DecodedCars2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 250 4matic 4dr SUV, Amg 35 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,759–3,869 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2021 special purpose vehicle (21 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 20 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is a special purpose vehicle offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,759 lb (250 4matic 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 24% better than the 2021 special purpose vehicle average of 21 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 GLB-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 4matic 4dr SUV | 182.3 in | 72 in | 65.4 in | 111.4 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,759 lb | 57/43 |
| Amg 35 4dr SUV | 182.3 in | 72 in | 65.4 in | 111.4 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,869 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLB250 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +24% | $3,150 | 337 |
| GLB250 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +9% | $3,150 | 347 |
| AMG GLB35 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +10% | $3,550 | 381 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
Similar 2021 special purpose vehicles
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2021 Volvo XC60 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GLB-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GLB-Class | 28 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 GLB-Class | 28 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 GLB-Class | 28 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 GLB-Class | 27 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 GLB-Class | 27 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 GLB-Class | 26 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →