Diesel engines are claimed to give up to 50mpg, and the petrols up to 39mpg, but the AMG 35 is pegged at just 31mpg, while it’s also in group 38 for insurance; the more common derivatives are in groups 24-31.
Only the GLB 200 and GLB 200d in AMG Line form dipped below the £40k mark when new, which means most GLBs are subject to the £410 luxury car tax premium for the first six years, making road tax £600 per year. The GLB comes with a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, although this can be extended at extra cost.
Recalls
A huge 26 recalls in four years is poor; sometimes there was more than one for the same problem.
The first recall, in September 2020, was because of water leaks into the front footwells; later that year would come campaigns because of oil leaks, middle-row seats not latching, faulty rear spoilers and gearbox glitches.
Faulty eCall software led to several recalls in 2021; spoilers and wheelarch covers detaching were behind other campaigns. Airbag problems caused three recalls, while campaigns were also issued for faulty crankshafts, suspension sensor glitches, stability control issues, front axle corrosion and problematic steering software.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The GLB hasn’t been in any of our New Car surveys, and this year just two Mercedes-Benz models were: the E-Class Mk5 in 27th place, and the A-Class in 31st. Those are middling results, but more disappointing is Mercedes’ 25th place in the Brands survey. That puts it towards the bottom of the 32-strong table, with owners unimpressed by the value, high running costs and poor reliability.
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