You might not realize the Mercedes-Benz GLB stands out distinctly in its class by offering an optional third-row seat, a feature many luxury compact SUVs omit. While rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 deliver strong performance and upscale interiors, they typically stop at five seats, limiting their family-friendly appeal.
This subtle difference shapes how each SUV balances versatility, technology, and design, which could influence how well they fit your needs. But the real choice goes beyond seating—what else sets these models apart?
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Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, enhancing family-friendly versatility.
- Competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 seat only five and lack third-row options, limiting passenger capacity.
- The Mitsubishi Outlander provides third-row seating and a plug-in hybrid option, targeting practical family use.
- The GLB features a turbocharged 2.0L engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering better fuel economy than the Audi Q5.
- The GLB balances luxury pricing ($35,000–$55,000) with advanced technology and cargo flexibility, appealing to upscale buyers needing extra space.
Available Third-Row Seating and Passenger Capacity
Although the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB seats five as standard, it offers an optional third-row that increases passenger capacity to seven, making it a flexible choice for families who need extra seating without stepping up to a larger SUV.
This available third row improves interior versatility, allowing easy access via a sliding second row.
In comparison, the Mitsubishi Outlander also offers a third-row option, while competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 limit passenger capacity to five with no third-row seating.
The GLB balances family-friendly features with practicality through this seating flexibility.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency Comparisons
When comparing fuel economy, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB delivers 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, outperforming the Audi Q5’s 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The GLB’s mild-hybrid system plays a key role in boosting efficiency, especially in urban driving.
While the Mitsubishi Outlander offers a plug-in hybrid option, the GLB provides strong performance with superior fuel efficiency among conventional gasoline SUVs.
City Vs Highway MPG
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB delivers a clear advantage in fuel economy with 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, outperforming the 2025 Audi Q5, which achieves 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
When comparing city and highway mpg, consider these points:
- The GLB’s turbocharged engine with a mild hybrid system improves fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
- The additional 13 horsepower from the hybrid system supports efficiency during acceleration.
- Overall, the GLB offers a more economical choice for both urban and highway driving scenarios, making it ideal if fuel economy is a priority.
Hybrid and Mild-Hybrid Impact
Hybrid and mild-hybrid systems significantly improve fuel economy and efficiency in modern SUVs like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Its 48-volt mild-hybrid system boosts fuel efficiency to 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, outperforming rivals such as the Audi Q5, which lacks electrification and achieves only 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The GLB’s hybrid system also delivers increased torque during acceleration, enhancing performance without compromising fuel economy.
Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Outlander’s plug-in hybrid variant offers an even greener choice with an estimated 38 mpg combined, showcasing how hybrid technology enhances overall efficiency across the segment.
Performance and Powertrain Features
Although it may not deliver sports-car levels of acceleration, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB balances power and efficiency with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
This powertrain is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for smooth, responsive shifts. You can also opt for the 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive system to improve traction.
The performance-oriented AMG variant achieves 0-60 mph in just 6.0 seconds. Additionally, the hybrid system can add 13 horsepower under certain conditions, further refining the GLB’s performance.
Key points include:
- Turbocharged 2.0L engine with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft torque
- Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and optional 4MATIC® AWD
- AMG model’s sporty 6.0-second 0-60 mph acceleration plus hybrid power boost
Cargo Space and Interior Versatility
Seven-passenger seating and a maximum cargo capacity of 62 cubic feet with the second row folded down make the Mercedes GLB exceptionally versatile for families and cargo haulers alike.
While the GLB provides 22.0 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, the Audi Q5 offers slightly more at 25.9 cubic feet.
However, the GLB’s third-row option boosts interior flexibility, accommodating up to seven passengers, which the Q5 lacks.
Additionally, front-row legroom in the GLB measures 41.4 inches, slightly more than the Q5’s 40.9 inches, enhancing overall interior comfort and space utilization.
Luxury Interior Design and Comfort
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB improves luxury interior design by blending premium materials with customizable ambient lighting, which enriches the cabin’s atmosphere and highlights its upscale character.
You’ll appreciate the luxury SUV’s spacious interior that prioritizes comfort and elegance, offering a more open feel than competitors.
Key features include:
- An intuitive MBUX infotainment system integrating advanced technology seamlessly
- Optional panoramic sunroof and advanced climate control for added comfort
- Thoughtful design elements and high-quality finishes that balance style with practicality
This upscale cabin raises your driving experience in every way.
Technology and Infotainment Systems
When comparing technology and infotainment, you’ll notice the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB excels with its MBUX system, offering intuitive usability and seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Connectivity is improved through optional features like a larger touchscreen and a premium Burmester sound system, while advanced driver assistance technologies help keep you safe and confident on the road.
Understanding these aspects is key to evaluating how the GLB stands against similar luxury SUVs.
Infotainment System Usability
How easily can you interact with the Mercedes GLB’s infotainment system while driving? The MBUX system is designed for seamless usability, especially within the spacious interior.
You benefit from:
- A standard 7-inch touchscreen or an optional 10.25-inch display for clear visuals and effortless navigation.
- Multiple controls including a touchpad and steering wheel buttons, allowing you to choose your preferred interaction method.
- Integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to connect your smartphone smoothly for media and apps.
Customizable ambient lighting and driver profiles further personalize your in-car experience, balancing technology with comfort.
Connectivity and Integration
Connectivity and integration take the GLB’s technology beyond just infotainment controls, making it a seamless hub for your digital lifestyle on the road. The GLB’s connectivity is improved by multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging, ensuring your devices stay powered without clutter. Its advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, work in tandem with the technology suite to offer peace of mind. Optional 360-degree cameras aid parking, integrating convenience with safety.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| USB-C Ports | Fast, versatile charging |
| Wireless Charging | Cable-free device power |
| 360-Degree Camera | Improved parking safety |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Safer highway driving |
| Lane-Keeping Assist | Maintains lane position |
Advanced Driver Assistance
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB integrates a sophisticated Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite designed to improve both safety and driving comfort. This system includes Active Brake Assist, blind spot assist, and a surround view camera setup to augment situational awareness.
You’ll also find adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and active lane-keeping assist as optional aids for highway driving. Additionally, the GLB offers a 360-degree exterior camera system, now available as a standalone feature, which provides enhanced visibility in tight spots.
These technologies combine to form a comprehensive advanced driver assistance package that prioritizes your safety and convenience.
- Active Brake Assist and blind spot detection boost on-road safety.
- Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist support smoother highway travel.
- The 360-degree camera system aids precise parking and maneuvering.
Pricing and Value in the Luxury SUV Segment
Although luxury SUVs often command a premium, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB strikes a competitive balance with its price range of about $35,000 to $55,000, appealing to buyers seeking a blend of upscale features and reasonable cost.
Its starting MSRP of $46,950 is just above the 2025 Audi Q5’s $46,695, while it aligns closely with the Volvo XC60’s $51,900 starting price, offering solid value in the segment.
Meanwhile, the GLA-Class matches the GLB’s starting price but targets entry-level buyers, and the Mitsubishi Outlander adds warranty appeal, increasing its value proposition against the GLB.
Competitor Models Overview and Rankings
While the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB distinguishes itself with available third-row seating and 62 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, its key competitors in the luxury SUV segment each offer distinct strengths and trade-offs.
- The 2025 BMW X3 offers sporty handling and a premium drive but seats only five, lacking the GLB’s third row of seats.
- The 2025 Audi Q5, comparably priced, also omits third-row seating and provides less cargo space at 54.1 cubic feet.
- The 2025 Volvo XC60 offers advanced tech and style but doesn’t match the GLB’s family-friendly versatility with third-row seating or cargo space.
Additionally, the more affordable 2025 GLA-Class lacks the GLB’s third row but keeps strong luxury credentials, while the Mitsubishi Outlander supplies a practical third row and plug-in hybrid option as an alternative.
Conclusion
If you’re weighing the luxury SUV options, the Mercedes-Benz GLB stands as a versatile protagonist, offering a rare optional third row and upscale design that rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 lack. While the Volvo XC60 and Mitsubishi Outlander bring their own strengths, they don’t quite capture the GLB’s blend of family-friendly space, efficiency, and luxury. In this segment, the GLB is the plot twist that redefines what a subcompact luxury SUV can deliver.
