2021 Mercedes GLB 250 VS 2025 Model: A Comparison

Meta: Compare the 2021 Mercedes GLB 250 vs the 2025 model. See what’s new in design, performance, interior features, and advanced technology

The Mercedes-Benz GLB has carved out a distinctive niche in the compact luxury SUV market since its introduction. With its boxy, utilitarian design that harkens back to the iconic G-Class, the GLB offers a blend of practicality and prestige that appeals to families and adventure seekers alike. As we compare the older Mercedes GLB 250 to its newer counterpart, we find a vehicle that has matured and refined itself while maintaining the core characteristics that made it successful from the start.

Design Evolution and Exterior Changes

2021 Model Aesthetics

The older GLB 250 introduced a refreshingly practical design to the Mercedes lineup. Standing 1,658 mm tall with a length of 4,634 mm, the boxy silhouette prioritized interior space and versatility. The upright stance, short overhangs, and distinctive front fascia, featuring a prominent Mercedes star, establish the GLB as a unique offering rather than simply a larger GLA.

The standard 18-inch aluminum wheels provided a solid foundation for the vehicle’s rugged appearance, while LED headlights came standard, offering both safety benefits and a premium look. This model featured a practical roof rail system, reinforcing its adventurous character and providing additional cargo options.

2025 Refinements

Mercedes has maintained the GLB signature boxy silhouette but introduced subtle refinements that modernize the appearance without sacrificing its distinctive character. The updated front grille now features a more contemporary look, and the redesigned LED headlights boast a slimmer profile with new daytime running light signatures.

New wheel designs range from 18 to 20 inches, including special black-accented options with the newly introduced Night Package Lite. This package features blacked-out exterior elements, giving the GLB a more aggressive and urban appearance.

The current model also features revised bumpers front and rear, with more pronounced lower elements that enhance the SUV’s visual presence while improving aerodynamics. These evolutionary changes maintain the GLB character while keeping it fresh in an increasingly competitive segment.

Powertrain Advancements

2021 Power Delivery

The GLB 250 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission pairs with this powertrain to deliver a balance of performance and efficiency.

The older model was available with either front-wheel drive or the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, which could vary the torque split according to driving conditions. The 4MATIC system included an off-road driving mode for light trail use, though the GLB was primarily designed for on-road comfort.

The older GLB 250 4MATIC delivered about 10.3 L/100 km in city driving and 7.8 L/100 km on highways, respectable numbers for a vehicle of its size and capability.

2025 Hybrid Enhancement

The newer GLB 250 retains the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the same peak output of 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, but now incorporates an enhanced 48-volt mild hybrid system. This system, first introduced in the 2024 model year, features an integrated starter-generator that provides an additional 13 horsepower of electric assistance during acceleration.

The hybrid system significantly improves the operation of the automatic start-stop function, making it virtually imperceptible in daily driving. This not only enhances comfort but also improves real-world fuel efficiency, particularly in urban environments.

The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission has been refined, featuring updated shift mapping that provides smoother gear transitions. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system remains available and continues to offer an off-road mode for occasional adventures beyond paved roads.

Fuel efficiency has improved to approximately 8.9 L/100 km in combined driving for the front-wheel-drive model, with the 4MATIC variant achieving a combined fuel consumption of about 9.3 L/100 km. These improvements, while modest in absolute terms, represent a meaningful enhancement in everyday driving.

Interior Comfort and Technology

2021 Cabin Experience

The GLB 250 featured a cabin that balanced technology with practical design elements. The dashboard housed two 7.0-inch screens as standard – one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the central infotainment display. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system introduced voice-activated controls that could be summoned with the phrase “Hey Mercedes.”

Standard seating features MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery with power-adjustable front seats that include memory settings. The second-row seats can slide and recline, offering flexibility for both passengers and cargo. One of the key selling points was its available third row of seating, rare in the compact SUV segment, though these seats were best suited for occasional use by smaller passengers.

Cargo capacity was impressive for the segment, with 560 liters behind the second row and up to 1,755 liters with the rear seats folded. Even with the optional third row in place, the GLB maintained usable cargo space.

This model offers comfort features like ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate, though many desirable options come bundled in additional packages.

2025 Digital Elevation

The current GLB 250 marks a significant upgrade in digital interfaces, now featuring dual 10.25-inch screens as standard equipment. These larger displays provide clearer graphics and more customization options, enhancing both the visual appeal and functionality of the cockpit.

The latest generation of the MBUX system offers improved natural voice recognition and more integrated functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, eliminating the need for cables, while wireless charging capability is included in the base model.

The interior materials have been subtly refined, with new upholstery options and trim finishes that enhance the premium feel. The panoramic sunroof, previously optional, is now standard equipment, bringing more light into the cabin and enhancing the sense of spaciousness.

The third-row seating option remains available, maintaining the unique selling proposition of the GLB in its class. Mercedes has slightly redesigned the EASY-ENTRY function that facilitates access to the third row, making it more intuitive to operate.

Cargo capacity remains largely unchanged, reflecting the consistent exterior dimensions, though small refinements in interior packaging have optimized usable space slightly.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

2021 Protection Systems

The GLB 250 came equipped with a solid suite of standard safety features, including Active Brake Assist (automatic emergency braking), Attention Assist to detect driver fatigue, and Blind Spot Assist. Seven airbags provided protection for occupants in the event of a collision.

Additional driver assistance features were available through option packages, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control), Active Steering Assist for lane centering, and Active Parking Assist.

You can supplement the standard rearview camera with an optional surround-view system, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings to aid in parking and low-speed maneuvering.

2025 Advanced Protection

Mercedes has enhanced the GLB safety capabilities while making more features standard equipment. The base model now includes improved versions of Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Function that alerts passengers to approaching vehicles when opening doors.

The previously optional surround-view camera system is now available as a standalone option, making it more accessible without requiring larger packages. This system provides high-resolution images and multiple viewing angles to assist with parking and navigating tight spaces.

The current model also benefits from updated vehicle-to-vehicle communication capabilities, enhancing awareness of potential hazards beyond the range of the vehicle’s sensors. The adaptive cruise control system has been refined to provide smoother operation in stop-and-go traffic.

Practical Ownership Considerations

2021 Everyday Usability

The GLB 250 offered a 60-liter fuel tank, providing a highway driving range of approximately 770 kilometers with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Maintenance intervals were typically scheduled at 15,000 kilometers or one year, whichever came first.

The vehicle’s turning circle, approximately 11.7 meters, made it reasonably maneuverable in urban environments, despite its relatively boxy shape. Ground clearance of approximately 200 mm provided confidence on rough roads without compromising everyday usability.

2025 Enhanced Convenience

The GLB retains its practical dimensions and capabilities, while adding several convenience features that enhance everyday ownership. The Mercedes me connect services have been expanded to include more remote functions controllable via smartphone, including remote start, door locking/unlocking, and vehicle status checks.

Maintenance requirements remain similar to the earlier model, though the mild hybrid system may contribute to reduced brake wear through its regenerative braking capabilities. The standard hands-free power liftgate adds convenience for owners with their hands full.

5 Mercedes-Benz GLB Facts

1. The GLB name follows Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, where “GL” designates an SUV, and “B” indicates its relationship to the B-Class in terms of platform architecture.
2. Although classified as a compact SUV, the older GLB provided more third-row headroom than some midsize competitors thanks to its boxy, upright design.
3. The GLB mild hybrid system in the current model can recover up to 10 kW of power during deceleration, storing this energy for later use during acceleration.
4. Both GLB models display incline angle, gradient percentage, and steering angle on the off-road information screen when drivers activate off-road mode.
5. The GLB Night Package Lite features a unique pattern for the front grille, distinguishing it from standard models and giving it a more aggressive appearance without the full AMG styling elements.

How does the cargo capacity compare between the 2021 and 2025 GLB models?

• The cargo capacity remains largely consistent between generations. The older model offered 560 liters behind the second row and up to 1,755 liters with rear seats folded. The newer model maintains similar dimensions with minor refinements in interior packaging that optimize usable space slightly. Third-row equipped models in both years have reduced maximum capacity of approximately 1,680 liters due to the space occupied by the folded seats.

What improvements were made to the GLB infotainment system from 2021 to 2025?

• The older GLB featured standard 7.0-inch displays for the instrument cluster and central infotainment screen, with the MBUX system offering voice control. The newer model features standard dual 10.25-inch screens with enhanced graphics and improved processing speed. Additional enhancements include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, improved natural voice recognition, and expanded Mercedes me connect services with more remote functions controllable via smartphone.

Does the 2025 GLB offer better fuel efficiency than the 2021 model?

• The new GLB achieves better fuel efficiency thanks to its 48-volt mild hybrid system. The older 4MATIC model consumed about 10.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 L/100 km on highways, while the new front-wheel-drive model averages approximately 8.9 L/100 km combined, and the 4MATIC variant averages around 9.3 L/100 km combined. The hybrid system boosts efficiency, especially in urban driving with frequent stops.

What safety features did Mercedes add or improve in the 2025 GLB compared to the 2021 model?

• The current GLB features enhanced versions of Active Brake Assist with a cross-traffic function, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Assist with an Exit Warning Function as standard equipment. The surround-view camera system is now available as a standalone option, rather than being part of a package. The newer model also features vehicle-to-vehicle communication capabilities and enhancements to the adaptive cruise control system, providing smoother operation in stop-and-go traffic.

Has the third-row seating option changed between the 2021 and 2025 GLB models?

• Both model years offer third-row seating with similar dimensions. The newer model refines the EASY-ENTRY function, making access to the third row more intuitive. Both generations best accommodate smaller passengers for occasional use, while the current model retains the same packaging compromises required to fit seven seats in a compact SUV.

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