Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLB: Complete comparison 2026

Audi Q3 is a popular premium compact SUV that has won over drivers with its elegant design, high-quality interior craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. Standing against it is the Mercedes-Benz GLB (officially also referred to as the GLB Class), which scores in the luxury crossover segment primarily with its more robust boxy body, excellent spaciousness, and the practical option of a seven-seat layout. Let's take a detailed look at which of these two German rivals offers better driving characteristics, comfort, and overall utility value to help you choose the ideal car.

When looking at four-year-old used cars of both premium brands, we encounter a completely different approach to exterior dimensions. While the Audi Q3 in its second generation (F3, since 2018) bets on the traditional proportions of a compact premium SUV with a slightly sporty cut, the Mercedes-Benz GLB (generation 247, since 2019) entered the market with a boxy and strictly functional design. Mercedes' goal was to maximize interior space on a relatively small footprint, making it one of the most robust cars in this class.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB measures 4634 mm in length, which is exactly 150 mm more than the classic Audi Q3 (4484 mm) and 134 mm more than the more stylish Q3 Sportback variant (4500 mm). However, the fundamental difference lies in the wheelbase. The GLB offers an impressive 2829 mm, while the Audi Q3 has to make do with 2680 mm. This difference of 149 mm in favor of the Mercedes means only one thing – significantly more legroom in the second row and even the possibility of installing a third row of seats, which is unique in this class. In terms of overall transport capacity and longitudinal spaciousness, the Mercedes-Benz clearly has the upper hand, while the shorter Audi offers better maneuverability when parallel parking in crowded city streets.

An interesting situation arises when comparing the width and height of both models. The Audi Q3, at 1849 mm, is surprisingly 15 mm wider than the Mercedes-Benz GLB (1834 mm). Conversely, the representative with the three-pointed star clearly grows taller, measuring 1658 mm (up to 1692 mm for some versions on the used car market), surpassing the classic Q3 (1585 mm) by at least 73 mm. Thanks to these proportions, the Audi Q3 appears more planted and visually dynamic on the road. The GLB, on the other hand, benefits from its height in the form of an excellent view from the car and above-average headroom for all passengers, appealing primarily to practical-minded buyers.

Overview of Exterior Dimensions

The following table clearly summarizes the exterior dimensions of the generations available on the four-year-old used car market (Audi Q3 generation F3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB generation 247).

Luggage compartment volume is often a key parameter when choosing a premium family car. Looking at models around four years old (Audi F3 and Mercedes-Benz 247 generations), we see two slightly different approaches to interior space utilization. While the Audi Q3 offers a very solid 530 liters in its basic configuration for its class, the Mercedes-Benz GLB cleverly benefits from its boxy body and pushes the basic capacity to 570 liters. This 40-liter difference in practice means space for one extra suitcase, an advantage you'll appreciate especially when packing for a longer family vacation.

After folding down the rear backrests, the practical potential of both cars is fully revealed, and the gap in utility widens even more noticeably. The Audi Q3 can accommodate up to 1525 liters after folding the seats (or 1400 liters in the case of the more stylish Q3 Sportback body version with its sloping roof). However, the Mercedes-Benz GLB, thanks to its almost vertical rear and overall taller build, completely dominates with a massive maximum capacity of 1805 liters. The GLB thus serves not only as a comfortable family car but also swallows bulky sports equipment or smaller pieces of furniture without much trouble.

However, those interested in a used car should always carefully check the chosen powertrain specification. Especially with plug-in hybrid versions, compromises must be expected – for example, in the Audi Q3 45 TFSI e variant, the basic trunk volume is reduced to a much more modest 380 liters due to battery integration.

Luggage Compartment Volume Comparison

Note: The values shown reflect standard internal combustion engines at the time of their peak sales. Battery (plug-in hybrid) versions offer lower values due to battery installation.

When choosing a family or recreational SUV, the maximum weight of the towed trailer plays a key role, especially if you plan to tow a caravan, a boat, or simply transport oversized cargo. In the market for roughly four-year-old used cars, both vehicles offer very solid parameters in this regard, yet there are important differences between them depending on the specific engine.

The Audi Q3 (in the relevant F3 generation) represents an exceptionally versatile choice in terms of towing capacity. For common petrol engines, such as the 35 TFSI version, expect a standard braked trailer weight of 1800 kg. However, if you opt for more powerful diesel versions (e.g., 40 TDI), the Q3 can tow a braked trailer with an impressive weight of up to 2200 kg. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLB (generation 247) focuses on consistent balance – the popular internal combustion version GLB 250 offers a maximum capacity of exactly 2000 kg.

When choosing a used car, however, it is necessary to watch out for versions with alternative powertrains, where the limits drop significantly. If you choose the plug-in hybrid 45 TFSI e version for the Audi Q3, the maximum braked trailer weight is limited to just 1400 kg. A similar limit awaits buyers of newer, fully electrified variants from Mercedes (for example, the GLB 250+ EQ version drops to 1500 kg). The unbraked trailer weight for the vast majority of specifications of both models remains at the standard legal limit of 750 kg. In practice, this means trouble-free space for a few extra suitcases on a standard trailer, which is perfectly sufficient for weekend shopping or a longer holiday.

In conclusion, if you regularly tow heavy loads, the Audi Q3 with its 2200 kg for diesel engines is objectively a slightly more capable choice. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLB, with its stable two-ton maximum, represents a reliable all-rounder that easily covers the towing needs of the vast majority of everyday drivers.

When choosing a used premium SUV approximately four years old (manufactured around 2022), engine ranges play a key role. Both the Audi Q3 (F3 generation) and the Mercedes-Benz GLB (X247 generation) offer a sophisticated range of power units that can appeal to both budget-conscious families and drivers seeking above-average dynamics. While Audi scores with a very flexible approach and the option to choose between a manual transmission and an S tronic dual-clutch automatic (DSG) for selected units, Mercedes-Benz prefers 100% automation for the X247 generation – all engines here come from the factory paired with smooth seven- or eight-speed dual-clutch transmissions. A fundamental difference for potential buyers also lies in the displacement of the entry-level petrol engines; while Audi deploys a refined 1.5-litre (the 1.5 TSI hidden under the 35 TFSI badge), Mercedes-Benz benefits from its collaboration with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance for its weaker variants (GLB 180 and 200), opting for a smaller 1.33-litre engine.

Under the hood of the Audi Q3, we find the proven family of four-cylinder Group engines that cover a wide range of customer needs. The entry-level petrol choice is the variant designated as 35 TFSI (1.5 l displacement, 110 kW power), which offers an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy for regular daily commuting. Customers looking for more spirited driving with the confidence of quattro all-wheel drive can choose the 2.0-litre petrol 40 TFSI (140 kW) or the top-of-the-range 45 TFSI (up to 180 kW). For lovers of long motorway journeys, Audi has the proven 2.0-litre diesel engines 35 TDI and the more powerful 40 TDI available. Depending on the version, these diesel engines drive either the front or both axles. An interesting point in the used car market is the 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid version, which offers great dynamics and locally emission-free operation; however, according to available production data, it was offered exclusively between 2021 and 2023 and therefore no longer features in newer model years.

The competing Mercedes-Benz GLB chooses a slightly different strategy, with an emphasis on the comfort of dual-clutch automatics without exception. The entry-level petrol positions are held by the GLB 180 and GLB 200 models, powered by a 1.33 l unit. However, if you require genuine performance for a fully loaded SUV, it is recommended to go for the 2.0-litre petrol GLB 250 (165 kW). As market data points out, the purely internal combustion version of this attractive 2.0-litre without additional electrification and with basic front-wheel drive was only supplied until May 2023, before being completely replaced by a mild-hybrid system. A safe bet and the most sought-after variant among used cars are the Mercedes diesel units designated OM 654q – from the economical 180 d model through the ideal compromise version 200 d (110 kW) to the powerful 220 d. All feature a 2.0-litre displacement, uncompromising torque, and a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission. For fans of maximum performance, there is the niche but exceptionally fast GLB 35 AMG specification.

In the final decision, the choice of the ideal powertrain depends primarily on your daily habits. For more relaxed, budget-conscious drivers looking for a modern compact SUV for occasional trips with sufficient power, Audi's 1.5 TFSI engine makes sense, scoring points for its simplicity and the availability of a manual transmission for traditionalists. Conversely, high-mileage drivers who like a sense of total control and relaxed motorway travel should opt for Mercedes' diesel engines – specifically, the GLB 200 d or 220 d combined with the 4MATIC system will offer top-tier travel comfort and a strong pull effortlessly, even when the vehicle is fully loaded.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely crucial for long-term satisfaction with a vehicle, which is why our recommendations are based on real-world experience, mechanical reliability, actual fuel consumption, and owner feedback. While the Audi Q3 benefits from a wide range of Volkswagen Group engines, dominated by refined and lightweight petrol units, the Mercedes-Benz GLB follows a somewhat different strategy. Looking at used cars approximately four years old, it is interesting to note that while an efficient petrol engine makes the most sense for most drivers in the more agile Audi Q3, the boxy and aerodynamically more demanding Mercedes-Benz GLB (often offering a third row of seats) performs much better with the massive torque of a reliable diesel.

For the Audi Q3, we recommend: 35 TFSI (110 kW / 150 hp)

This 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in the F3 generation (produced since 2018) is an absolutely ideal and the most versatile choice in the range. It offers a great compromise between purchase price, adequate dynamics, and very favorable operating costs.

• Why it's the best choice: Its huge technical advantage is the cylinder deactivation technology (CoD - Cylinder on Demand). When the engine is not under load, the system imperceptibly deactivates the middle cylinders, allowing real-world combined fuel consumption to reliably stay between 6.5 and 7.5 liters per 100 km. Furthermore, a flatter torque curve ensures a smooth ride without the need to rev the engine unnecessarily.
• What to watch out for (and how to spot it): The engine is structurally very durable, but due to direct fuel injection, there is a risk of carbon buildup on the intake valves during exclusively urban and low-RPM operation. You can recognize this by rougher idling and a slight loss of power. Also, check (especially on early models) if the RPMs fluctuate or if the car jerks during a cold start – this was usually resolved by a simple software update. You can prevent carbonization by occasionally driving the car dynamically on the highway and using high-quality fuel with additives.
• Who it suits best: This engine is perfect for suburban users, average families, and drivers with lower annual mileage (up to 15,000–20,000 km), for whom a more complex diesel engine would suffer from incomplete DPF filter regenerations.

For the Mercedes-Benz GLB, we recommend: 220 d 4MATIC (140 kW / 190 hp)

Although you may come across powerful petrol engines in some databases and on the used car market (such as the GLB 250 model, which is quite thirsty), for the GLB in the X247 generation (since 2019), the powerful two-liter turbodiesel labeled 220 d makes by far the most sense.

• Why it's the best choice: The vehicle's robust construction, more upright windshield, and high payload directly demand generous torque. The 220 d version boasts 400 Nm of torque, making driving an absolutely effortless experience. Combined with the clever eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8G-DCT) and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, this unit (engine code OM654q) provides confident dynamics while maintaining a real-world fuel consumption of around an excellent 6.5 liters of diesel per 100 km.
• What to watch out for (and how to spot it): When buying a used GLB, primarily focus on the automatic transmission maintenance history. The oil in it must be changed every 60,000 km. During the test drive, observe how the car behaves in slow-moving traffic – if it jerks or hesitates when pulling away, it could mean worn clutches or neglected service, which is an expensive repair. Another risk is a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) and EGR valve. If the car was driven mainly in the city, watch for warning lights on the dashboard and check if the engine goes into limp mode.
• Who it suits best: This engine is built for heavy loads. It is the ideal partner for long-distance travelers, active families who often use the vehicle's full capacity (or the seven-seat layout), and for drivers who prefer calm yet punchy power for long highway journeys.

When choosing a compact premium SUV roughly four years old, it is advisable to take the official figures provided by manufacturers with a grain of salt. Paper fuel consumption based on laboratory cycles often deviates from real-world driving, which is doubly true for heavier vehicles with a taller body. To provide the most accurate picture possible, we have relied on long-term user data from independent portals (such as Spritmonitor.de / ), which reflect the daily experiences of drivers with the Audi Q3 (F3) and Mercedes-Benz GLB (X247) generations. Below you will find a comparison of average values for the most common used engine variants.

From the real-world data, it is clear at first glance that modern diesel engines still make a lot of sense in the segment of these family SUVs. The entry-level diesels (Audi 35 TDI and Mercedes 200 d) are fantastically calibrated, and their average consumption comfortably stays just above six liters per 100 km. A relatively interesting finding is the behavior of smaller petrol engines. Although small-displacement turbocharged units (1.5 TFSI in the Audi and 1.33 in the GLB 200) promise high efficiency, with a curb weight exceeding 1.5 tons and a large frontal area, they have to work under higher load. Thus, the consumption of petrol versions very easily climbs toward the eight-liter mark. The heavier, up to seven-seater Mercedes pays even more for its boxier aerodynamics here.

For a typical used car buyer, these numbers represent a crucial decision when choosing a powertrain. If you intend to use the car primarily as a city runabout for short trips with occasional excursions to the surroundings, the basic petrol variants will be perfectly sufficient, and you will save yourself the worry of more complex diesel emission systems. However, as soon as you are looking for a highway cruiser for frequent commuting or family vacations, diesels will quickly reward you with a much longer range per tank and cheaper operation. More powerful petrol all-wheel-drive models like the GLB 250 or Q3 40 TFSI are then more of a choice for dynamically oriented drivers who are not overly concerned with higher fuel bills.

Overall, it can be summarized that in terms of operational efficiency, there are no vast differences between comparably old generations of the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB. While the Audi is a few tenths more efficient in petrol versions thanks to its sportier silhouette, Mercedes excels with perfectly tuned diesel engines. Fuel costs will therefore most likely not be the main deciding factor. It is much more likely that the purchase will be decided by whether you prefer the more elegant and agile body of the Audi or the practically unrivaled and significantly more spacious interior of the Mercedes.

When looking for roughly four-year-old models (2021–2022), both cars fall into the premium compact SUV category. The used car market in this segment is relatively stable, with both brands holding their value exceptionally well. The main differences in pricing are driven by optional packages, the type of drivetrain, and, for these specific models, specific body styles or interior configurations.

Audi Q3 (Generation F3)

The second generation of the Audi Q3 is one of the most sought-after used cars, mainly thanks to its balanced design, top-tier interior, and wide range of engines.

• Entry-level models: The cheapest units, typically with the 1.5 TFSI petrol engine (badged as 35 TFSI), front-wheel drive, and mileage approaching 100,000 km, start on the used market in the range of roughly €23,000 to €27,000.
• The sweet spot: For around €31,000 to €35,000, you can find cars with the popular, fuel-efficient 35 TDI diesel or the more powerful 40 TFSI petrol. In this price range, you can already expect quattro all-wheel drive and better equipment, often wrapped in the attractive S-line package.
• Body style impact: The Q3 Sportback version with its sloping roofline tends to be €2,000 to €3,000 more expensive on the used market than the classic, purely practical SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLB (Generation X247)

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is somewhat unique in the premium compact market. Its boxy shape makes it an extremely sought-after family car, which is positively reflected in its residual value.

• Entry-level models: Starting prices for the less powerful GLB 180 d diesel versions or the base GLB 200 petrol with higher mileage hover slightly above the €25,000 mark.
• The sweet spot: The highest demand in used car dealerships is for the GLB 200 d 4MATIC versions. Very well-equipped cars with all-wheel drive and mileage around 60,000 km are most often found in the range of €31,000 to €39,000.
• Equipment impact: The presence of a third row of seats (seven-seater version) and the AMG Line styling package reliably pushes the price toward the €41,000 mark and beyond. Furthermore, seven-seater cars typically stay on the lot for a much shorter time.

Approximate Price Range (2021–2022 models)

Note: Prices may vary depending on current market supply, documented service history, and the overall condition of the vehicle. Performance variants such as the RS Q3 or AMG GLB 35/45 are not included in the table; their prices start significantly higher.

Depreciation and Maintenance Costs

Both SUVs resist depreciation very bravely. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLB benefits slightly from its practicality and lack of direct competition – unlike the Q3, which competes for customers with the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, or even its own sibling, the GLA, the GLB offers space comparable to a car from a class above. For both brands, however, it is necessary to expect premium prices for servicing and genuine spare parts, which can significantly impact the total cost of ownership for cars just out of the factory warranty.

Both models, the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB, achieved the maximum five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP safety tests. However, it is crucial to view these fantastic results in the context of the time when the testing took place. Euro NCAP methodology and testing protocols are constantly evolving and becoming stricter. They regularly include more demanding frontal impact simulations, more advanced cyclist detection tests, and evaluations of assistants during emergency scenarios at intersections. For this reason, percentage scores from different years are not fully directly comparable, although both cars belong to the top of their segment.

The current generation Audi Q3 underwent crash tests in 2018. It owes its high score, among other things, to a very rigid body structure and, for its time, generous standard equipment, which already included autonomous emergency braking (AEB) reacting to pedestrians or cyclists in the base version. The Mercedes-Benz GLB underwent tests a year later, in 2019, when it had to meet a slightly stricter form of the testing protocol. Furthermore, from a construction perspective, the GLB benefits from its more family-oriented focus and safety features such as an active bonnet to reduce the risk of pedestrian injury in a collision.

Euro NCAP Results Overview

Looking closely at the percentage ratings, it is clear that the Audi Q3 offered excellent protection for adult passengers in 2018 with a result of 95% and strongly dominated in the area of safety assist systems (85%). This higher percentage gain for assistants to some extent reflects the scoring at that time. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLB demonstrated how much it targets families with children, as it achieved a slightly better result in child occupant protection (88%). It also significantly benefited from the deployment of an active bonnet, which helped it to a slightly better score in the protection of vulnerable road users.

Given that we commonly encounter roughly four-year-old examples of both models on the used car market, you can count on highly functional and modern safety technologies in both. Both cars possess excellent passive protection as well as pre-collision assistants that help actively prevent collisions. Nevertheless, if you are looking into family safety in detail, the slightly more modern 2019 homologation and somewhat more balanced protection across both rows of seats tip the scales slightly in favor of the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

In addition to the standard equipment, each of the models offers several unique features that go beyond common specification table values, and each has its own distinctive approach to making daily travel more pleasant for the occupants.

Audi Q3: Digitalization and Premium Versatility

• Infotainment and Instrument Cluster: The fully digital driver's cockpit is the brand's pride. Instead of classic dials, in the vast majority of vehicles you will find the excellently readable Audi virtual cockpit, which is perfectly complemented by the central screen with the MMI touch interface. The system is operated smoothly and its logic resembles modern smartphones.
• Smart Interior Versatility: In the Audi Q3, the rear bench slides longitudinally by 150 mm as standard and also offers adjustable backrest angles. This practical feature makes daily life easier – if you need to transport family groceries or a stroller, you simply increase the trunk from 530 up to 675 liters at the expense of rear legroom.
• Sporty Versions and Body Styles: Those looking for more emotion and who do not need to maximize the utility value of the luggage compartment can opt for the more dynamic Q3 Sportback body variant with an elegantly sloping roofline. Vehicles with the S line package are also very common on the used car market, bringing a more aggressive bumper design, sports seats, and specific suspension tuning.
• Driving Assistance: The advanced adaptive cruise assist combines lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control into one smoothly functioning unit. The electronics correct the direction very sensitively and imperceptibly, significantly saving the driver's energy on highway journeys and in stop-and-go traffic.

Mercedes-Benz GLB: Up to Seven Seats and Smart Artificial Intelligence

• Family Space and Third Row of Seats: The Mercedes-Benz GLB plays in a league of its own in the compact class thanks to its boxier body shape and, above all, the possibility of a seven-seat arrangement. Although the two seats in the third row are primarily intended for persons up to 168 cm tall, it gives the vehicle enormous versatility for occasionally transporting children's friends. Furthermore, the second row of seats is longitudinally adjustable by 140 mm.
• MBUX Infotainment and Voice Control: The iconic widescreen cockpit, consisting of a pair of interconnected displays, is the centerpiece of the technological arsenal. The advanced artificial intelligence of the MBUX system in this generation features highly functional natural voice control. Just say "Hey Mercedes" and the car will adjust the air conditioning, close the sunshade, or find a gas station.
• Navigation with Augmented Reality: An exceptional technological feature is the augmented reality function for navigation. At critical points, the system projects a real image from the front camera onto the central display, into which it inserts virtual directional arrows and street names. Orientation at complex intersections thus becomes much simpler.
• Off-road Package and Off-road Ambitions: While many similarly sized SUVs target city boulevards, the GLB, in combination with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, is not afraid of challenging conditions. The optional technical off-road package adjusts throttle response and ABS mapping for unpaved roads and adds Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), giving the model the true character of a versatile SUV.

The Audi Q3 is an ideal choice for couples or small families looking for a premium, well-crafted SUV with an emphasis on top-tier ergonomics and modern onboard technology. It offers an excellent compromise between agile city handling and confident highway comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the perfect choice for active families and practical-minded drivers who need to maximize interior space within a compact footprint. Thanks to its high variability, the ability to carry up to seven passengers, and a highly comfortable chassis, it is a versatile all-rounder for daily logistics and long vacations.

Based on long-term user experience, service reports, recall actions, and practical insights, including independent technical inspections of cars, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems for both models.

The second generation of the Audi Q3 (internal designation F3) is a mechanically reliable premium SUV overall, but typical software and group-wide ailments can occur in used vehicles.

• Infotainment and Electronics: Among the most common complaints are MMI system freezes, spontaneous restarts of the central screen, and problems with wireless connection via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Most of these issues are usually resolved by a software update at an authorized service centre.
• Transmission: S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmissions can be more prone to jerking or shuddering at very low speeds and when pulling away. To prevent expensive repairs, it is essential to strictly adhere to the transmission oil change interval.
• Engines: The base 1.5 TFSI (35 TFSI) petrol engines from the first years of production often experienced "kangarooing" (uneven running and jerking of the cold engine after starting), which was addressed by a control unit update. Diesel engines (TDI) are robust, but with frequent use exclusively on short city routes, there is a risk of rapid DPF filter clogging and injector problems.
• Body and Interior: When driving on poor-quality roads, owners occasionally report creaking from harder plastics in the interior. On models with a panoramic sunroof, it is necessary to monitor the drainage channels for blockages; otherwise, there is a risk of water leaking into the cabin.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB (X247 generation) excellently combines family practicality with luxury; however, it also has several known weaknesses that are worth focusing on before purchasing.

• MBUX Infotainment: Similar to its competitor, electronics are among the most common problems here. Screens can freeze, go black, or the advanced voice control may malfunction. Fortunately, regular OTA (Over-The-Air) updates have significantly improved the system's reliability over the years.
• Transmission: Owners often report hesitation or uneven shifting of the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8G-DCT) when crawling in traffic or immediately after starting, which can feel uncomfortable.
• Engines: The base 1.33-litre petrol four-cylinder (GLB 200), developed in cooperation with Renault, is noisier under higher loads and sensitive to oil quality if maintenance is neglected. Diesel versions (GLB 200 d and 220 d) are excellent motorway cruisers, but they degrade quickly in city traffic, and NOx sensor failures occur.
• Interior and Chassis: The boxy body shape results in higher aerodynamic noise around the pillars at motorway speeds. Creaking from the sliding second or optional third row of seats also occurs, and depending on road quality, faster wear of the front axle ball joints and bushings can be expected.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models, while an independent technical inspection of the car is always the best starting step for a safe purchase.

When choosing an Audi Q3:

• Cold start of the 1.5 TFSI engine: Try starting the car completely cold and test the smoothness of the first pull-away. In early model years (roughly until 2020), this engine often suffered from so-called "kangarooing" and a reluctance to pull at low revs. Check if a corrected version of the control unit software has already been uploaded at a service center.
• S tronic gearbox behavior: During the test drive, focus carefully on the shifting of the dual-clutch automatic transmission. Especially when crawling in traffic, slow parking, or starting on a hill, it should not jerk, hesitate, or make metallic noises. Potential problems can mean worn clutches or mechatronics.
• Chassis and control arms condition: While driving over bumps, listen for dull thuds from the front axle. Heavier compact SUVs put more strain on chassis components – bushings and ball joints of the front control arms can show play after as little as 80,000 kilometers.
• MMI system functionality: Test the startup speed of the onboard infotainment immediately after starting and test the stability of the smartphone connection (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto). A freezing screen or spontaneous system restarts are a known ailment, which is usually resolved by a software update at an authorized service center.
• Battery in the Plug-in hybrid (TFSI e): If you are buying the plug-in version, monitor the smoothness of operation when switching from electric to combustion mode – the transition should be almost imperceptible to the driver. Don't forget to verify the real electric range via the onboard computer (or ideally via diagnostics) and check that the necessary charging cables are included with the car, as buying them separately is expensive.

When choosing a Mercedes-Benz GLB:

• 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission: As with the Audi, the smoothness of the automatic is paramount here. Test sharp acceleration as well as smooth deceleration to a complete stop. If you notice hesitation when downshifting or a jerky "shudder" when starting, it may indicate a need for a software update or a neglected gearbox oil change.
• MBUX infotainment stability: Although this system is technologically very advanced, it initially suffered from "teething problems." Click through all menus, test the voice control (MBUX Voice Assistant), and the navigation. Responses must be immediate. Occasional freezing of the touch surfaces on the steering wheel is relatively common and requires diagnostics.
• Interior build quality: Although it is a premium brand, the GLB interior also contains harder plastics. During the test drive (ideally on cobblestones or a broken country road), listen for squeaks from door panels, frames around the air vents, or the rear seat mountings, which is a frequent cause of dissatisfaction for previous owners.
• Aerodynamic noise: The GLB's boxy shape takes its toll on the highway. Take the car onto a highway and monitor the noise level at speeds above 110 km/h. Some units suffer from poor sealing around the A-pillars or noise from the optional panoramic sunroof.
• Checking for leaks and the underbody: During a detailed physical inspection of the car, it is recommended to remove the lower engine cover. For OM654q diesel units, check for any microscopic oil leaks and inspect the condition of the dust boots and half-shafts. Given the longer wheelbase and worse approach angles, also check the sills and lower plastics themselves for damage from careless curb climbing.

Sources: ADAC, lidovky.cz, e15.cz, automix.cz, chytreauto.cz, motorsportrevue.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.