The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB is a 5-passenger small luxury SUV that competes with rivals like the BMW X1, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, and Audi Q3. Introduced for the 2020 model year, the 2022 GLB receives a few modest changes to its standard and optional features, such as a USB-C cable in the upmarket AMG trim and the addition of Rose Gold to its palette of exterior colors.
Offered as the GLB 250 and AMG GLB 35, the main differentiating factor between the two is what lurks under the hood. The GLB 250 uses an eager 221-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder routing power to the front wheels (FWD) via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Starting at $38,600, plus a destination fee, the GLB can be had with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for $2,000 extra.
Moving up to the AMG GLB 35 nets a 302-horsepower turbocharged V6, standard all-wheel drive, and the same 8-speed automatic (engineered to handle the greater power and torque of this powertrain). Performance is brisk; Mercedes-Benz estimates the AMG GLB 35 needs 5.1 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. That’s about 2 seconds faster than the standard GLB 250.
If fuel economy is more important to you, the GLB 250 in FWD format returns EPA figures of 24 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. Adding AWD lowers city and highway economy by 2 mpg, respectively.
On the other hand, the AMG-tuned GLB delivers 20/27 mpg city/highway. While that’s not terrible, especially considering the performance on tap, it’s a bit thirstier than the regular GLB. Speaking of regular, no matter which powertrain you choose, Mercedes recommends a diet of premium gasoline.
Let’s take a look at the standard features offered with each of the two GLB trim levels, plus some options worth adding to this compact luxury SUV.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 ($38,600)
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic are motivated by the same 221-hp turbo 4-cylinder and 8-speed automatic. This is a refined and efficient powertrain that returns reasonable mileage without sacrificing straight-line speed and highway passing power.
Thanks to its relatively small size and agile steering, the GLB 250 is easy to drive and a good fit for SUV shoppers who routinely navigate crowded city traffic. Don’t think the smaller proportions translate to a cramped cabin, however.
It offers plenty of room for adults in the first or second row, and the upright shape of the GLB lends itself nicely to creating lots of headroom and a spacious cargo bay.
With the split-folding seatbacks in place, the GLB serves up approximately 27 cubic feet of trunk space. With the second row folded, this expands to more than 60 cubic feet. That’s more than what’s available in Mercedes’ own (and pricier) GLC-Class SUV.
Standard comfort and tech features with every GLB include a 7-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, five USB ports, power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather seating, power-adjustable front seats, 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and Bluetooth.
Wheel sizes range from the standard 18-inch twin 5-spoke alloys, upward to 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels for around $1,050 extra.
Mercedes folds several active safety features into the GLB 250, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, rearview camera, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver drowsiness monitor.
At about $1,700, the available Driver Assistance Package adds about twelve extra safety features, including rear automatic emergency braking, evasive steering assist, and active blind-spot collision avoidance.
Upgrades can also be made to the tech interface, thanks to an available 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen that come as part of the Premium Package. This also adds power-folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and keyless entry.
Stand-alone options are plentiful and include heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 64-color interior ambient lighting, and third-row seating. That last feature is handy if you need extra seating in a pinch. However, the operative word is “pinch” – it’s snug back there, and the rear-most seats are best left for kids.
With a destination fee of $1,050 included, the 2022 GLB 250 costs $39,650. Financing that amount for 60 months at a 3% interest rate with zero money down will mean a monthly payment of $712. See 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Includes:
- Power and economy – The 221-hp turbo 4-cylinder is peppy and returns respectable fuel economy.
- Safety features – While some rivals offer more standard safety items, the GLB can be upgraded with roughly a dozen added active safety features. It’s money well spent.
- Roomy inside – The upright shape of the GLB helps deliver plenty of passenger and cargo room.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 ($49,950)
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 turns up the performance of this small SUV courtesy of a 302-horsepower V6 and standard AWD. The turn of speed is great fun, particularly when merging onto a highway. However, there’s a price to be paid both at the fuel pump and at the dealership. Compared to the GLB 250, a gap of about $10,000 is a big step for 81 additional horsepower.
Still, the AMG GLB 35 comes with a wider range of standard features, which helps explain the heftier sticker price. This includes the larger (10.2-inch) of the two available infotainment screens and digital gauge display, plus more heavily bolstered front seats.
The AWD hardware is beefed up for the higher horsepower, while the suspension is tuned for a firmer ride.
The AMG GLB 35 rides on larger 19-inch wheels, though these can be upgraded to 21-inch alloys if desired.
By and large, the options available on the GLB 250 carry over to the AMG variant. This includes the bundle of active safety features plus standalone options.
The AMG GLB 35 has unique items, such as three choices of AMG-branded steering wheel, illuminated front door sills, and head-up instrument display.
With the destination fee of $1,050 included, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 costs $51,000. A buyer financing that amount for 60 months at 3% interest and no money down can expect to pay $916 monthly. See 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Includes:
- Speed – The AMG engine lets the GLB zip from zero to 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds.
- Sportier ride – The suspension is firmer, and the AMG GLB 35 rides on larger alloys.
- Ready for corners – Front sport seats add to the AMG interior ambiance.
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Wireless charging and Burmeister stereo are not available on 2022 models at this time due to the chip shortage. Augmented reality navigation, dashcam, and hands free rear hatch opening have also been canceled at this time.