2021 Mercedes GLB250 Review and Off-Road/Snow Test
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 is a new boxy entry in the sub-compact luxury crossover market. Will it's turbo-charged all-wheel drive setup win us over? Or will it fail to finish the course? Watch for the full review, 0-60 and off-road testing.
#Mercedes #mercedesGLB #offroad
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - Features
12:12 - Driving Impressions (inc. 0-60)
21:25 - Forest Road
27:20 - Snow Climb
Get a VIP Pass for Driving Sports TV on KZhead:
/ @drivingsports
Driving Sports produces exclusive automotive reviews, news and motor sports for broadcast, web, mobile and set-top boxes. Do not use our video content without permission. All rights are reserved.
Equipment used to make this video:
Canon R5: amzn.to/2KcwacW
Canon R6: amzn.to/33xLpUa
Canon 24-105mm f/4: amzn.to/2Jx0I8e
BlackMagic Ursa 4.6k G2: amzn.to/37poIm6
Sony RX0II (in-car camera) amzn.to/2NCfWbp
Rode Go Wireless mic amzn.to/364zLP5
GoPro amzn.to/2RrdNjT
Aputure Amaran AL-MW LED amzn.to/3lZHbfP
Follow us:
Facebook: / drivingsports
Twitter: / drivingsports
Official Site: www.drivingsports.com
Throwing a pile of leaves in the road to drive through them is next level production.
That’s a trademark move, yo.
Thats basically what these tests are. They're way too easy and obviously made to make thr cats look good over giving a honest review.
This channel deserves 1,000,000 subscribers.
Always did, it's a mystery to me how he never broke 500,000 subscribers even a few years ago
I agree definitely
What? the amount of subscribers he has, it's what he deserves he keeps insisting on taking the wrong cars "off-road". Take the Jeep Cherokee 2021 off road not that will get you viewers. he is known as Mr. Subaru Crosstrek
I highly agree with you bro!
@@imperators1012 or maybe he simulates real world scenarios. He literally says all the time that he’s not gonna go rock bashing in them. Partly because they are press cars, and partly cause that isn’t what the average consumer is gonna do… if he takes small niche cars off-road, he can’t appeal to a broad audience, and he can’t get the views you think he will. Are you dense?
Mercedes gets credit for a boxy design because boxes work and space efficiency matters.
Cue the Scion xB. The father of boxy…
@@davidcamacho3513 Volvo
@@TONEYHAYWOOD True. I forgot about Volvo. Great, practical design. Especially the 200 series.
I traded an Rdx 2021 for a 2023 version of this GLB when the lease was up. I am very pleased so far. Similar space, thinner vehicle on the outside, third row, and more luxury touches. It is (if we were to keep it) about 10k more than the RDX was (our GLB came in at $52k) . But that boxy design, to me at least, is quite elegant. The car actually resembles the older 2018 Tiguan more than any other example I can think of on the exterior.
@@davidcamacho3513 Honda Element :)
Truly an underrated Channel. Am a loyal follower for almost 2 years and have learnt loads of things about Cars. Respect for Ryan and Team 👊
A panoramic roof should be standard in luxury cars.
You do great reviews. Love the outside shots as you drive by and real world test of the 4Matic.
I really like your reviews and your test drive. Keep the good work. Thanks!
So glad you made this video. I live in the mountains and I’m getting a glb 4Matic in the next couple days.
Excellent content, quality, and driving scenarios/environments
Best car and truck reviewer on you tube !! Watch every day
HOW ABOUT THE STARBUCKS AMERICANA, BLONDE, CAPPUCCINO, EXPRESSO, ALLMOND MILK, MOCHA LATTE SPILL TEST ON THE SEATS?
Sirprisingly fun todrive & capable on & off the rouad Great viedo review
Really comprehensive review
Danke für das Video ich fahre das Auto schon seit ein Jahr bin wirklich extreme Strecken gefahren
Great review in off road conditions!
Comprehensive and to the point. High quality production. In words of the Mandalorian - this is the way.
It would make a decent leases car.
Hmm DCTs seem to let more wheel spin when off-road first. Must be the programming to avoid slipping the clutches too much? Better to slip the tires first
Can you make more vids with your 4-Runner?
Live on a dirt road, mud, snow dust and have had ML350’s the last 18 years. It was the perfect vehicle and we did go way off road in them. Older now and trying the MLB250 because suburbia has grown around us and we are not as aggressive off-road in the mountains . So far so good. Like everything but the cost or lack of options standard on other cars. Feel disappointed by Mercedes because of that. Great review. Thanks.
We had a 98 ML320 back in the day. I recall It was actually great off-road
Very good review of useful features. Thank you.
nice review , real world test , more than any glb250 owner will ever do, maybe go to the ski resort dc over heat lot of fwd base cvt /dc awd crossover do the same id rent one but not buy one
You should do more flat or slight incline snow testing. That initial climb on rocks did not duplicate normal snow condition. Mos MB drivers wold not go off road on trails.
Great review Ryan! What is your height? Providing that info in every video would assist the viewer when gauging leg room in the vehicle. The track does look worse than in previous videos. Whatever happened to that incline section that you used to take the vehicles through -- like in the Passport video?
Access to the cross-cut section is closed for winter, as the roads around it are used for snow-mobiles. Not sure we'll go back, there as this season in particular it's been impossible to get to for way too long. (Our Powerline Park location has better access.) In fact, it just snowed up there AGAIN this morning. I'm 6'1" and 200lbs.
@@drivingsports Bummer. That crosscut was a nice challenge for the vehicles. Do you sell those caps?
Can these be fitted with offroad rims and tires without any modifications? like for example Black rhinos?
Guess it is a different 4matic. The classic one is rear biased full time on. This being based on the compact, front wheel drive I think is front wheel biased and the rear engages only when needed.
I went to the dealership to test drive it, the sales guy recommended the glc more, he was saying the GLB is not a comfortable car and not really a true Mercedes. The glc is more comfortable and rear wheel drive dominated.
Nice channel Ryan.
Aren't those run flat tires, do you pressure down for off road?
Interesting and timely for me. I'm contemplating buying a new GLC300 or GLB250 or something along those lines. The GLB without the third row would work well for me. I don't do any aggressive off-road driving and I think the GLB would be suitable for what I do. But I must say that my beater 1998 Nissan Pathfinder SE would be able to do that off-road test course with little difficulty. I wouldn't be driving so slowly because I'm not worried about kicking up rocks. Thank you.
So true and funny !
What did you end up getting? I’m looking into a GLB. If you got it how do you like it?
Love it!
I do not know what it's worst on these Soft+ offroaders: the CVT or DCT ....
Yes.
DCT's are worse
🤔
CVTs are worse.
@@scratchy996 with no dual-range and a computer-controlled clutch that honestly isn't up to the task, DCT's are worse. Plus, it seems like the crawl ratio of the DCT's in the market aren't sufficient for off-road use. With a torque converter, CVT vehicles have the advantage of not having clutches overheat. CVT's tend to overheat their fluid rather than clutches.
Hello i like it if u do off road review of ilncoln aviator black lable i am very thank full to u
Big fan of this Merc! Somebody was having a lot of fun playing in the mud!
Which one do you like more? GLB or Alfa Romeo Stelvio ?
Are there any plans to review a GMC Terrain in the near future? I know someone who's comparing that and a Subaru Crosstrek (I know the answer obvious lol). There are very few videos on the GMC Terrain so a detailed video of your type would help a ton. Appreciate it!
They tried to send us a FWD terrain. We’re waiting for an AWD to be available for testing.
I drive a GLC that has more hp and torque than the GLB but I’ve been surprised at times by what the car can do in snow or on gravel. The GLC doesn’t have a dual clutch system though.
GLB is the performance version, but in spite of being more expensive and no smaller from the outside, it has quite a bit less interior room. The GLB is meant for people that want good fuel economy and maximum roominess for the external footprint.
Ambient lighting: Not useless. It's the ONLY reason I'm buying this on Monday.
A “sub-compact plus” is called... a compact.
Super Super video.
This video stopped me from buying a GLB. That shutdown on the trail is just unacceptable. Thank you. :)
lol were you actually going to buy a front drive mercedes for driving on a trail? get real
@@denali22 you know the 4MATIC is AWD, right? 🤣
@@DJNathanV its AWD on demand. otherwise its front drive based. if you're looking for a trail vehicle - you're looking in the wrong segment. alot of vehicles will go into limp mode under these same circumstances, not just the mercedes. If youre looking for a trail vehicle - look for a true 4WD vehicle.
@@denali22 I know how it works. The problem to me is that it completely shut off with no warning. I already have a 4x4. I was looking at forest road *capable* mid sized. Ended up with a loaded 2022 X3 xDrive. Sits nicely in between the diesel and the GT car. 😁
Great review! I'm new to your channel and sub'd pretty much right away, your reviews are very in-depth and I enjoy watching them, thanks for all the great content. Engine Adventures had the GLB stall out on him going up a steep, slippery slope as well, likely the DCT overheating/failing to disengage quick enough. I wonder how the GLC would do in these tests. Do you have a GLC review in the works as well?
Sorry, no GLC on the schedule right now. The GLC does have a torque converter, which doesn't generate as much heat as a twin-clutch setup, so it should do better in climbing situations.
@@drivingsports For sure! I had been researching the GLC as a daily and preferred the torque converter over DCT. If you ever do test one I would be curious to see how it does off-road. Otherwise, I'm subbed and greatly enjoy your channel. Keep up the great work and thanks for all the content.
This Would also be interesting With a Smart Forfour
Palisade Calligraphy/ telluride is much more in lot of ways. Tech wise, room, service cost
Good review of the car. I totally agree with you that it's about time they put more into their standard versions for the same money - they can't keep sucking money out of customers when everyone else has that extra in their cars as standard , it must be a German mentality that they just have to have more turnover (Sorry, I know that you live in the turnover country). #mercedes
I just want 2 inch lift on this one,, I couldn't find anywhere to do that in my area.. NY long island.
Mercedes Benz wowed the 2021 or 2021 Mercedes Benz glb250 wowed 👍
I'd hate to say this but, (And may get some slack for it) when it comes to a Mercedes Boxy design? I would rather have a GLK. Now with that being said, the technology in this GLB, is Fun, sporty, Young. Perfect for its demographic. Great Video Ryan....
Best looking Merc unless G wagon!!
Somebody help me ...I have looked at dozens of GLB's online ...and see no difference in the size of the 7 inch & 10 inch screen. Is the physical size the same but the viewing area of the screen different?
Correct
This is not the car for me. I'd rather have utility than luxury.
Is it normal for cars to just SHUT DOWN like that while driving in inclement weather/terrain?! Or is it just the GLB? Pretty sad.
Since it's dual clutch transmission, it probably stopped suddenly enough that the clutch did not have a chance to disengage, stalling the engine just like a manual transmission.
@@niuhuskieguy that's no fun
yes, Subarus Hondas on other's channels tests did the same, better to force stop then let owner do expensive damage
I just got mine and i have active lane change and stuff lol
Great review. It's mainly a pavement crawler lets be honest. It does far better driving around town (Starbucks runs) than it does in actual off-road conditions.
bigger dash monitor, more info more distraction. more road accidents!! I WONDER CAN you do commands by voice, instead of flipping buttons or touching screen?
At least voice address dictating, i mean i really don't care if it understands me where is nearest ihop, just make one button on wheel or dash which turns on address dictation, just like phones do it for decade... why they are so slow at implementing stupid programming... why they not using rain sensors for vipers to close windows in rain when vehicle is unoccupied for example, what 5 years from now it's gonna be amazing advance?
221 hp and a 4 cylinder for 50k plus? Are you joking?
I don't know if i'm the only one like this. But I live far in the country, where it's very snowy and muddy during the winter and very dusty during the summer. I'd be scared to scratch the car or to make it dirty. I'm only thinking of how many times i'd have to clean the media display on a daily basis...and i'm just not down with it. I'll stick to Wranglers and 4-Runners...
Make test Ford Explorer plz.
I didn't realize the late Mike Leach had a KZhead car channel..😊
These types of cars shouldnt have dct's
There's a covered wireless charger in the front of the centre console
Not in our test vehicle.
If this is a compact crossover, which car is it based on? The way they can avoid fingerprints on the display is use a matte screen rather than a glossy one (like I have) and the matte is also much less reflective. Gearshift on a stalk is very dangerous as when you go to use the wipers or indicators (and it’s easy to forget what is where for some people) you could shove it in neutral or something when you just want to signal a turn. Silly idea.
Or just put car ceramic coating and that’s it
All the people getting antsy on how it shuts off. This wasn't made for that terrain, and most SUVs rear or front based will not be able to handle high snow depth and rock terrain. If you want that you need a true off-road vehicle and even at mosts price conplaints you'll be paying premium luxury prices for them.
Around 15:40s...what's with all of that road noise? Are you telling me that $36k car have no sound dampening?
That particular stretch of road is VERY loud. Check out our other reviews. Nothing outside of a Lexus LX is quite on it.
Yikes, i am glade i watched this as i wanted a GLB once.
It's ok, for this price if it would be my end of budget, i'll go top trim of Palisade or Telluride... With this i can't get over the dash design, the excessively protruding vents, separated center console and flat board screen with 0 integration, all backwards for my personal liking
But the LED accents. LEDs! (j/k)
@@drivingsports it's just for someone else, others will like exactly this and not what i do, it's fine, variety is great
Whats next, someone rationalizing they like a Tahoe vs a Rav4?
Acura RDX or Merc GLB?
RDX
GLB
Got stuck in some mud today in my 2504m. Lol…. Had to be bailed out by the lads. Would not recommend taking this through mud.
Nice but no sunroof or panoramic sunroof? For $49,000? Damn you can get a 30,000 Kia or most small suv with the sunroof.
All that money and Mercedes could not even put a more durable transmission in it with better cooling. I understand it is not made for off-road or towing but it still should not overheat so fast.
The transmission didn't overheat here, the car likely stopped so suddenly the clutch couldn't disengage in time.
While I like the look and the power, for all the missing equipment at this price I feel like the new Outlander would be a far better bet for most people in this size with 7 passenger seating.
It just depends on what you prefer to pay for, luxury touches or checkboxes on a features list. Outlander is a really cheap low quality vehicle that can be equipped with a lot of options, so its up to you. For some, just being able to say "I drive a Mercedes" instead of "I drive a Mitsubishi" is worth a bit on its own for the same reason someone might buy a name brand watch over a Chinese knockoff of it that is somewhat similar at first glance.
@@BoopSnoot That would be an apt comparison if Mercedes actually built quality cars with high reliability and longevity like they used to. Cheap is definitely subjective, if you place emphasis on the interior sure go for the Merc. But the Mitsubishi will be running long after this Mercedes has been sent to the junkyard. Entry level luxury vehicles aren't impressive, and anyone impressed by "I drive a Mercedes" or trying to impress anyone with that while driving an entry level car has their priorities very misplaced. These vehicles by the very market segment they target are mostly for people who cannot afford and should not own one mainly due to the poor reliability and high maintenance costs. That Chinese knock off comparison you used doesn't quite work as the Mercedes is the one with the longevity of a Chinese knock off. May look pretty at first, but it'll definitely fall to pieces far before the Mitsu.
It looks like and reminds me of a Subaru forester.
The GLB most definitely has adaptive cruise and lane keep / centering. Its just not in that particular package. I test drove one late 2020 that had the full drivers assistance package and it was pretty good. Not Volvo good, but better than FORD.
Yes. I specially said it wasn’t included in our test car for the price. Not that it wasn’t an option. The fact it’s not on a $50k compact is the galling part.
@@drivingsports I do get it tho, other manufacturers like Volvo has it standard in their base xc90 which is fantastico!
ARE YOU GOING TO DO A SNOW TEST IN A STARBUCKS PARKING LOT?
Given the opportunity, you know it!
Do people really use climate controls i have them and never use them just keep it max cool or max hot lol
In Indonesia, we get 5+2 seater. Could you imagine ?
A third row is available here, too. I think it's insane.
Dude kinda looks like a friend of mine.
Thumbs up for the review but I'm ending it at 10 minutes. Ambient LEDs but no adaptive cruise? Is this car for drivers or tweens? No longer interested in this model.
The Mercedes feature planning department needs to wake up.
This is probably the only time anyone ever took this car to the woods.
100% belongs to "lease car" list.
merc or bm less then 3 liter is waste of mony.
For this price, I’d expect to see v6 engine under the hood
Not emission friendly, that’s why
Looks better than GLA. They massacred that car
Ok enough with the Off-Road crap. These vehicles aren't made for off-roading. They're too fragile and fancy for anything other than normal road driving..
guess you won't imagine that in China they put a 1.3T in that vehicle ....lol,,,
A GLE is what you want for offroad!
This GLB is ruining the prestige and reputation of Mercedes. Just look at the front left and right where the fog light should be located, two holes and not small ones covered with cheap plastic. Just because of this omission, this car is not worth buying, let alone at this price of $50,000.00. It's really funny that Mercedes allows something like this. Second, they say 7 seats in three rows. The child gathers on those seats, not the formed people. They say 0-60 6.9 sec. compared to the GLC 300 0-60 6.1 sec. I drove both cars and the starting speed of the GLB cannot be compared to the GLC. All in all, I wouldn't pay more than $32,000 for this car. One of the biggest omissions in the recent history of MERCEDES.
Wait....so the entire car just shut off? What the fuck? That's terrible.
You'll love our Palisade review next week.
ALL THE GLB'S HAVE EQ BOOST SYSTEM) EVERY CAR REVIEW FORGETS TO MENTION THIS :)
Only the ones from 2024
I would expect this customer to be exactly the one who needs help with traffic lights.
$49k for that pos and no sunroof? I usually love mercedes but this thing is stupid.
The Mercedes version of the Kia Soul
funny😅
Very cool car but I could only imagine the rat's nest that it will become when any sort of electronic breaks which it will on the Mercedes.
13:42 before the vehicles even moves in this review.
That why we have chapters.
Shut down lol
Xm runs off the cell towers...
In cities it sometimes does. But outside of that, it is satellite based. (Hence: perfect signal in the middle of Death Valley.)
not impressive considering it has snow tires
Wow, almost $50k for a high end Kia Soul no thanks. Just get a 3 year used off lease vehicle, you can do so much better.
A three year old off lease Kia Soul?
@@MisterMister5893 The Kia soul joke was just a way to undermine the vehicle. You can get a lot more car for your money if you purchased used over new.
With Mercedes never buy...just lease. They are over priced expensive junk mobiles. Sad reality is that Lexus has outdone the Germans to a large extent.
@@mikefoehr235 exactly
@@MyAlexWest 👍
Everything is overly complicated and overpriced with German cars
That is one ugly center stack.