2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV), showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen’s gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen’s minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while the Pro S and 1St Edition models offered leatherette upholstery. The interior design aimed to push a tech theme, which automakers believed customers wanted.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in Mercedes’ SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 featured a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The 2022 model introduced changes like satellite radio in the Premium Package and a new AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and badges.

Our test vehicle, the AMG GLB35, started at $51,000 and included options like metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, and an AMG Performance steering wheel. The interior was beautifully rendered with high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting. However, the controls required some acclimation, and the quality in certain spots revealed its entry-level status. The ride was firm, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels, and road noise was loud.

At launch, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel drive (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than handling, with a smooth ride over bumps but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, it didn’t offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 version produced 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the GLB250’s engine. The AMG GLB35 also included an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, compared to the GLB250’s 6.9 seconds. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over comfort, with a firm ride and some throttle lag. However, it excelled on twisty roads, offering a fun driving experience with excellent grip and responsive handling.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than some EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), but the interior felt spacious with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was subpar due to thick rear pillars and a small back window. The console was narrow, offering limited storage space for larger items.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed for comfort and cargo, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with simulated leather upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were available. The GLB offered 22 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row up and 62 cubic feet with it folded. The third-row seat reduced storage space and was not practical for adults. The power rear liftgate was standard, and the interior provided good visibility and easy access.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (a 12-inch screen was optional) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB’s MBUX infotainment system included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium audio system, WiFi, and gesture control. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple control methods. The navigation’s augmented reality technology was particularly impressive.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist could bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, and more. Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, Attention Assist, and Exit Warning Assist. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.