Lexus UX vs Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
What's the difference?

Lexus UX

—

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

$65,400 - $106,228

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Lexus UX

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

By Emily Agar

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.2L/100km (combined)

6.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Solid on-road handling
Great fuel economy
Long time between fills

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

Dislikes

Reminds you too often its a base grade
Drive modes largely indistinguishable
Cosy back seat

Standard glass roof
Expensive servicing costs
No spare wheel

2026 Lexus UX Summary

Replacing the long-standing UX250h, the more powerful Lexus UX300h hybrid sits at the luxury end of the compact SUV segment, and the latest update brings a refined line-up along with tweaks to both design and technology. In this review, I’m looking at the base Luxury grade to see what it's like to live with this hybrid day-today and how it stacks up against its nearest rivals.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Summary

There’s nothing quite like the Mercedes-Benz GLB. It’s a smallish mid-size SUV with a third seating row (strictly for small children… ), it has a distinctive boxy shape, and for the second generation, you can have a mild-hybrid or fully-electric powertrain. It is the definition of versatile.

The previous GLB was petrol only and Mercedes also offered the similar looking EQB as part of its EQ electric sub-brand. The separate EV model strategy wasn’t working so the German carmaker followed rival BMW’s plan of simply offering electric versions of popular models. Hence the two powertrain options for the new GLB.

This time around Benz has sharpened up pricing, added a bunch of new tech, and developed a new vehicle architecture, while retaining what buyers loved about the original.

Is the new-gen GLB a success?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Lexus UX 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Verdict

The updated Lexus UX300h Luxury is a solid entry in the premium compact SUV segment. It doesn’t break new ground, and there are areas that could be improved, but it handles well, offers a thoughtful selection of amenities for a base-grade luxury model, and its compact size makes it easy to park almost anywhere. For buyers seeking a stylish, efficient, and practical hybrid with a luxury badge, it’s a dependable choice.

Verdict

The new GLB is a worthy successor to the original. It has retained everything that made it such a unique proposition but improves where it counts - interior space and comfort, in-car and safety tech, standard features, powertrain, ride quality and, importantly, value-for-money.

The EV is the pick of the powertrains and while I didn’t get to drive it, the GLB250+ is the best value.

Servicing is expensive and the standard glass roof is a bugbear but if you can cope with those things, the boxy GLB is a terrific smallish family SUV.

Lexus UX vs Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus UX vs Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
What's the difference?