Mercedes GLB review - MPG, CO2 & running costs

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is impressively economical, thanks to a range of efficient four-cylinder engines. The GLB 200 d is especially frugal, achieving 49.6mpg on a combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 148-149g/km. The 4Matic versions are slightly less efficient, with figures of 47.9mpg and 154-155g/km.

The GLB 200 d 4Matic should return 47.1mpg to 47.9mpg, with CO2 emissions of 155-157g/km. Thanks to fuel economy of 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 163g/km, the GLB 200 petrol is ideal for town drivers and city commuters.

Predictably, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is the least economical, although 32.1mpg is respectable for a performance version.

Most versions of the GLB are expensive enough to attract the premium rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). It means that cars with a list price of more than £40,000 are charged £475 a year from year two. Only the AMG Line models and GLB 200 AMG Line Premium slip below the £40,000 mark, so pay the lower rate of £150 from year two.

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Insurance groups

Insurance premium costs are reasonable for a car of this size, especially if you opt for the GLB 200, which ranges from group 27 to group 29. The GLB 200 d will be slightly more expensive to insure, ranging from group 29 to group 30.

The more powerful GLB 220 d slots into groups 35 and 36, while the AMG version gets a group rating of 41. Crucially, the GLB should be less expensive to insure than the GLC, which ranges from group 32 to 44.

Depreciation 

Premium SUVs remain very popular, so the GLB should have reasonable residual values. There are a number of factors working in its favour, including the efficient engines, seven-seat practicality and family-friendly practicality. The AMG-Line model is likely to retain more of its value than the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35.