2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

From Edmunds:   Mercedes-Benz offers ever more inventive ways of exploring the spaces between existing car segments, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is a textbook study. As its three letters suggest, the GLB slots in between the tidy GLA and the larger, pricier GLC, and it's a bit like a middle sibling in between hand-me-downs: too big to be subcompact, not quite large enough for a compact. But the GLB stands apart with distinctive style, its upright boxy shape looking more like the rugged, celebrity-favorite G-wagen (G-Class) than its mainstream counterparts on either side of the product lineup. It's also exceptionally comfortable, suitably luxurious and loaded with appealing technology. The GLB even offers an available third-row seat, which is pretty much unheard of in this class. The seat is cramped to the point of being unusable, but the GLB gets credit for at least offering one. The standard GLB isn't a particularly rousing car to drive, but that all changes this year with the introduction of the high-performance AMG GLB 35. Overall we'd recommend the GLB over its BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 competitors just mind the options list lest the reasonable base price spiral out of control. Read on for a deeper dive into the Mercedes-Benz GLB from our Expert Rating team.   The GLB is an attractive luxury SUV for the money. Its boxy shape gives it a distinctive look while providing extra passenger and cargo space. Throw in some of the best technology available on the market and you've got one of the best small luxury SUVs around. Rated for you by America's best test team. Performance 8/10   How does the GLB-Class drive? In our testing, the GLB 250 reached 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is properly quick and at the top of the class. When you stomp the pedal, there's a noticeable delay before it starts accelerating, but with a lighter pedal application, it gets underway smoothly. The GLB isn't particularly exciting to drive, but it is more capable than most SUV owners will need. The GLB's brakes are easy to modulate for smooth stops and impressively strong when you need to make an emergency stop. Around turns, the GLB feels sure-footed and planted.   Comfort 8.5/10   How comfortable is the GLB-Class? The optional multi-contour seats with ventilation and heating are comfortable for hours at a time. The massage function doesn't actually massage. Rather, it subtly changes the seatback and cushion angles to shift your contact points, which in theory should help alleviate soreness on long trips. The rear seats are lower and shorter, which means taller passengers will find thigh support lacking, but not by much. The suspension tuning is on the soft side in Comfort mode and easily soaks up road imperfections. It can feel a little floaty on certain broad undulations, but it's far from unsettling. Sport mode dials out that softness without introducing any harshness. The cabin is pleasantly quiet on the highway, even on coarser surfaces.   Interior 8.5/10   Hows the interior? The GLB's ride height and tall door openings make it easy to get in and out of. There's no need to step up or stoop down just slip on in. Once inside, you'll find that all of the controls are logically placed and, after a very short time, you can operate them without having to take your eyes off the road. The GLB boxy shape affords generous space compared to most of its competitors. Its tall windows provide excellent outward visibility. One minor downside: The sun visors are too small and don't provide full coverage when moved to the side of the vehicle.   Technology 8.5/10   Hows the tech? The GLB gets high marks for its tech features. It comes with Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. MBUX is the easiest and best system out there, with many ways to control functions. Voice commands are accurate but sometimes take a moment to process. The GLB