Mercedes is the world’s leading brand when it comes to premium executive cars from all segments. This German luxury brand is in the business of making desirable luxury cars of all shapes and sizes for more than 100 years now, and the Mercedes SUV line-up is currently the most popular Mercedes lineup.
The Mercedes GLB is what Mercedes likes to call an entry-level true family SUV which means that it offers seating for up to 7 passengers, a comfortable and spacious cabin filled with all sorts of luxurious and convenient gadgets.
The Mercedes GLC is a higher-end model, but given the fact that the GLC has not yet been replaced with a brand new model, it is not on the same level as the relatively new GLB. Even though the GLC offers higher quality materials and a more engaging drive, the GLB is a better car.
The GLC is also being offered with a 4.0L AMG V8 which is the most performance-oriented pick of the bunch. The new GLC is on the way and it is likely going to be based on the new C-Class so it’s a good idea to wait before the new GLC arrives as it is going to be a lot better than the current GLB.
2022 Mercedes GLB-Class – The entry-level true Mercedes family SUV
The Mercedes Benz GLB starts at $39.650 for the entry-level GLB250 which is by far the most popular pick of the range. It comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo that offers a healthy 221hp and 258lb-ft of torque. If you want an AWD version, you will have to pay an additional $2,000 over the asking price for the 4MATIC system.
The GLB250 comes with an 8-speed DCT automatic gearbox that fits the character of the GLB beautifully. It is a smooth and efficient transmission you are not likely going to feel while driving. Design-wise, the GLB looks like a more squared-off version of the GLA which means that it borrows a few design touches from its larger brothers, the GLE and the G-Wagon.
Where the GLB beats the GLC easily is the interior design and functionality as it comes with the newest Mercedes MB UX infotainment screen, a better-looking dashboard, and the new Mercedes steering wheel. The GLB is a bit shorter when compared to the GLC, but the available space is better utilized.
The GLB also gets all the state-of-the-art Mercedes safety features while the GLC is lacking the very newest ones. The GLB also comes with seven seats while the GLC is only available with five.
2022 Mercedes GLC-Class – The mid-level Mercedes SUV
With a starting price of $44,900, you’d expect the GLC to beat the GLB in most areas even though it is an older car, but the reality is that the GLC is simply outdated. The GLC also comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, but the one in the GLC300 offers 255hp and 273lb-ft of torque.
4MATIC is also available as an option with a $2,000 price increase. The GLC is larger, but not more spacious as it only comes with 5 seats. The interior materials used in the GLC do feel a bit more premium when compared to the GLB and the GLC feels more substantial and SUV-ish to drive.
However, the overall design is a little bit dated compared to the GLB, both from the outside and from the inside. The GLC comes with a slightly older Mercedes infotainment version and the screens on offer are not as advanced nor futuristic looking.
The GLC gets almost all, but not the very newest Mercedes safety systems which means that the GLB beats it when it comes to safety.
Conclusion – The GLB is better, but the new GLC is on the way
The price difference between the GLB and the GLC is not enough to justify buying the GLC over the GLB. It’s safe to say that both of these premium SUVs are impressive and are likely going to satisfy even the most die-hard Mercedes enthusiasts.
However, the GLB is newer, it comes with a more appealing interior and exterior design, it offers more seating space, newer tech, and more safety kit. The GLC is a bit more interesting to drive, it comes with more powerful engines and the build quality seems to be a bit better.
Overall, the best thing you can do is wait for the new GLC to come out as it is likely going to be better than the GLB. If you need a car new, go for the GLB.
FAQ Section
Is the 2022 Mercedes GLB more efficient than the Mercedes GLC?
In today’s day and age, efficiency is a really important selling point, especially when it comes to luxury cars as they tend to offer punchier engines. Even though the engine in the GLC is a bit more powerful, it is rated similarly to the GLB with a 22/29MPG city/highway score.
The GLB is rated at 23/32MPG city/highway which means that it is slightly better than the GLC. Even though the numbers give a slight advantage to the GLB, these differences are so marginal that the way you drive either of these two is likely going to negate that difference.
Is the 2022 Mercedes GLB a better family car than the Mercedes GLC?
The GLB is a better family car because it uses the available space more cleverly and because it is also being offered as a seven-seater. This is not to say that the GLC is not a good family car, but rather the fact that the GLB is simply better.
The GLB is also available with more family-friendly features and with more safety kit as well. Both of these are great, but the GLB is noticeably better.
When is the new Mercedes GLC coming out?
According to a few online sources, the new GLC should see the light of day before the end of 2022 and it is likely to go on sale sometime in 2023. When this happens, the battle between the GLB and the GLC is going to become redundant as the new GLC should be better in almost all areas.
However, this also means that the current generation of the GLC can be had with decent discounts and it is likely going to drop in value which means that it is going to be a lot more attainable.
