Jaguar E-Pace vs. Mercedes-Benz GLB: Complete comparison 2026

The British Jaguar E-Pace is a premium compact SUV that brings a fierce sporty look inspired by the F-Type model and very agile driving characteristics. On the opposite side of the ring stands the Mercedes-Benz GLB, also known commercially as the GLB Class, which instead bets on maximum interior space, a boxier family design, and a unique optional seven-seat configuration in its category. The following comparison will show you in detail which of these roughly four-year-old luxury crossovers represents a smarter choice on the used car market for your daily driving and practical needs.

When looking at the exterior dimensions of both premium SUVs, which are represented on the used car market primarily by their main generations (X540 for the Jaguar and 247 for the Mercedes), we encounter two completely different design and practical philosophies. The Mercedes-Benz GLB, with a total length of 4634 mm, surpasses its British rival by a significant 239 mm. Conversely, the Jaguar E-Pace, thanks to its width of 1984 mm, is a full 150 mm wider than its German competitor. While Mercedes bets on a longer and narrower body, which makes maneuvering and parking in narrow underground garages or European shopping centers significantly easier, Jaguar, thanks to its extremely wide and low-slung stance, offers a sportier visual impression and greater confidence in corners. However, when looking for a transverse parking space for the Jaguar, you will often struggle with insufficient space to open the doors.

The second key difference shaping the overall utility of both vehicles is the wheelbase. The Mercedes-Benz GLB has a wheelbase of 2829 mm, which is a significant 148 mm more than in the case of the Jaguar E-Pace (2681 mm). The boxier build and slightly higher roof of the GLB (up to 1692 mm compared to 1649 for the Jaguar) mean that the Mercedes excels in interior spaciousness and is even one of the few in its category to offer the option of a third row of seats. Therefore, if you are primarily looking for a family car with maximum interior space, the GLB is the clear winner thanks to its longer wheelbase and purposeful shape. The Jaguar E-Pace, on the other hand, represents an ideal choice for couples or smaller families who are happy to sacrifice trunk liters or rear legroom for muscular, athletic proportions evoking a sports hatchback on stilts.

Luggage capacity is often a key factor for families and active individuals, and it is in this area that the differing philosophies of the two cars are clearly demonstrated. While the Jaguar E-Pace bets on a dynamic, sporty design with a sloping roofline, the Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed from the outset with an emphasis on maximum practicality and efficient use of space. For a used car buyer looking for a family car approximately four years old (representing the X540 and X247 generations from 2021 to 2022), this means a fundamental difference in how much gear they can actually carry for a family holiday or a weekend trip.

Looking at the exact figures, the elegant British Jaguar E-Pace presents a standard boot capacity of 425 litres (measured using the VDA method under the luggage cover), or offers up to 577 litres when loaded to the roof. With the rear seats fully folded, this space increases to 1,234 litres. The five-seater version of the Mercedes-Benz GLB significantly outperforms its competitor, offering a generous 570 litres even in its basic configuration. Furthermore, if you fold down the rear bench in the GLB, you get a massive 1,805 litres, making it a literal removal van in its class. It is worth mentioning that the popular seven-seater variant of the Mercedes still offers a very solid 500 litres with the third row of seats folded. However, one must keep in mind the plug-in hybrid versions, where a slight reduction in capacity is to be expected – for example, in the Jaguar E-Pace P300e, the usable boot volume drops to approximately 494 litres due to the battery placement.

In practice, these differences mean that the Mercedes-Benz GLB will swallow a full-size pram without the slightest problem and still leave room for several extra suitcases, making it perfectly adequate for weekend shopping or longer holidays. Thanks to the regular, boxy shape of the body, loading bulky items is also significantly easier. The Jaguar E-Pace, on the other hand, handles daily commutes without trouble and can carry a few bags for a long weekend, but it will soon require compromises for more demanding family packing. While the Jaguar primarily brings style and sporty flair to the road, the Mercedes becomes the clear rational choice for those seeking pure spaciousness and utility.

The ability to tow a trailer is an important parameter for many prospective buyers of premium compact SUVs, whether it's for towing a spacious caravan, a boat for weekend adventures, or simply moving heavier materials. When comparing roughly four-year-old used cars on the market, we find that both models can easily handle an unbraked trailer with the standard legal weight of 750 kg. However, significant differences arise with braked trailers. The Mercedes-Benz GLB in the 250 version offers an excellent and consistent towing capacity of exactly 2,000 kg across model years. For the Jaguar E-Pace, the situation is noticeably more varied, and the maximum permitted trailer weight depends heavily on the specific engine.

While the top-of-the-line diesel Jaguar E-Pace D200 fully matches the Mercedes and also tows 2,000 kg, for most common petrol versions (P200, P250, and P300), this value drops to 1,800 kg. The P300e plug-in hybrid variant requires special attention, as its capacity is reduced to just 1,600 kg due to the extra weight of the batteries and electric motor. A similar 1,600 kg limit can be found for the base D165 diesel engine in certain model years, and for the base P160 petrol version, towing data is completely missing.

In practice, these differences mean that with the Mercedes or the most powerful diesel from Jaguar, you can easily hitch up a large twin-axle caravan or a heavy boat. On the other hand, values around 1,600 to 1,800 kg are still sufficient for weekend shopping of bulkier materials, a smaller family caravan, or an e-bike rack – in short, they provide ideal space for a few extra suitcases and longer holidays.

In conclusion, if maximum towing power and versatility when pulling heavy loads is a priority for you, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is a safe bet with the maximum possible capacity right from the start. With the Jaguar E-Pace, on the other hand, you have to study the technical certificate much more carefully and choose the right engine so that the vehicle fully meets your transport requirements.

Diversity under the hood plays a crucial role for premium compact SUVs, as it influences not only the driving dynamics and comfort but also the overall operating costs. The Jaguar E-Pace and Mercedes-Benz GLB approach this discipline slightly differently. While Jaguar relies on the characteristic power of the British Ingenium engine family and a massive push toward hybrid technologies, Mercedes-Benz bets on the first-class efficiency of a wide range of diesel and petrol four-cylinders paired exclusively with dual-clutch transmissions. Standard petrol and diesel engines in the Jaguar utilize modern mild-hybrid assistance (MHEV) with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, Mercedes engines benefit from the vehicle's low weight and generous interior space, although the entry-level displacements can run out of breath more quickly when the seven-seat interior is fully occupied. In terms of overall impressions, a direct comparison of the top models pits the innovative British plug-in hybrid against raw performance from the AMG workshop.

Jaguar E-Pace: British Power and Sophisticated Electrification

The evolution of the engine range for the Jaguar E-Pace (X540 generation) is a typical example of the transition toward maximum efficiency. As the data on AVAILABLE_YEARS clearly shows, the older generation of pure internal combustion diesel engines—D150 (110 kW), D180 (132 kW), and the twin-turbocharged D240 (177 kW)—ended production during 2020 and are no longer featured in new offers. Therefore, if you are looking for an optimal roughly four-year-old used car, you will mostly be choosing from the updated Ingenium units.

Since spring 2021, Jaguar has narrowed the diesel spectrum to the D165 (120 kW) and the more powerful D200 (150 kW) versions, which boast excellent torque of up to 430 Nm, ideal for confident highway cruising. The petrol side opens with the turbocharged P160 (118 kW) three-cylinder, supplied with an 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (FWD). Much more sought-after, however, are the more powerful 2.0-liter petrol units: P200 (147 kW), P250 (184 kW), and the high-performance P300 (221 kW), which are always paired with a 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (AWD). The crowning jewel for flexible drivers is the P300e plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 227 kW and a massive torque of 540 Nm. Occasionally, a newer P270e derivative (available from 2024) appears in production data, but you won't encounter it yet on the market for classic four-year-old used cars. A disadvantage of the basic combustion versions is the slightly higher kerb weight of the vehicle, which forces the weaker engines to work at higher RPMs, potentially resulting in slightly higher fuel consumption.

Mercedes-Benz GLB: The Benchmark for Efficiency and Flexibility

The Mercedes-Benz GLB (X247 generation from the relevant years 2020–2023) scores on the market with a very sophisticated range of engines. All power units rely exclusively on lightning-fast dual-clutch transmissions (7G-DCT for basic petrols, the more durable 8G-DCT elsewhere), which ensures snappier throttle response compared to the torque-converter automatics in the Jaguar.

For highway flyers and drivers with high annual mileage, the exceptionally economical family of 2.0-liter diesel engines is available, labeled 180 d (85 kW), 200 d (110 kW), and 220 d (140 kW). Despite their relatively modest paper performance, they impress with an enormous real-world range and strong torque of 400 Nm in the most powerful variant. The entry-level petrol models, GLB 180 (100 kW) and GLB 200 (120 kW), rely on a smaller 1.3-liter engine. While perfectly adequate for the city, they can feel slightly strained when loaded on the highway. By far the most versatile and manufacturer-promoted model is the GLB 250 petrol 2.0-liter. Production data confirms its massive availability across the years in both front-wheel drive and smart 4MATIC versions, with a convincing output of 165 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The range traditionally concludes with the sporty AMG GLB 35 (225 kW). For this vehicle, databases also indicate future sales of the innovative GLB 250+ EQ series with a full mild-hybrid setup (generation code 244/248), but since its deliveries are scheduled from 2026, it cannot be found on the current market for nearly new used cars.

In a nutshell: For pragmatically minded drivers focused on family use and longer trips, the diesel Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 d or the powerful all-rounder GLB 250 makes the most sense. In contrast, customers looking for maximum technological premium feel, emission-free daily city commuting, or a charismatic sporty chassis will find their ideal in the hybrid Jaguar E-Pace P300e, or in the traditional combustion versions with the nine-speed automatic.

Choosing the right engine is crucial for long-term satisfaction with a car, as it directly affects driving dynamics, real-world fuel consumption, and maintenance costs. While the Jaguar E-Pace relies on British Ingenium engines, which offer massive torque for its heavier body and added efficient mild-hybrid technology after the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz GLB benefits from highly refined power units with excellent pairing with dual-clutch transmissions. Interestingly, although both cars primarily use transversely mounted two-liter engines, the Jaguar has much higher demands for raw power at low revs due to its higher curb weight, while the boxier, seven-seater (optional) GLB focuses more on linear power delivery. Our recommended engines primarily target roughly four-year-old used cars, which combine ideal residual value with solid mechanical reliability.

For the Jaguar E-Pace, we recommend: 2.0D D200 AWD (150 kW)

For a heavier and more robust SUV like the E-Pace, the Ingenium D200 four-cylinder diesel with 150 kW (204 hp) represents an absolutely ideal compromise between smooth dynamics and reasonable fuel consumption. Paired with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a nine-speed automatic transmission, it offers a generous 430 Nm of torque, which is essential for safe overtaking and driving with a loaded vehicle. According to data from our database, this engine appeared in early 2021 and directly replaced the earlier D180 version (production of which ended definitively in 2020). The newer D200 unit is thus very common on the market among roughly four-year-old used cars and benefits from mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology, which significantly smoothens the operation of the start-stop system. In terms of reliability, Ingenium engines manufactured after 2020 have already shed the worst problems with rapid timing chain wear, but it should be remembered that this is a full-fledged diesel suitable more for long-distance drivers. It is not suitable for short city trips.

• What to watch out for: When buying, carefully check the service history and look for cars with an oil change interval shortened preferably to 15,000 km. City driving causes excessive oil dilution with diesel in these engines, which manifests as a dangerous rise in the oil level high above the maximum mark. For a used car, also have the state of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) checked via diagnostics – catching a clogged filter in time will save you from a very expensive service intervention.

For the Mercedes-Benz GLB, we recommend: GLB 250 4MATIC (165 kW)

Although diesel engines often take the lead in mid-sized family SUVs in Europe, from the perspective of long-term mechanical durability and absolute versatility, the GLB 250 4MATIC four-cylinder petrol engine with 165 kW (224 hp) is a great tip. Although the basic equipment variants of the GLB 250 4MATIC engine ended in May 2023 according to our database, the unit continues to appear on the market even in newer cars through specific lines such as AMG Line or Progressive, up to the present day. This two-liter petrol engine provides the car with excellent dynamics, with acceleration from zero to one hundred in less than 7 seconds, and works excellently with the eight-speed 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. Unlike diesel alternatives, it does not suffer from expensive emission problems with AdBlue or DPF clogging during short trips to the city school and on short routes. Real-world consumption is around 8 to 9 liters, which is a very solid result considering the body's poorer aerodynamics, compensated for by absolute quietness and smoothness of operation.

• What to watch out for: The most important item when checking a used car is adherence to the drivetrain service intervals. The 8G-DCT gearbox and the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system require an unconditional oil change at 60,000 km at the latest. You can best find out if the previous owner neglected this service during a test drive – any hesitation or jerking when starting from a standstill or hard thuds when shifting under load clearly signal worn clutches or a clogged mechatronic module, which would soon result in expensive investments.

When it comes to choosing a used premium SUV, the official fuel consumption figures provided by manufacturers often differ significantly from everyday reality. Especially for heavier and taller vehicles like the Jaguar E-Pace and Mercedes-Benz GLB, aerodynamics, weight, and driving style play a major role. To get a more accurate picture of what buyers of approximately four-year-old used cars can realistically expect, we looked at data from drivers themselves. We based our findings on long-term user averages from the popular crowdsourcing portal Spritmonitor.de, supplemented by available databases, focusing primarily on the vehicle generations available around 2022 (Jaguar X540 and Mercedes-Benz 247 series).

The figures show a fairly clear trend. Thanks to its slightly better aerodynamics and exceptionally efficient powertrain tuning, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is a noticeably more economical choice across both diesel and petrol engines.

• Diesel engines: The two-litre units in the Mercedes (200 d and 220 d) are renowned for their efficiency, and in real-world driving, they typically achieve around six litres per hundred kilometres. The diesel four-cylinders in the Jaguar (D165 and D200) are slightly thirstier, realistically hovering closer to the seven-litre mark.
• Petrol engines: This is where the largest and most surprising differences lie. While the smaller turbocharged 1.3-litre engine in the Mercedes GLB 200 can maintain an average of around 7.6 litres with a light foot, Jaguar's two-litre petrol engines (P200, P250) suffer from the car's overall robustness and high weight. Their consumption easily exceeds the 8.5 to 9-litre mark.
• Alternative powertrains: The Jaguar E-Pace P300e plug-in hybrid is a chapter of its own. With regular and diligent charging, it can bring the average down to an excellent 2.5 litres per hundred kilometres. However, if you drive with a depleted battery, its consumption on longer trips quickly matches that of the conventional petrol versions.

What does this mean for typical used car buyers? If you are a driver who spends a lot of time on motorways or regularly commutes longer distances, the diesel Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 d or 220 d is the clear choice for you. These versions represent an ideal compromise between decent dynamics and exceptionally low running costs. For urban and suburban drivers looking for a petrol car, the GLB 200 version makes a lot of sense in the Mercedes lineup. Conversely, the petrol variants of the Jaguar E-Pace target enthusiasts and drivers who prioritize specific British style and a sportier driving feel over how much they save at the petrol station each month. However, for homeowners with the possibility of home charging, the hybrid E-Pace P300e could be a hidden trump card, making great sense for daily emission-free commuting.

In conclusion, it can be said with certainty that fuel consumption will play a fairly fundamental role in the decision between these two cars. While the Mercedes-Benz GLB pleases with its everyday efficiency and significantly friendlier running costs, the Jaguar E-Pace demands a slight toll for its premium look and bulkier proportions. For pragmatically minded and budget-conscious buyers, the representative with the three-pointed star clearly emerges as the winner from this comparison.

When looking at the used car market for vehicles around four years old (model years 2021 and 2022), you will encounter interesting differences in how the Jaguar E-Pace and Mercedes-Benz GLB hold their value. Both compact SUVs target a premium clientele, but their different focus and brand perception are significantly reflected in second-hand purchase prices.

Indicative price range (2021–2022 models)

Prices are indicative and depend on the engine, specific equipment level, and service history.

Depreciation and market situation

• Jaguar E-Pace: The British automaker generally faces a slightly steeper depreciation curve on the secondary market. For a used car buyer, however, this is great news – you can get a stylish premium crossover with excellent driving characteristics for very attractive amounts. Around the €21,000 mark, basic two-liter diesels with all-wheel drive (D150/D200) appear, although you should expect a higher mileage exceeding 100,000 km. If you desire the economical P300e plug-in hybrid with the attractive R-Dynamic package, prepare roughly €33,000.
• Mercedes-Benz GLB: Models with the star emblem traditionally hold their value significantly better, which is doubly true for the GLB thanks to its immense practicality and the option of a seven-seat layout. The most affordable versions (most often the popular 200 d diesel) with a mileage around 150,000 km start roughly €4,000 higher than a comparable Jaguar. In the range of €31,000 to €35,000, you will find very solid and well-maintained units equipped with the popular AMG Line sports package and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. High-performance versions from the AMG division (GLB 35) easily justify a price above €41,000 on the used car market.

What influences the price when buying?

While visual equipment such as large alloy wheels and exterior accessories from the R-Dynamic packages plays a major role for the Jaguar E-Pace, for the Mercedes, interior utility and electronics take center stage. Family buyers of the GLB often pay extra for models equipped with a third row of seats, a panoramic roof, and the advanced MBUX system, which pushes up the price of well-maintained units.

Both compared models, the Jaguar E-Pace and the Mercedes-Benz GLB, achieved the maximum five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP crash tests. However, the year the testing actually took place is crucial for the correct interpretation of these results. Euro NCAP's methodology and test protocols are constantly evolving and becoming radically stricter over time. New frontal crash simulations, advanced cyclist detection, or the behavior of active assistants at complex intersections are gradually being taken into account. Percentage results from different years cannot be directly compared, as achieving a high score in 2017 simply does not mean the same level of safety as under the stricter standards of 2019 and later.

Jaguar E-Pace underwent independent crash tests in November 2017. Although the car offers a very rigid body and reliable passive protection for the crew with a result of 86% for adults and 87% for children, the age of this test protocol must be taken into account. The safety assist systems rating of 72% clearly reflects the time of the vehicle's creation, when requirements for active safety features and radars were not nearly as complex as they are today. Used car buyers should also know that the Euro NCAP certificate for the Jaguar E-Pace officially expired in January 2024, which is a standard administrative procedure for older test cycles.

Mercedes-Benz GLB was tested by the Euro NCAP organization two years later, in the autumn of 2019. The evaluation was conducted according to slightly stricter rules, which examined in more detail, among other things, the functionality of automatic emergency braking (AEB) for pedestrians and cyclists in both city and highway traffic. The GLB model demonstrated excellent rigidity with a premium rating of 92% for adult protection and added very strong results in child passenger protection (88%). Its safety assist systems (74%) benefit from more advanced camera and radar sensors, which offer quicker reactions in critical situations.

Comparison of key Euro NCAP results

Looking at the safety equipment and test results from a used car market perspective, both cars offer a high standard of everyday family safety. However, thanks to its newer certification date, more sophisticated autonomous assistant package, and significantly better percentage results in adult occupant protection, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is a more modern and safer choice. For the Jaguar E-Pace, the validity of the original five-star certificate has already expired. While this does not mean the British SUV has suddenly stopped being mechanically safe, it clearly points to a generational shift in the safety standards of both vehicles.

In addition to the standard equipment, each of these models offers several unique features that can be a deciding factor for a customer. Both cars have their own distinct approach to added value, whether they focus on British flair and sporting roots or on family versatility and top-tier digitalisation.

Jaguar E-Pace: British Style and Sporting Spirit

• Infotainment and Connectivity: In models produced after the facelift (from 2020 onwards), you will find the new Pivi Pro system with an 11.4-inch curved display featuring very fast response times. It supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. A real specialty is the ClearSight digital interior rear-view mirror, which uses a camera in the roof antenna to transmit a clear image of what is happening behind the car, even when the boot is loaded to the roof.
• Smart Solutions and Unique Design: Jaguar pays great attention to emotive details in this model. On the edge of the windscreen and in the "puddle lights" (lighting of the entry area from the mirrors), you will find a small graphic of an adult jaguar with a cub. In the interior, the front passenger is separated by an asymmetric grab handle on the centre console, which the E-Pace borrowed directly from the F-Type sports coupé.
• Electronics and Telematics: An excellent feature for active drivers is the Activity Key. This is a robust, waterproof, and shockproof smart wristband that you can use to lock and unlock the car. You can thus leave the conventional key safely inside the car and go for a swim or a run without worrying about losing it.
• Engines and Chassis: Jaguar focuses on an engaging driving experience, which in more powerful all-wheel-drive versions is evidenced by the Active Driveline system. It can intelligently vector torque between the rear wheels, giving the car handling characteristics closer to a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Sporty Variants: The attractiveness of the car on the used market can often be increased by looking for the popular R-Dynamic package. This brings sportier bumpers, more prominent exhaust tips, and specific stitching on the sports seats in the interior.

Mercedes-Benz GLB: King of Interior Space and Technology

• Infotainment and Voice Control: The interior is dominated by the renowned MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, relying on two optically connected widescreen displays. Its strongest weapon is the assistant that responds to the command "Hey Mercedes" and understands natural speech. Furthermore, in higher trim levels, the navigation uses Augmented Reality, where it draws navigation arrows and house numbers onto a real-time camera feed of the street.
• Smart Solutions and Versatility: The most interesting thing about the boxy GLB is its ability to accommodate up to seven passengers, which is a huge rarity in this compact category. The second row of seats is also sliding by up to 14 centimetres, and the backrests have adjustable inclination. The user can thus constantly play with the ratio of legroom to boot volume.
• Electronics and Comfort: Worth mentioning is the Energizing Comfort Control system, which can link music, ambient cabin lighting, air conditioning, and potentially massage seats into several preset relaxing or invigorating programs, significantly reducing fatigue on long journeys.
• Engines and Chassis: Although it is primarily a family SUV, models with 4MATIC all-wheel drive come standard with the Off-Road Engineering package. This adds a special driving mode that adjusts power delivery and ABS for loose surfaces, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), and an off-road display showing the car's tilt angles.
• Sporty Variants: In addition to the AMG Line visual package, which gives the car a more aggressive look with a Panamericana-style grille and lowered suspension, there is also the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 version. This transforms the family workhorse into a fast sports SUV with excellent dynamics and an unmistakable sound.

The Jaguar E-Pace is built for drivers looking for style, premium materials, and a sportier feel behind the wheel in a compact SUV. It is better suited for couples or small families who don't mind sacrificing a bit of practicality and interior space in exchange for a bold and unmistakable British design.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB represents a highly practical and cleverly designed choice for families who need ample interior space but want to avoid parking huge SUVs. It offers modern technology, uncompromising travel comfort, and unrivaled cabin variability in its class.

Based on long-term user experience, service reports, reliability statistics, and data from our own comprehensive car inspections, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that used car buyers should watch out for.

Jaguar E-Pace

The Jaguar E-Pace is a stylish premium SUV, which, however, requires consistent and diligent maintenance, as it often suffers from minor and more serious teething problems from the first years of production.

• Engines and exhaust system: In the highly sought-after diesel engines from the Ingenium family (2.0 l), oil dilution with diesel occurs quite often during interrupted or incomplete diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration, which can lead to fatal engine damage if shortened service intervals are not followed. Problems with stretched timing chains also appear in vehicles with higher mileage.
• Electronics and infotainment: The Touch Pro multimedia system in older models tends to freeze, have slow responses, or occasional blackouts of the center screen. A software update usually brings improvement, but in some units, entire hardware modules had to be replaced.
• Chassis and brakes: The E-Pace is unusually heavy for its size and class (curb weight often exceeds 1.8 tons), which negatively affects the rapid wear of brake pads and discs. Higher loads also cause faster wear of chassis components, such as control arm bushings and stabilizer links.
• Transmission: The nine-speed automatic supplied by ZF can jerk or shift unevenly during slow driving, parking, or crawling in city traffic jams. Most of these problems are solvable by software recalibration at an authorized dealer.

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB benefits from a proven modern architecture shared with the A-Class, B-Class, and GLA models, but even it has typical weak points that are worth focusing on when checking a used car.

• Interior build quality: Owners and inspectors quite often complain about a cheaper feel and occasional creaking of plastics inside the cabin. Rattles are mainly heard from the front door panels, dashboard, or display frames, especially when driving over transverse bumps or during large temperature changes in the interior.
• Electronics and MBUX system: The MBUX infotainment is functionally at the top of its class, but in the first years, problems with phone pairing (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto), occasional voice control failures, or blacking out of screens after starting may occur. An occasional ailment is also the failure of the light strips of the effective ambient lighting, the repair of which requires replacing the part.
• Engines and emissions: In the widespread diesel engines labeled 200 d and 220 d (OM654q engine), the EGR valve becomes clogged during long-term operation on short city routes, and NOx sensors in the exhaust system can also fail more frequently. Gasoline versions, especially the basic 1.3-liter with the internal designation 200, can gradually suffer from carbon buildup on the intake valves during frequent short commutes.
• Transmission: The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8G-DCT) in some vehicles hesitates to downshift or shows slight jerking when pulling away from a standstill. If the problem does not disappear even after the car has warmed up, a control software adjustment or an adaptation drive with diagnostics is usually necessary.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models, which is why a comprehensive car audit performed by an experienced mechanic is always the ideal choice.

When choosing a Jaguar E-Pace:

• Chassis and brake wear: The Jaguar E-Pace is an unusually heavy car for its size (curb weight exceeds 1.9 tonnes for some versions). During the test drive, focus on dull thuds from the axles when driving over bumps, which indicate worn bushings or ball joints. The increased load also manifests in faster wear of brake pads and discs.
• Automatic transmission behavior: Most used cars are equipped with a nine-speed ZF automatic. When starting off and driving slowly in traffic, watch for jerking or hesitation when downshifting. Jerky reactions may require a software update or a transmission oil flush and change.
• Infotainment and electronics: Check the speed and smoothness of the multimedia system. Older models equipped with the InControl Touch Pro system often suffered from screen freezing and slow responses. The newer Pivi Pro system (from the 2020 facelift onwards) is significantly more reliable, but you should still test the functionality of all buttons, parking cameras, and phone pairing.
• Risks with diesel engines: With diesel units, watch out for clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), especially if the previous owner used the car primarily for short city trips. Furthermore, long-term failure to complete regenerations leads to engine oil dilution with diesel.
• Battery condition in the P300e version: If you are considering a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), check the current estimated electric range in the dashboard menu. When fully charged, it should realistically exceed at least 40 km. Also, have the health of the traction battery checked via diagnostics.

When choosing a Mercedes-Benz GLB:

• Dual-clutch transmission jerking: Mercedes uses an eight-speed DCT transmission in the GLB model. During the test drive, simulate parking and slow crawling. If shifting is jerky or confused, it could be due to neglected maintenance (the oil change interval is critical for it) or the need for software clutch calibration.
• MBUX system functionality: The MBUX infotainment with dual displays is advanced but prone to occasional "black screens" or restarts. Before you set off, go through the menus, test the responsiveness of the touchpads on the steering wheel, and try the voice assistant.
• Interior noises: The GLB is a practical SUV built on the A-Class platform, which sometimes manifests in slightly more budget-oriented plastic fitment compared to the brand's larger and more expensive models. When driving on rougher roads, listen carefully for any creaking or rattling from the dashboard, center console, or door panels.
• Handling the third row of seats: If you are looking for a seven-seater variant, fold and unfold both seats in the trunk several times before buying. The folding mechanism must work smoothly, without sticking or requiring brute force.
• NOx sensors in diesel versions: For the very popular diesel engines (GLB 200 d and 220 d), verify in the service history or through a physical inspection of the used car whether the car shows any emission system errors. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensors tend to be more sensitive in these engines, and their potential replacement is quite costly.

Sources: ADAC, auto.cz, novinky.cz, dopravniinfo.cz, autoweb.cz, nabijecka.cz

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