Does Mercedes GLB hit the mark?  

The original Mercedes GLB was launched back in 2019, so this is the second generation of the model.

This new car is built on a new platform and now includes a choice of petrol hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The electric version is available as a GLB 200 with a 58kWh battery (as on test here), a GLB 250 with a 71kWh battery, and the GLB 350 4Matic with an 85kWh battery. It is a 5-seater but can be optioned with 7 seats for an extra cost.

Three trim levels are available: Progressive, AMG Line and AMG Line Plus.

The GLB sits in an interesting segment where rivals include the Volvo EX40, BMW iX1, the Audi Q4 e-tron, and Tesla Model Y, to name just a few.

I suppose its unique selling point is that, unlike the cars I just mentioned, the GLB can be ordered in a 7-seat version. So with prices starting at €59,355 and a WLTP claimed range of 425 km, does the GLB 200 electric justify its premium price?

The car on test here is the GLB 200 AMG Line.

So has it any street cred?

I haven’t decided yet! It is a very boxy-looking shape. The best view of it is from the front, where the very nicely designed fascia is distinctive and very much Mercedes.

The area where a grille would have been has multiple small stars (like the Mercedes logo) which illuminate at night as you walk up to the car.

That idea is followed through with the LED headlight cluster and the rear lights too. From the rear, I think it is less appealing in its design; however, that square shape has its benefits in terms of interior space. It sits on lovely 19-inch 5-spoke two-tone AMG alloy wheels, and with nice touches of chrome detailing around the windows and below the doors, it does look distinctive.

What is it like inside?

Initial impressions are of a very nicely finished interior, but you do not have to look too far to find some substandard materials around the door bins and glove box for example.

The dashboard now features a 10.25 inch digital driver's display, which has multiple configuration options, including, I am delighted to report, the option of round analogue-style instruments which look really well.

The central screen, which is integrated into the whole dash so as to look like one huge panel, measures 14 inches, while you can also option another 14-inch screen for the passenger. So yes its very screen-heavy and sadly lacks buttons now for most functions.

That to me, is a retrograde step in its interior design. Below the main screen are a few haptic slider controls for volume, hazard lights and camera, but that's it really. Everything is via the screen or the “Hey Mercedes” voice control system, which, it has to be said, works pretty well. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

I found the driving position to be just right, and I like the fact that the little bit of extra height over a normal hatchback gives such a commanding view of the road ahead.

Standard kit from the entry-level “Progressive” model is very good and includes items such as LED lights, 18” alloys, Keyless start, reversing Camera, and electric tailgate and Artico seat trim. (man-made leather-look upholstery).

The AMG-Line specification adds highlights such as the AMG external body styling, panoramic glass roof, the Alcantara-style upholstery with sports seats and numerous other styling details. I should point out that AMG nowadays is a style rather than performance addition.

Accommodation is really very good with lots of legroom both front and rear. This is where that boxy shape has its advantages. The boot is accessed via an electric rear tailgate and offers up to 540 litres. I managed to fit four family-sized holiday suitcases in it. Up front, there is a big Frunk with 127 litres of space that is excellent. So the GLB scores well as a load lugger.

What’s under the bonnet?

The GLB 200 has a relatively small 58 kWh battery powering an electric motor driving (somewhat unusually for a car in this class ) the rear wheels via a two-speed transmission. Total power output is 224 bhp with 335 Nm of torque.

I found performance to be reasonably good, but it does not accelerate with the punch you normally associate with EV’s these days. It officially takes a leisurely 8.2 seconds to go from 0 to 100km/h while top speed is claimed to be 210km/h. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The big disappointment here was the real-world range I achieved. The claimed WLTP range is 425km but I returned a test range of just 260km with about 40km remaining to get to a charger so 300km or so to empty. Efficiency seemed to be the issue. Driven over a variety of conditions from motorway to urban, it never got below consuming 20.1kWh per 100km.

So if you do a lot of longer journeys, I would suggest considering other EVs.

What is it like to drive?

This new GLB certainly handles well. It proves surefooted and stable under all road conditions and corners better than most other SUV rivals I can think of. I think the fact that it is not as tall as traditional SUVs helps it in this area. The GLB delivers a very good blend of comfort and refinement, and it rides and handles very well. I do have some concerns over build quality.

When I drove the car over speed bumps and the like, I could hear the interior panel creak. Not what I expect in a Mercedes.

Noise levels are commendably low; indeed, this new GLB proves surprisingly refined, with minimal noise from the car in all areas. In short, it is a good car to drive.

Verdict

My gripes?

Not quite sure about the rather boxy style, and I would really have to say that the achieved real-world range is a problem, allied to some concerns about the build quality.

The GLB 200 AMG line on test costs €65,186, and at that price point there are other rivals worthy of consideration.

Nevertheless, if range is not a priority, then the new GLB electric is an interesting proposition.

Price: From €59,355

Pros:

• Option of a third row of seats.
• High-tech infotainment with Google-based Nav.
• Premium badge appeal.

Cons:

• Below-par real-world range.
• Some questions about build quality.
• Gets very expensive quickly when options list is ticked.

For more honest verdicts from Hugh on new cars, check out www.whichnewcar.ie also on YouTube and Instagram.