2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges, contributing to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29. The front end showcased the most significant visual transformation, making the vehicle appear handsome yet unoffensive. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available, although it was not included in the test model. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test vehicle revealed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, slotted between the GLA and GLC in both size and alphabetical order. Despite its distinct measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, featuring an attractive and athletic stance with 7.9 inches of ground clearance. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, highlighted by round shapes across the dash and polished metal HVAC vents that evoked an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen added to the cabin's elegance, complemented by Mercedes-Benz's excellent fit and finish.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided ample power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's starting price of $56,200 made it competitive, but the X5's standard turbocharged inline-6 offered more power and better performance. The GLE 350's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was commendable, with 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined for the FWD version, and 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined for the AWD version. The GLB's performance was decent, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, making it a wise choice for drivers.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. Depending on the options, the GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and up to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping, although the lumbar support was challenging to adjust. The steering wheel felt great but often blocked parts of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, but the bass caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice of adding a third-row option, which affected the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with adjustable recline angles and a sliding function. The third row was retractable, folding flat when not needed. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet behind the first row in the five-passenger version. The seven-passenger version offered 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet behind the first row. The front row seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2020 GLE-Class featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting but ultimately rewarding. The system included two giant 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display (HUD), offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The natural voice control system, while impressive in the A-Class, did not work as well in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by shadows and unexpected lines.

The 2021 GLB was packed with technology, including the latest MBUX infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the screens to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality and traffic-sign assist. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless charging, parking assistance with surround view, and a HUD.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Attention Assist monitored eye contact and head position to anticipate drowsiness, while Seat Kinetics adjusted seating positions to prevent cramping. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems were problematic at high speeds, causing the car to bounce around the lane and get fooled by shadows and unexpected lines.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features such as active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.