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Mercedes-Benz GLB200 2026 review: snapshot | Lexus NX rival tested

EXPERT RATING
7.8

Likes

Exterior design
Impressive, useful in-car tech
More refined than predecessor

Dislikes

Standard glass roof
Expensive servicing costs
No spare wheel
Tim Nicholson

Managing Editor

2 min read

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB follows the successful formula of the original GLB and its electric EQB sibling. It's still boxy and spacious for a smaller SUV but now has way more tech and represents better value for money.

The line-up features two mild hybrid and two electric grades. It kicks off with the base mild hybrid, the front-wheel drive GLB200.

It's more affordable than the model it replaces and features a much greater level of standard gear than its predecessor, including:

Explore the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Range
Explore the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Range
  • Keyless entry and start
  • 10.25-inch driver instrument display
  • 14-inch central multimedia touchscreen
  • Google Maps
  • Digital radio
  • Heated and power-adjustable front seats
  • 360-degree camera
  • Head-up display
  • Black synthetic leather
  • Ambient lighting
  • Heated front seats
  • Privacy glass from the B-pillar back
  • Power tailgate
  • Panoramic fixed glass roof
  • Automatic climate control
  • 19-inch alloy wheels

Both mild-hybrid versions of the GLB are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech that includes a 1.3kWh lithium ion battery.

The front-wheel drive GLB200 delivers 120kW/250Nm for an 8.7-second 0-100km/h dash time. It uses an eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and consumes 6.1L/100km of premium unleaded.

Standard safety gear is extensive and it works well on the road with few interventions.

Like all grades, the GLB200 has seven seats but Benz says only people up to 171cm tall should sit in the third row. The second row seat base rolls forward and back to make it easier to get into the back row.

Read the full 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class review

Mercedes-Benz GLB 2026: 200

Engine Type Turbo 4, 1.5L
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 6.1L/100km (combined)
Seating 7
Price From $65,400

Pricing Guides

$65,400
Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Mercedes-Benz GLB 2026 variant.
LOWEST PRICE
$65,400
HIGHEST PRICE
$106,228
Tim Nicholson

Managing Editor

Calling out the make and model of every single car he saw as a toddler might have challenged his parents’ patience, but it was clearly a starting point for Tim Nicholson’s journey into automotive journalism. Tim started his journalism career as a staff writer for the Australian Open tennis tournament in 2011, completing an internship as part of his Master of Arts (Media and Communications) at Swinburne University. Tim followed his passion for all things automotive by launching the program, Fender Bender, on community radio station JOY 94.9. This led to an entry role at industry publication GoAuto, before eventually holding the role of Managing Editor. A stint as RACV’s Motoring Editor – including a year as an Australia’s Best Cars judge – provided a different perspective to automotive media, before leading him to CarsGuide where he started as a Contributing Journalist in September 2021, and transitioned to Senior Editor in April 2022, before becoming Managing Editor in December 2022. You can find Tim on LinkedIn and Instagram Education Master of Arts (Media and Communications) | Swinburne University | 2010-2012 Featured Publications GoAuto | 2012-2019 GoAutoNews Premium | 2012-2019 RACV Royal Auto | 2019-2021 CarsGuide | 2021-present
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$65,400
Lowest price, based on new car retail price.
For more information on
2026 Mercedes‑Benz GLB‑Class
See Pricing & Specs

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