The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class packs an impressive amount of versatility and functionality into a nimble, subcompact SUV platform. The GLB was introduced for the 2020 model year, and the AMG variant joined the lineup in 2021. The model is largely unchanged for the 2023 model year.

The 2023 GLB-Class is offered in GLB 250 and Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 forms. The GLB 250 comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and a power liftgate. It also comes with a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs the MBUX infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It responds to complex commands and voice prompts such as “Hey, Mercedes…” The GLB 250 is available with the optional AMG Line Package, which adds upgraded 19-inch wheels and unique styling touches.

The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 comes with a more potent power plant, as well as with larger 19-inch wheels, unique styling, and an upgraded suspension system. The GLB 35 comes with a larger digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen. Other options packages add premium features such as genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, and a Burmester premium stereo system.

The GLB 250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which makes 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 comes equipped with a hotter version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, tuned to put out 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels (FWD) or to available 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). AWD is standard on the AMG GLB 35.

The base, front-wheel-drive GLB 250 returns fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 32 highway, and 27 combined. The GLB 250 4Matic returns 22 mpg city, 30 highway, and 25 combined. The more powerful AMG GLB 35 returns 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. All versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class require premium fuel.

The SUV makes the most of its footprint with up to 62 cubic feet of cargo space and an available third row of seating. If you select the optional third row, total cargo space falls to 56.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 GLB comes standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver-drowsiness monitoring. Optional driver-assistance features include traffic-sign recognition, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view parking monitor, and a head-up display.

Base MSRP for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is $39,800 for the GLB 250. The all-wheel-drive GLB 250 4Matic starts at $41,800, and the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 starts $51,500. The GLB-Class is backed by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.