Archived model-year dossier
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class returns with a few notable changes: a new high-performance AMG GLB 35, and Blind Spot Assist and a 115-volt outlet now standard. A 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and four USB-C ports is standard, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive $2,000. NHTSA lists 12 recalls and 7 complaints, led by engine (3).
Configurations3
Model/option labels3
Combined efficiency23–26 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
CarsDirect (opens in a new tab) says the 2021 GLB, between the GLA and GLC, returns with a new high-performance AMG model while blind-spot monitoring becomes standard, a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and four USB-C ports, and front-wheel drive standard on the GLB 250 with all-wheel drive for $2,000. Arrowhead Mercedes-Benz (opens in a new tab) adds the standardization of Blind Spot Assist and a 115V outlet, and describes the AMG GLB 35 as a more powerful engine with faster acceleration.
EPA rates the 2021 GLB at 23 to 26 mpg combined and $3,000 to $3,350 a year in fuel.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2021 GLB. Several are specific to the GLB: 21V860000 for a driver-side window air bag not mounted correctly, 21V231000 for tailgate side spoilers, 21V232000 for wheel arch covers, 21V990000 for a front axle carrier that may corrode, 22V078000 for an incorrect driver's air bag module, 22V314000 for a rear level sensor linkage and 22V679000 for a damaged stability control unit. The rest are shared with other models: rearview camera (21V354000 and 22V232000), communication module software (21V058000 and 22V365000) and door locks (26V481000).
Owners have filed 7 complaints: engine with 3, and suspension, power train, service brakes, hydraulic and visibility with 1 each. CarFactBase (opens in a new tab) and ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) list the record, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page.
2021 GLB against the X1, Q3, XC40 and UX
The BMW X1 lists 26 to 27 mpg combined at $2,850 to $3,000, the Audi Q3 23 to 25 at $2,500 to $2,700, the Volvo XC40 25 to 79 including its electric version, and the Lexus UX 32 to 42 at $1,500 to $1,950. The GLB trails the X1 and the hybrid UX and sits level with the Q3.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class: 2 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLB 250 4MATIC | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | AWD | 221 | 258 | 6.9 s | 130 mph | 23 / 30 / 26 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| GLB 250 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | FWD | 221 | 258 | 6.9 s | 130 mph | 23 / 31 / 26 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLB 250 4MATIC | 3,759 lb | 182.4 in | 65.3 in | 111.4 in | 38.4 ft | 15.9 gal | 40.7 in | 41.1 in | P235/55R18 |
| GLB 250 | 3,638 lb | 182.4 in | 65.3 in | 111.4 in | 38.4 ft | 15.9 gal | 40.7 in | 41.1 in | P235/55R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | GLB 250 4MATIC | GLB 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||
| Adaptive headlights | Opt | Opt |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Opt | Opt |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Opt | Opt |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | Opt | Opt |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Opt | Opt |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Opt | Opt |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Opt |
| Roof rails | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | Opt | Opt |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Opt | Opt |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Opt |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std |
| Dual-clutch automatic transmission | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
3 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43573AMG GLB35 4matic | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8) | Premium | 21 | 26 | 23 | N/A |
| 42729GLB250 | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8) | Premium | 23 | 31 | 26 | N/A |
| 43136GLB250 4matic | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8) | Premium | 23 | 30 | 26 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class versus the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
Model year
Against the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class: Model/option labels added: AMG GLB35 4matic. EPA size classes added: Midsize Station Wagons, Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD. EPA size classes no longer listed: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD. Certification records went from 2 to 3. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 26.0 to 24.5 MPG/MPGe.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02Which current models share the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's EPA class?
Comparison
Class peers of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class in the current EPA data include 2026 Audi A6, 2026 Audi RS 6, 2027 BMW M5, 2027 Honda CR-V, 2027 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQE, and 3 more.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q03How do the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 2 trims share the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 221 hp. The GLB 250 has FWD instead of AWD over the GLB 250 4MATIC.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How quickly does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's 0-60 mph time is 6.9 seconds on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's top speed?
Performance
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's top speed is 130 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06What size wheels does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's wheel diameter is 18 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class across model years.
See every Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class model year and research hub
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Seasonal and storageWhat to do after a vehicle was in flood waterStop driving →Warning lightsRed brake warning light: first checksStop driving →Starting and chargingHow to jump-start a 12-volt vehicle safelyDepends →Engine and coolingBlue, white or black exhaust smoke: what it suggestsSoon →Transmission and drivetrainClicking from the front axle while turningSoon →Brakes, tires and steeringVehicle drifts or pulls to one sideSoon →