2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup. It slotted between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, with a length of 182.4 inches and a wheelbase of 111.4 inches. Despite its distinct measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB's attractive, athletic stance was enhanced by its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more forgiving on soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern stunner with round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted excellent fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel featuring perforated leather grips.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and generous polished brightwork, had a design that reminded some of an athletic sneaker. Mercedes shelved many V8-powered models for 2022, leaving the AMG GLE 53 Coupe with a base price of $77,800. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe was as sumptuous as expected, with high-end materials and a high-tech appearance thanks to its dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design. The cabin featured Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner and steering wheel, and brushed aluminum trim. Ambient lighting added to the driving pleasure at night. However, the lack of traditional controls or clear markings made it challenging for newcomers to operate the vehicle's technology.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine choice: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was estimated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, making it a wise choice for drivers who planned to stray from paved roads.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, with our test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe's performance highlights included a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, AMG Dynamic Select system with multiple driving modes, and an AMG sport exhaust system. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further enhanced the vehicle's performance. The GLE Coupe felt taut, nimble, and composed in various driving conditions, with impressive grip and braking performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which affected the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with each passenger able to adjust their own angle of recline. The seat bottom was divided 40:60, with each section able to slide six inches. In three-row GLB SUVs, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function, and the third row of seats was retractable. Cargo space for the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The front row of seats was highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe technically held up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage, making them comfortable on the highway and supportive on winding roads. Forward visibility was fine, but rear visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample room for adult legs and feet, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. Available comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a Warmth and Comfort Package, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe also featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass, including a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mercedes Me connected services, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was easy to use, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." However, the touchpad on the center console was easy to activate inadvertently. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with standard safety features such as active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including active distance assist Distronic 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 2021 GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The Emergency Call Service was free and available for the vehicle's lifetime. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The lane-keeping assistance technology was highly effective, and the route-based speed adaptation function for adaptive cruise control could be turned off. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.