The GLA was more of a hatchback pretending to be tough. But for 2020, Mercedes-Benz has this new model called the GLB, tall and practical, which has just been priced for the American market.
It starts from $36,600, excluding a $995 destination and delivery charge, and while that chunk of change may get you a lot of Honda or a Toyota. But we think it's an acceptable price for the relatively practical CUV with a premium badge.
As a bonus, the base model is the GLB 250, not a 220 like in the case of the A-Class. Both have 2-liter turbo engines, but the 250 makes a bit more power, 221-hp, and 258 lb-ft, according to Mercedes. As with most cars of this type, you do have to pay extra for the AWD system as a GLB 250 4Matic starts from $38,600, again not including destination. In both cases, the engine is hooked up to a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The GLB 250 is said to do 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds and is limited at the top end to 130 mph. Standard equipment highlights include LED headlamps, 18-inch wheels, Smartphone Integration, a 7” Digital Instrument Cluster and a 7” Touchscreen Display which are part of the MBUX.
However, you probably have lots of options to chose from, like interior decorations, extra safety systems, even larger screens, or a body kit. All that being said, the Audi Q3, which is a direct rival, starts from $34,700 and comes standard with quattro.
Whether that will be a problem remains to be seen. However, you can expect any Mercedes model to do well based just on the power of the brand. And the GLB is an enticing combination of urban and rugged looks, a bit like the Volvo XC40. Its rivals also include the BMW X1, Land Rover's Discovery Sport and to a lesser degree the Tiguan, RAV4 or CX-5.
As a bonus, the base model is the GLB 250, not a 220 like in the case of the A-Class. Both have 2-liter turbo engines, but the 250 makes a bit more power, 221-hp, and 258 lb-ft, according to Mercedes. As with most cars of this type, you do have to pay extra for the AWD system as a GLB 250 4Matic starts from $38,600, again not including destination. In both cases, the engine is hooked up to a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The GLB 250 is said to do 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds and is limited at the top end to 130 mph. Standard equipment highlights include LED headlamps, 18-inch wheels, Smartphone Integration, a 7” Digital Instrument Cluster and a 7” Touchscreen Display which are part of the MBUX.
However, you probably have lots of options to chose from, like interior decorations, extra safety systems, even larger screens, or a body kit. All that being said, the Audi Q3, which is a direct rival, starts from $34,700 and comes standard with quattro.
Whether that will be a problem remains to be seen. However, you can expect any Mercedes model to do well based just on the power of the brand. And the GLB is an enticing combination of urban and rugged looks, a bit like the Volvo XC40. Its rivals also include the BMW X1, Land Rover's Discovery Sport and to a lesser degree the Tiguan, RAV4 or CX-5.
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