Starts at $45,800
FAST FACTS
"It may seem odd that the GLB competes in the same segment as its GLC big brother, but a fact check will show that the GLB is only about four inches shorter, and it's about the same length as the Lexus NX. Its pricing is typical for the compact segment, too. Anyway, the GLB's optional third-row seat sets it apart from other compact luxury SUVs, so if you're looking for an admittedly cramped third row that can schlep small children around, this Benz may be uniquely appealing. Otherwise, we find it hard to recommend the GLB and its front-wheel-drive platform over the more refined, rear-drive-based GLC and others like it."—Ranked #10 out of 16 Compact Luxury SUVs
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
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Serving as a boxier counterpart to the more hatchback-like GLA, the GLB 250 delivers a lot of utility thanks to its squared-off shape. Its punchy and fuel-efficient powertrain is another selling point.
Adding the optional third-row seat to the GLB 250 for just $850 seems like an easy decision to us. Sure, it's super tight back there, but it's nice to have two extra seatbelts for kids or even adults in a pinch.
All-wheel drive is almost a no-brainer addition to the GLB 250, as it doesn't cost much and barely impacts fuel economy while leaving acceleration unaffected.
The $850 third-row option is money well spent on any GLB, we think, including the GLB 250 4MATIC. Why not give yourself that extra versatility in case you need it?
On its own merits, the AMG GLB 35 is an impressive small luxury SUV, pairing spirited acceleration with a downright practical interior. The problem is that when you look at the other performance SUVs that are available for $60k to start, it's hard for the AMG GLB to stand out.
It's hard for us to see the value in the $60k AMG GLB, but adding the third-row seat for just $850 makes this mini-SUV easier to appreciate. When you think about compact luxury SUVs that offer three seating rows and spirited performance, it's a very short list.
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008, personally driving most new cars on the market every year since. He also served as the project manager for Edmunds' expert vehicle rankings from their inception in 2018, building the product out from the back end to the front end. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has tested, compared and critiqued a ridiculous number of cars in his career.
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