The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB emerged as a compelling option in the compact SUV segment, blending Mercedes-Benz luxury with surprising versatility and practicality. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family vehicle or a sporty ride with AMG performance, the GLB lineup offered something for everyone. Let’s delve into the details of the 2021 Mercedes Glb, exploring its models, features, and technical highlights.
2021 Mercedes GLB Models and Pricing
Mercedes-Benz presented the 2021 GLB in a range of models to cater to diverse preferences and needs. Here’s a look at the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the core models:
- Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 (FWD): Starting at $38,050
- Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC: Starting at $40,050
- Mercedes-AMG GLB 35: Starting at $49,500
Note: These prices exclude a $1,050 destination and delivery charge.
What’s New for the 2021 GLB Model Year?
For the 2021 model year, Mercedes-Benz enhanced the GLB 250 and GLB 250 4MATIC by making Blind Spot Assist and a convenient 115V outlet standard features. However, the most exciting addition was the introduction of the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLB 35. This performance-oriented variant brought the dynamism of AMG driving to the GLB platform, combining impressive versatility with exhilarating performance.
Key Standard Features of the 2021 Mercedes GLB
The 2021 Mercedes GLB was generously equipped with a host of standard features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, technology, and safety. Here are some highlights:
Cutting-Edge Technology:
- Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX): This revolutionary multimedia system is at the heart of the GLB’s technology suite. Featuring artificial intelligence and an intuitive interface, MBUX offers natural language understanding voice control (“Hey Mercedes”), allowing for seamless interaction with the vehicle’s systems.
- Digital Displays: A 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and a 7-inch Touchscreen Multimedia Display provide crisp visuals and intuitive control.
- Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, ensuring seamless connectivity with your mobile devices.
- New-generation Touchpad: The touchpad offers another intuitive way to control the MBUX system.
Comfort and Convenience:
- Power Front Seats with Memory: 8-Way Power Driver and Passenger Seats with 3-Position Memory ensure optimal comfort and personalized settings.
- Adjustable Rear Seats: Rear Seats with 7-Stage Inclination and Forward/Backward Adjustment enhance passenger comfort and cargo flexibility.
- Dual-Zone Climate Control: Maintain optimal temperature for both driver and passengers.
- Power Liftgate: Effortlessly access the cargo area.
- KEYLESS-START®: Enjoy the convenience of push-button start.
- Cruise Control: Maintain a set speed for relaxed highway driving.
Exterior and Styling:
- LED Headlamps: Provide enhanced visibility and a modern aesthetic.
- 18″ Wheels with Run-Flat Tires: Combine style with practicality and peace of mind.
- Integrated Fog Lights: Improve visibility in inclement weather.
- Multifunction Steering Wheel: Leather-wrapped steering wheel with Touch Control Buttons and Shift Paddles for convenient control and sporty driving.
Safety and Driver Assistance:
- Active Brake Assist: Helps mitigate or prevent frontal collisions.
- Adaptive Braking Technology: Includes Hill-Start Assist and brake HOLD feature for confident driving in various conditions.
- Rearview Camera: Enhances visibility when reversing.
- Crosswind Assist: Helps stabilize the vehicle in strong crosswinds.
- ATTENTION ASSIST®: Monitors driver drowsiness and provides alerts.
- Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service: Provides automatic emergency assistance when needed.
AMG GLB 35: Elevating Performance
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 takes the GLB’s capabilities to a new level, adding AMG-enhanced performance features while retaining its inherent versatility. In addition to the standard GLB features, the AMG GLB 35 boasts:
- AMG-Enhanced Engine: A potent AMG-enhanced 2.0L Inline-4 turbocharged engine delivering 302 horsepower.
- AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G Transmission: An 8-speed dual-clutch transmission engineered for rapid and precise gear changes.
- AMG Performance 4MATIC: Variable all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction and dynamic handling.
- AMG Styling: Distinctive AMG exterior and interior styling cues that reflect its performance pedigree.
- Widescreen Digital Cockpit: Upgraded to dual 10.25″ displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia touchscreen.
- New-generation AMG Steering Wheel: Features Touch Controls for intuitive operation of vehicle functions.
Optional Features and Packages for the 2021 GLB
To further personalize and enhance the 2021 GLB, Mercedes-Benz offered a wide array of optional features and packages:
For GLB 250 and GLB 250 4MATIC:
- 3rd Row Seating: Expand passenger capacity to seven.
- Premium Package: Adds Blind Spot Assist, larger 10.25″ media display and digital instrument cluster, KEYLESS-GO® Package, and auto-dimming/power-folding mirrors.
- Multimedia Package: Includes MB Navigation, Augmented Reality for Navigation, and Traffic Sign Assist.
- Parking Assistance Package: Features Surround View System and Active Parking Assist for effortless parking maneuvers.
- Exterior Lighting Package: Upgrades to Active LED Headlamps and Adaptive Highbeam Assist for optimized nighttime visibility.
- Driver Assistance Package: A comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (detailed below).
- AMG Line & Night Package: Sportier styling enhancements.
- Luxury Seating and Sound: Multicontour Seats and Burmester® Surround Sound System for premium comfort and audio.
- Convenience Features: Panoramic sliding sunroof, Suspension with Adaptive Damping System, 64-Color Ambient Lighting, Inductive Wireless Charging, Heated and ventilated front seats, Heated Steering Wheel, and Head-Up Display.
For AMG GLB 35:
- 3rd Row Seating: A unique option in the compact AMG SUV segment, offering seven-passenger capacity.
- AMG Night Package: Adds darkened exterior accents for a more aggressive look.
- AMG RIDE CONTROL Sport Suspension: Further enhances handling dynamics.
- AMG Performance Steering Wheel Options: Nappa leather or DINAMICA microfiber steering wheel for enhanced grip and feel.
- AMG Drive Unit Steering Wheel Controls: Quick access to driving mode and performance settings.
- AMG Track Pace App: For performance data logging and analysis on the track.
2021 GLB Technical Feature Highlights
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX): As mentioned earlier, MBUX is a standout feature, learning driver preferences and offering intuitive control through voice, touchscreen, touchpad, and steering wheel controls.
Off-Road Engineering Package (GLB 250 4MATIC Standard): Enhances off-road capability with an additional “Off-Road” drive program, adjusting engine power delivery and ABS for better traction on uneven terrain. It also includes:
- Off-Road Driving Display: Provides real-time information on gradient, inclination angle, and technical settings.
- Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR): Maintains a slow, preset speed when descending steep slopes.
Optional 3rd Row Seat:
The 2021 GLB offered an optional 3rd-row seat, making it one of the few compact SUVs to provide this feature. Here’s a comparison of the five-seater and seven-seater configurations:
| Feature | Five-seater | Seven-seater (option) |
|---|---|---|
| Second seat row | 40:20:40 split-folding backrest | 40:20:40 split-folding backrest |
| Backrest inclination | Multi-stage adjustment | Multi-stage adjustment |
| Longitudinal adjustment | 6 inches, 40:60 split surface (option) | 6 inches, 40:60 split surface |
| Third seat row | – | Two retractable individual seats, EASY-ENTRY function |
Second Row Adjustability: The second-row seats offer both backrest inclination adjustment and fore/aft adjustability, maximizing passenger comfort and cargo space.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: The 2021 GLB benefits from Mercedes-Benz’s advanced driver-assistance technology. The optional Driver Assistance Package includes:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®: Adaptive cruise control with route-based speed adaptation.
- Active Steering Assist: Lane centering assistance.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist: Brings the vehicle to a controlled stop if the driver becomes unresponsive.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Assists with lane changes.
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function: Helps prevent collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and crossing traffic.
- Active Speed Limit Assist: Automatically adjusts speed to detected speed limits.
- Active Blind Spot Assist: Warns of vehicles in blind spots and can intervene to prevent collisions.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Warns of lane departures and can steer the vehicle back into its lane.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS with PRE-SAFE® Sound: Prepares for rear-end collisions and can reduce hearing damage in an accident.
Model Positioning: The Versatile Compact SUV
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was strategically positioned as a versatile and practical compact SUV within the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It aimed to deliver a blend of:
- Compact Dimensions: Easy to maneuver and park in urban environments.
- Generous Space: Offering ample passenger and cargo room, especially with the optional 3rd-row seat.
- Latest Technology: Featuring the revolutionary MBUX system and advanced driver assistance.
- Mercedes-Benz Luxury: Upholding the brand’s reputation for quality, comfort, and refinement.
- AMG Performance (GLB 35): Providing a sporty and exhilarating driving experience in a compact SUV format.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, in particular, carved a unique niche as an unrivaled entry in the compact SUV segment, offering a combination of versatility and performance rarely found in its class.
2021 Mercedes GLB: At a Glance Specifications
| Feature | GLB250 SUV / GLB 250 4MATIC SUV | AMG GLB 35 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,050 / 4MATIC: $40,050 | $49,500 |
| Length | 182.4″ | 183.1″ |
| Width (w/mirrors/omirrors) | 79.5″ (72.2″) | 79.5″ (72.8″) |
| Height | 65.3″ | 65.4″ |
| Wheelbase | 111.4″ | 111.4″ |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | GLB 250 (5-passenger): 3,538 | GLB 35 (5-passenger): 3,871 |
| GLB 250 4MATIC (5-passenger): 3,759 est. | GLB 35 (7-passenger): TBA | |
| GLB 250 (7-passenger): 3,649 | ||
| GLB 250 4MATIC (7-passenger): 3,891 est. | ||
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb) | 23 / 31 / 26 | 21 / 26 / 23 |
| 4MATIC: 23 / 30 / 26 | ||
| Engine | 2.0L Inline-4 turbo | AMG enhanced 2.0L Inline-4 turbo |
| Displacement | 1,991 cc | 1,991 cc |
| Drive Config. | Front-Wheel Drive / 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive | AMG Performance 4MATIC variable AWD |
| Performance | 221 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 302 hp @ 5,800 – 6,100 rpm |
| 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 – 4,000 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 3000 – 4000 rpm | |
| Transmission | 8-speed DCT | AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 6.9 / 4MATIC: 6.9 | 5.1 (est.) |
| Top speed (mph) | 130 (electronically limited) | 155 (electronically limited) |
| Main Competitors | BMW X1, Range Rover Discovery Sport, VW Tiguan | N/A |
In conclusion, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB presented a compelling package for SUV buyers seeking versatility, luxury, technology, and performance in a compact form factor. From the well-equipped GLB 250 models to the thrilling AMG GLB 35, the 2021 GLB lineup offered a diverse range to meet various needs and desires.
