2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted into the automaker's SUV lineup between the GLA and the GLC, available 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 with a sophisticated AWD system. Changes for the year included satellite radio in the Premium Package and a new AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and badges. The AMG GLB35 also introduced a new Rose Gold paint color. Prices started at $38,600 for the GLB250 with FWD, excluding a $1,050 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, an AMG GLB35, started at $51,000 (including destination) and included options like metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and AMG Drive Unit controls. With the Premium and Multimedia Packages, the total came to $57,250. The GLB's design was polarizing, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. However, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels added style and presence. The interior was beautifully rendered, featuring high-definition displays and artistic air vents with ambient lighting. The controls required acclimation, and the road noise was loud, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. All wheel designs and colors were new, and the rear VW logo now lit up. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, didn't look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance of traditional SUVs. However, it offered a minimalist interior design with a feeling of quality, even in the base ID.4 Standard model. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers was standard for 2023.

The ID.4's interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors. The base model, aside from a manual driver’s seat, didn’t feel like a downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. The ID.4's minimalist design and quality materials made it a comfortable and practical choice for EV buyers. The new center console with a conventional lid and a better spot for a phone improved functionality. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats was also available.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in both versions. The AMG GLB35 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, outperforming the GLB250's turbo engine by 81 hp and 37 lb-ft. The AMG GLB35 also had 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's EPA fuel economy rating was 22 mpg in combined driving, while the GLB250 4Matic achieved 25 mpg. Our test averaged 21.8 mpg.

The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over daily-driving comfort, with a firm ride, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. The AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension were standard. The AMG GLB35 excelled on twisty roads, with excellent grip and responsive handling in Sport+ mode. However, the powertrain exhibited some lag in throttle response, and the DCT could seem confused in urban settings. The performance brakes felt uneven, and the ride was firm. Most people would be happier with the GLB250 for daily driving, but driving enthusiasts would enjoy the AMG GLB35's performance on mountain roads.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The 62-kWh ID.4 Standard felt spritely during a short drive, but more seat time was needed for a proper comparison with the larger-battery RWD version.

The ID.4's AWD version had acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like the VW Golf GTI and Golf R but lacked the handling prowess. It was comfortable and refined but allowed too much body roll on twisty roads. The ID.4 used regenerative braking to recover energy while decelerating, but VW didn't pursue one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV first-timers. The ID.4 was a great choice for long drives, but it didn't excel on the nicest driving roads.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed for comfort and cargo, with 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, with optional real leather. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were available. The 64-color ambient lighting system allowed customization after dark.

Getting in and out of the GLB was easy, with excellent visibility for the driver and front passenger. The rear doors opened wide, revealing comfortable seating for two adults. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space and was suitable only for children. The power rear liftgate revealed a 22 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded flat.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than a Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It had 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it more practical than most entry-level EVs. VW benchmarked the ID.4 against gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but it fell short of those vehicles in interior space.

The ID.4 offered some towing capability, with a quoted towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Small changes to the interior for 2023 improved functionality, including a conventional lid on the center console and a better spot for a phone. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats was also available.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the AMG GLB35. 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 surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. A head-up display, surround-view camera system, and integrated dashcam were also available. MBUX could be controlled via natural voice recognition, touchscreen, physical center console controls, and steering wheel controls. The natural voice recognition and digital assistant worked well, but the navigation system's augmented reality technology was especially useful in densely populated areas after dark.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trim levels. The infotainment system received software updates to improve responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The user interface included sharp graphics, smartphone-like icons, and natural-language voice recognition.

The ID.4's haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel replaced conventional buttons, but they lacked physical feedback, making them distracting. The voice recognition system made it easier to use the infotainment system, reducing the need for the touchpads. The ID.Light system, part ambient lighting and part AI assistant, changed color based on drive mode and provided navigation cues. It was a clever feature but easily overlooked in normal driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 driving assistance and collision-avoidance technologies. Missing features included evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The test vehicle included 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 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in all crash tests and front crash prevention. The 2023 ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. Emergency Assist 3.0 and Park Assist Plus automated parking were also standard.