2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted into the automaker's SUV lineup between the GLA and the GLC. It came in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 featured front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 had a more powerful drivetrain, including a more sophisticated AWD system. This year, a handful of changes were in store, such as satellite radio becoming part of the Premium Package and the introduction of a new AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and black badges. Prices started at $38,600 for the GLB250 with FWD, excluding the $1,050 destination charge.

Our test vehicle arrived in AMG GLB35 spec, starting at $51,000 (including destination). Options included metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in premium leather, and AMG Drive Unit controls on the steering wheel. Additionally, our test sample had both the Premium and Multimedia Packages, bringing the grand total to $57,250 (including destination). The GLB’s design was an acquired taste, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. However, the interior was beautifully rendered in the Mercedes-Benz tradition, featuring full-color high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, and artistic air vents that glowed with ambient lighting after dark.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, in its base GLS 450 form, offered a more subtle, less flashy look compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, or Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, unlike the BMW X7 or Lexus LX. The AMG GLS 63 performance model featured flared wheel arches, a more muscular grille and front bumper, prominent rectangular exhaust tips, and AMG-specific 21-inch wheels. The Maybach version was adorned with chrome everywhere, including the grille, window trim, and front-bumper mesh, and came with a more traditional-looking hood ornament and power running boards.

Our test car had a fairly basic interior by GLS standards but still looked luxurious. It didn’t have reclining seats, but the leather upholstery, panoramic roof, and ambient lighting made the interior feel upscale. The GLS 450’s interior felt appropriate for a luxury SUV, with high-quality materials and a well-integrated digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. While perhaps too subdued for some, it felt high quality without being fragile.

Both versions of the GLB employed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 version was enhanced to produce 302 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm, and 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm. These were gains of 81 hp and 37 lb-ft, respectively, over the GLB250's turbo engine. The AMG GLB35 had an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. According to Mercedes, the AMG GLB35 zoomed to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, a full 1.8 seconds quicker than a GLB250. The official EPA fuel economy rating for the AMG GLB35 was 22 mpg in combined driving, down from 25 mpg for the GLB 250 4Matic.

The GLS 450 had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. Mercedes was expected to resume production of the GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, all of which used a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing up to 603 hp in the high-performance AMG version. The GLS 450’s six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well integrated. However, the suspension exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners, which detracted from the overall comfort.

Space-constrained urbanites who needed a relatively roomy but small SUV found plenty to like in the Mercedes GLB. This vehicle was designed for comfort and cargo and even offered an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Simulated leather upholstery called MB-Tex was standard, but real leather was available. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were also options. The GLB’s cargo area offered 22 cubic feet of space with the second-row seats up, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

The GLS came standard in a seven-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for access to the third row, and the standard bench seat could slide fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS’ air suspension could lower to make loading and unloading cargo easier.

The GLB’s high-tech interior featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package equipped the GLB with a navigation system with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system.

The GLS also featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, while a head-up display was optional. The voice recognition system responded to the prompt “Hey Mercedes” and understood normal speech well. However, the embedded navigation system suggested a route that would have added an hour to a trip for no apparent reason, which drained confidence in the system.

Despite a price tag closing in on $58,000, the GLB test vehicle did not have the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 desirable driving assistance and collision-avoidance technologies. The test vehicle did include Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist were also standard. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.

The GLS came with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and second-row side airbags. Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were unavailable at the time of publication.