sure you do the maintenance on time.
Q: Should I buy this or the GLC?
A: The GLC is more luxurious and smoother, but it only has 5 seats and costs more. Buy the GLB if you want more space and a cooler “boxy” look for less money.
Final Verdict
Is the 2025 Mercedes GLB worth it?
Yes.
It is one of the most useful cars Mercedes makes. It has a lot of personality. It is not just another boring crossover.
It drives well, it looks great, and the interior feels special.
If you are a young family, this is perfect. It is small enough to park in the city but big enough to carry all your baby gear. Just be careful with the options, and don’t expect adults to sit in the third row.
If you want a luxury car that is also a little bit fun and funky, the GLB is the one to get.
