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| 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC. |
We had 30 minutes with the GLA three years ago at Western Automotive Journalists' Media Days in Monterey, California and liked it a lot. Still, the GLB is a major step forward from the entry-level Benz SUV.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC looks substantial and serious---Jeeps and Rovers beware. It's a chiseled appearance with a bulldog-like stance that suggests the GLB is ready for anything.
The engine is a 2-liter inline four-cylinder turbo making 221 horsepower and 258 pounds per foot of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. It's quick for its class---zero to 60 in 6.9 seconds. The EPA fuel economy estimate is solid, too at 22 city/31 highway.
For a very reasonable base price of $36,800, it comes standard with LED headlamps, LED taillamps, an anti-theft alarm, active brake assist, anti-lock braking, electronic stability, brake assist system, a rearview camera, Mercedes' emergency call system and a 4-year/50,000 mile warranty with 24-hour roadside assistance.
Also standard:
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Bluetooth
- Power driver's seat with lumbar support and memory
- Split-folding rear seats
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Keyless start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Mercedes me connect services with free trial period
- Power liftgate
All standard for $36,800. That's actually a little less than loaded Camry or Accord money.
But good luck finding one like that on a dealer lot. As with pretty much all upscale vehicles, especially European makes, it's the option list that will get the price to pretty much what you expect it to be for a Benz:
- Black/red leather interior ($1,450)
- Natural grain black Linden wood trim ($325)
- AMG-Line sport steering wheel ($360)
- 20-inch AMG multi-spoke black wheels ($1,050)
- Heated and ventilated front seats ($1,030)
- Panorama sunroof ($1,500)
- Suspension with adjustable damping ($990)
- SiriusXM Radio with free trial period ($460)
- Burmeister surround sound audio system ($850)
- 64-color ambient lighting ($310)
- Wireless charging ($200)
- Driver Assistance Package---Active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active distance assist DISTRONIC, active steering assist, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, active lane change assist, active speed limit assist, active emergency stop assist, evasive steering assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS, route-based speed adaptation, extended restart in stop & go traffic ($1,090)
- Parking Assistance Package---Active parking assist, surround-view system ($900)
- Multimedia Package---MB Navigation, navigation services including map updates for three years, MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation, speed limit assist ($1,150)
- Night Package---High gloss black elements including grille trim, exterior mirror covers and window trim ($400)
- AMG Line---AMG body styling, perforated front discs and MB lettering, AMG diamond-block grille ($2,240)
- Premium Package---10.25-inch center display, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, keyless go package, auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors, side mirrors with power fold-in
And that, along with $995 destination and delivery charge, brings the bottom line on the window sticker right to where you most likely expected it to be---$57,800. Actually, I was thinking low 60s when I first saw our tester.
And driving it, you absolutely will feel the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC is justified in asking that price. Mercedes is offering a compelling blend of sport, utility and luxury in its SUV lineup, and, depending on the size of your family, the GLB 250 4MATIC may be the sweet spot for you.
