2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

2024 is the facelift year of the first-generation X247, and it brought in the 48V mild-hybrid 2.0L turbo I4. The GLB 250 is rated at 221 hp; the AMG GLB 35 tops the range at 302 hp.

The mild-hybrid 2.0L turbo makes 258 lb-ft from low rpm, which is competitive for the subcompact luxury class.

The manufacturer-quoted 0–60 time for the volume GLB 250 4MATIC is 6.9 s, mid-pack for the class. Instrumented tests of the earlier GLB 250 ran about 6.0 s, and the AMG GLB 35 is quoted at 5.1 s.

The new 48V starter-generator smooths stop-start and adds low-end assist, and the engine is quiet at a cruise. Reviewers still find the 2.0L coarse when worked hard and slightly hesitant off the line.

The 8-speed dual-clutch shifts quickly at speed but can be jerky and hesitant in low-speed stop-and-go traffic, a recurring complaint about Mercedes' MFA2 models.

A hitch-equipped GLB 250 4MATIC is commonly rated at 3,500 lbs braked, which is strong for the class. Mercedes-Benz USA does not prominently publish the US tow rating.

4MATIC AWD is optional on the GLB 250 (FWD is the base) and standard on the AMG GLB 35. It works well in bad weather but has no low range or advanced terrain hardware.

A road-focused crossover with about 7.9 in of maximum ground clearance and roughly 18° approach/departure angles. The optional Off-Road Engineering package adds an off-road drive mode and downhill speed regulation, but there are no lockers and no off-road trim.

For 2024 the US GLB offers only two tunes of the same 2.0L turbo mild hybrid (GLB 250 at 221 hp, AMG GLB 35 at 302 hp). The electric version was sold separately as the EQB.

The volume GLB 250 4MATIC (2.0L turbo mild hybrid, 8-speed DCT) is EPA-rated at 27 MPG combined; the FWD GLB 250 gets 28.

This is the EPA city rating for the 4MATIC volume trim; AWD costs 1 MPG against FWD.

This is the EPA highway rating for the 2024 4MATIC volume trim, 1 MPG below FWD (and below the 2025 4MATIC's 33).

Calculated from the EPA combined rating and the 15.9-gallon (60 L) tank; the FWD version reaches about 445 miles.

This is EPA's annual fuel-cost estimate for the volume 4MATIC trim at standard assumptions, raised by the premium fuel requirement.

Every 2024 GLB, from the GLB 250 to the AMG GLB 35, requires premium unleaded, which makes it more expensive to fuel than rivals that accept regular.

NHTSA tested the 2024 GLB for side impact (5 stars) and rollover (4 stars) but never published a frontal or overall rating, so the overall value is 0 = not rated.

IIHS has never crash-tested the first-generation GLB, so the 2024 model has no award and no small-overlap, moderate-overlap or updated side results; held at the top of the untested band because the shared MFA2 structure earned 5 stars from Euro NCAP and NHTSA's 2024 side tests scored 5 stars.

The 2024 facelifted GLB 250 includes Active Brake Assist (AEB with pedestrian detection), Blind Spot Assist with exit warning, Attention Assist and Crosswind Assist as standard, but adaptive cruise, steering-based lane keeping and cross-traffic functions remain in the optional Driver Assistance Package — thinner standard kit than BMW X1 or Volvo XC40.

No IIHS front crash prevention evaluation exists for the GLB; Active Brake Assist covers vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and performed well in Euro NCAP AEB testing on the shared platform, but without a US day/night pedestrian result it cannot reach the top band.

Blind Spot Assist with vehicle exit warning is standard but alert-only; Active Blind Spot Assist with braking intervention and cross-traffic alerts require optional Driver Assistance / parking packages.

When optioned, Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist provide smooth, well-regarded centering, but a volume GLB 250 without the Driver Assistance Package has no steering-based lane keeping.

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is a refined full-speed stop-and-go system integrated with Active Steering Assist and route-based speed adaptation, held out of the top band because it is optional on the volume trim.

No hands-free driving option on the 2024 GLB — Mercedes' DRIVE PILOT is limited to the S-Class and EQS, and the GLB's Driver Assistance Package is a hands-on Level 2 system.

The 2024 facelift brought new LED headlights with standard automatic high beams and available Multibeam LED adaptive lamps, but IIHS has never rated the GLB's headlights, so measured performance is unverified.

The GLB's boxy, upright greenhouse, tall side glass and near-vertical tailgate give clearly better sightlines than the sloping GLA; a rearview camera is standard and a 360-degree camera is optional.

A wheelbase 3.9 in longer than the GLA, a sliding second row and tall, square rear doors make fitting rear-facing seats easier than most subcompact luxury rivals, but three-across is tight and IIHS has not rated the GLB's LATCH hardware.

The volume 2024 GLB 250 seats five. A two-place third row is an $850 option, which makes the GLB the only 7-seat choice in the subcompact luxury class.

The tall, boxy X247 body gives generous front headroom. Mercedes claims it leads the class.

Front legroom is adequate but on the short side for an SUV.

The upright roof is carried well rearward, giving second-row headroom that beats most subcompact luxury rivals.

The 111.4-in wheelbase and a sliding second row give roomy rear legroom. KBB notes more second-row legroom than the larger GLC.

The third row is optional and suits only a couple of smaller passengers on short trips. About 29 in of legroom and roughly 5 cu ft of cargo behind it make it a token seat for anyone but kids, though it is rare in the class.

There is 22 cu ft behind the second row of a 5-seat GLB, a usefully square hold. That is mid-pack for the class.

Maximum cargo is 62.0 cu ft, ahead of the BMW X1's 57.2 and among the largest in the subcompact luxury class.

A sliding, reclining 40/20/40 second row and a square, flat-loading cargo hold make it versatile. Removing the touchpad for 2024 left a shallow, grippy console pad of limited use, and console and door storage is otherwise ordinary.

The front and second-row seats are comfortable and supportive, though KBB finds them a bit tight for some. Multicontour seats are not offered at this level, and the third row is cramped.

The highway ride is smooth and 'mostly cushy'. Some owners note firmness over sharp impacts on larger wheels, and adaptive damping is optional.

Reports conflict. Cars.com calls the cabin quiet at highway speed, while KBB notes more wind noise than expected for a luxury vehicle from the upright body, and the 2.0T is coarse when worked hard.

Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, dual-zone climate and rear vents are standard on the 2024 GLB 250. Ventilated seats are not offered on the volume trim.

The refreshed 2024 GLB 250 FWD listed at $44,650 before destination, about $2,800 above the GLA 250 and level with the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

The AWD GLB 250 4MATIC is the volume configuration at $47,700 delivered. Most dealer stock carries the roughly $2,000 Premium package, putting a typical build near $49,700.

No 2024-specific KBB maintenance figure was retrievable. The GLB shares its M260 2.0T, DCT and MFA2 platform with the GLA, whose 2024 KBB figure is $8,073, and carries slightly larger tires and brakes, so ~$8,500 is used. Estimates for the GLB itself bracket this widely: CarEdge is lower, and KBB's 2025 projection is much higher.

KBB's market data shows the 2024 GLB has already lost 43% of its value in about two years, which points to roughly 40% retained at five years. iSeeCars' GLB data (~52% retained) and CarEdge's projection (~61%) are kinder, so a blended ~47% is used.

This is the standard Mercedes-Benz new-vehicle limited warranty. It matches BMW, Audi and Volvo and trails Genesis and Lincoln's longer terms.

Mercedes-Benz has no separate powertrain warranty. The engine and DCT are covered only under the 4 yr / 50k basic warranty, which is below the band's 5-year floor.

Roadside assistance runs for the warranty period and a Mercedes me connect trial is included, but no scheduled maintenance is free. Services are paid individually or bought through Prepaid Maintenance. That is weaker than BMW Ultimate Care (3 yr/36k) and Volvo's included maintenance.

$49,700 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (47% retained, or about $23,359) leaves about $26,341 in depreciation. Add the projected $8,500 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $34,841 in total.

Consumer Reports publishes no model-specific reliability score for the 2024 GLB, and predicts below-average reliability for the GLB based on similar Mercedes-Benz models. 2024 is the first year of the X247 facelift, which added a 48V mild-hybrid system and updated MBUX hardware. A refresh's first year carries a little more risk than the carry-over 2025.

Mercedes-Benz sits in the lower third of Consumer Reports' brand reliability rankings year after year. In J.D. Power's U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study it trails the premium leaders: Lexus, Porsche and Cadillac.

The 2024 GLB has two NHTSA campaigns. One is a tiny brake-hose routing recall limited to 16 AMG GLB 35 units, which does not touch the volume GLB 250. The other is the broad door-lock micro-switch recall, where a fault can stop Auto-Park or the parking brake engaging and risks a rollaway. That is far cleaner than the 2020–2021 launch years and shows nothing systemic in the powertrain.

The volume GLB 250 4MATIC keeps the M260 2.0L turbo four and the 8G-DCT dual-clutch, shared across the MFA2 platform since 2019 with no widespread failures. The DCT draws complaints about low-speed behavior. 2024 is the first year of the 48V mild-hybrid starter-generator, which has no long-term track record yet.

The 2024 refresh brought the updated MBUX twin-screen display, a new steering wheel and turbine vents, so the cabin reads clearly above mainstream compacts. Reviewers note hard plastics low in the cabin and less polish than the GLC, which makes it competitive rather than class-leading.

The GLB is built at the COMPAS plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and reviewer test cars are generally reported as tightly assembled. Scattered owner reports of squeaks and electronics glitches, plus the risk of a refresh's first year, keep it short of the top tier.

Mercedes-Benz has a dense US network of roughly 380+ dealers, with strong metro coverage and luxury amenities such as loaners. Its service satisfaction is respectable but trails Lexus and Cadillac.

Parts are readily available through dealers, but Mercedes OEM parts and labor rates are among the highest in the segment. The MBUX hardware and the new 48V system push many repairs to the dealer.

The 2024 refresh made the 10.25-in MBUX center touchscreen standard on every GLB, paired with a 10.25-in driver display.

The updated MBUX is responsive with crisp graphics, and physical climate and volume controls remain. Removing the console touchpad leaves touchscreen and capacitive wheel controls only, and reviewers find it 'slightly frustrating' and not always simple to use.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on every GLB with the 2024 refresh.

The natural-language 'Hey Mercedes' assistant is standard and capable. Augmented-reality navigation and the full MB Navigation experience come in the optional Multimedia/Pinnacle packages, so many volume cars lean on phone projection.

The standard audio is adequate. The optional 12-speaker, 590-watt Burmester system gained Dolby Atmos for 2024 and is a strong upgrade for the class.

A configurable 10.25-in digital driver display is standard on every 2024 trim, in Mercedes' crisp widescreen layout.

MBUX receives over-the-air updates for infotainment, maps and some features. Whole-vehicle software updates came only with the MB.OS-based second-generation GLB.

The Mercedes me app covers remote lock and unlock, remote start, the vehicle locator and status. Some services move to paid subscriptions after the trial, and there is no phone-as-key.

For 2024 the GLB added a USB-C port, giving USB-C in both rows, and wireless charging is common. A 115V outlet appears only in some packages.

Keyless entry and ignition became standard for 2024, alongside remote start and a power liftgate. The hands-free gesture liftgate depends on package, and there is no digital phone key.

A rear camera is standard. For 2024 the 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist are bundled in the optional Parking Assistance package; 2025 later offered the 360 camera on its own.

A head-up display is available only within the top Pinnacle Trim package, not as a standalone option on the volume GLB 250.

Tall, square rear doors, a sliding and reclining second row and 39.3/38.1 in of rear head and leg room make car seats easy for the class. The optional third row adds kid seating no rival offers.

Active Brake Assist and Blind Spot Assist with exit warning are standard. NHTSA published only partial results (no overall), IIHS never tested it, and adaptive cruise and lane centering are optional.

Four adults ride comfortably, with good rear space, rear vents and a smooth highway ride. With the third row in use only about 5 cu ft of luggage space remains, so it is a 5-seat road-tripper in practice.

The high seating, good visibility and smoother 48V stop/start make it easy to live with. The 8-speed dual-clutch is 'herky-jerky' and pauses before lurching forward in traffic.

The new mild hybrid adds 1–2 mpg combined, but it still returns mid-20s MPG on premium fuel with luxury-brand consumables. That is typical of the class, not cheap per mile.

A 182-in footprint, an upright greenhouse and a standard rear camera make it easy to place, and Cars.com recommends it for urban buyers. The 38.4-ft turning circle is average, and the 360 camera sits in a package.

A hitch-equipped 4MATIC is commonly rated to 3,500 lb, and the boxy 62 cu ft hold swallows bulky items. It is still a luxury crossover with modest payload.

It has a luxury-trimmed cabin and a dual-clutch transmission not suited to hard use, and no fleet or work reputation.

Cargo tie-downs, available roof rails and an optional hitch are the extent of it. There is no standard onboard power, washable flooring or upfit ecosystem.

Highway cruising is relaxed thanks to a refined ride and supportive seats. Some wind noise and DISTRONIC being optional rather than standard keep it out of the top band.

Available 4MATIC, about 7.9 in of clearance, the optional Off-Road Engineering package and a 3,500-lb hitch handle gravel roads and small trailers. It is not a trail vehicle.

A square hold, a sliding 40/20/40 second row, 62 cu ft maximum, roof rails and an available hitch beat most class rivals, though space behind the second row is modest.

It is competent, secure and predictable, but the tall body is not as athletic as the BMW X1. The AMG GLB 35 is far sharper.

The steering is accurate and nicely weighted but numb, with less feedback than more agile rivals. 2024 reviews retrieved did not comment on it specifically.

Braking is predictable, with a firm, progressive pedal in everyday use. No 2024 instrumented stopping distance was retrieved, so it is held at a class-typical level.

The new 48V starter-generator smooths stop/start, but the dual-clutch is slow to respond to throttle, gives gruff downshifts and pauses before lurching off the line.

The engine is quiet at a cruise but coarse and buzzy when worked hard. It is audible without being intrusive in normal driving.

The 38.4-ft turning circle is about average for a compact crossover with a 111.4-in wheelbase.

An upright, praised driving position, 40.7 in of front headroom and big glass give excellent sightlines, and physical climate controls remain. Capacitive wheel controls and 41.1 in of front legroom cost a few points.

The GLB 250 is pleasant and practicality-first but forgettable to drive, and the jerky DCT dulls it further. Enthusiasts are pointed to the AMG GLB 35 or the BMW X1.

The 2024 refresh made dual 10.25-in MBUX screens, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, a heated wheel and parking assistance standard on the GLB 250, along with LED lights and AEB. Keyless-go, blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise, the panoramic roof, Burmester audio and the third row stay in packages, the usual German pattern shared with the X1 and Q3.

At $45,700–$47,700 delivered the GLB costs about $2,800 more than the GLA for the same 221-hp 2.0T mild hybrid. It earns that with a much roomier cabin and the class's only optional third row. A packaged car still nears $50K and power trails the X1 xDrive28i, so this is fair value rather than a bargain.

The lineup is GLB 250 FWD, GLB 250 4MATIC and AMG GLB 35 4MATIC, spanning roughly $46K–$60K. An optional third-row bench makes it the only 7-seat choice in the class, and the package menu is broad (Premium, Pinnacle, AMG Line, Night). There is no hybrid or plug-in; the electric EQB is a separate nameplate.

The GLB was a solid seller early in the generation, with over 20K US units a year in 2021–2022. Third-party tallies show it declining from 2023, so it now sits behind the BMW X1 and its own GLA sibling.

The three-pointed star is one of the strongest luxury badges in the US and a major draw for first-time luxury buyers stepping into the GLB.

Entry Mercedes SUVs regularly carry subsidised leases, loyalty/conquest cash and Mercedes-Benz Financial rate offers, and 2024 GLB transaction prices fell well below sticker. The steep early depreciation partly reflects how much discounting the market saw.

2024 is the X247's mid-cycle facelift year, with new lights, updated MBUX with wireless smartphone integration and a 48V mild-hybrid engine. Beneath that the MFA2 platform dates to MY2020, and an all-new generation followed for MY2026, so it is current but not cutting-edge.

Reviewers praise its boxy practicality, cabin quality, MBUX tech and unique optional 7-seat layout. They criticise the DCT's low-speed manners, a firm ride on larger wheels and merely adequate power. It is well regarded but rarely the class pick over the X1, Q3 or XC40, and has no 10Best, Top Pick or NACTOY honours.