Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs BMW X Models
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

$65,400 - $106,228

2026 price

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BMW X Models

$63,400 - $254,300

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

2026 BMW X Models

By Tim Nicholson

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Electric motor type

—

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

—

Fuel Efficiency

6.1L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

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

Smooth ride, steering acceleration
Premium look and feel
Value for power and range

Dislikes

Standard glass roof
Expensive servicing costs
No spare wheel

Huge battery should mean more range
Lack of physical controls
No cover on sunroof

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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2026 BMW X Models Summary

When the BMW iX first showed up a few years ago, it was a promising look at what BMW seemed capable of when it comes to electric cars.

While mildly flawed, the iX was fast, comfortable and felt properly premium. Now it’s had a decent update, with the iX xDrive45 M Sport here to replace the former entry-level xDrive 40.

BMW claims among other mechanical and tech updates a power increase of 25 per cent, a 30 per cent greater energy content for the battery, a 38 per cent increase in driving range and a 17 per cent faster charging rate.

But in the time since the iX launched, there have been big strides in the premium electric SUV space, including new arrivals from European opposition like the Polestar 3; even a new American in the form of the Cadillac Lyriq.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class 2026 BMW X Models

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.

Verdict

If anyone was worried that it would be too late to get a decent bit of value out of an entry-level iX, there's reassuring news.

With more power, range and features added to the model and the cost remaining close to its former sticker price, the iX has held up well despite now existing in a more competitive environment.

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs BMW X Models What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs BMW X Models
What's the difference?