@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Subaru Corporation
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Mercedes GLB vs Subaru Forester – Which one offers the better deal?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Mercedes GLB or Subaru Forester fits your lifestyle better.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

GLB @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Subaru Forester has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34700 £, while the Mercedes GLB costs 40500 £. That’s a price difference of around 5804 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes GLB manages with 5.60 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.10 L. The difference is about 2.50 L per 100 km.

Forester @ Subaru Corporation

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLB has a significantly edge – offering 320 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 184 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLB is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.50 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.20 s. That’s about 6.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLB performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Subaru Forester tops out at 188 km/h. The difference is around 62 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLB pulls decisively stronger with 400 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 218 Nm difference.

GLB @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Mercedes GLB is slight lighter – 1640 kg compared to 1693 kg. The difference is around 53 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLB offers a bit more room – 570 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 62 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLB performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1805 L, which is about 74 L more than the Subaru Forester.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes GLB hardly perceptible takes the win – 500 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 8 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mercedes GLB proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mercedes GLB is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £40,500
GLB @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes GLB

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 320 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.6 - 9 L

Mercedes GLB

The Mercedes GLB is a practical compact SUV that mixes boxy, family-friendly space with premium German polish, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want usefulness without pretension. It drives with a confident, composed feel and somehow manages to look both rugged and refined — the grown-up SUV that still likes to have fun.

details

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a versatile SUV known for its impressive off-road capabilities and practical design. With a spacious interior and advanced safety features, it offers comfort and security for both city driving and outdoor adventures. Its reliable performance and all-wheel-drive system make it a popular choice among those who appreciate a combination of functionality and rugged charm.

details
Mercedes GLB
Subaru Forester
GLB @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Forester @ Subaru Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
40500 - 65300 £
Price
34700 - 42200 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 9 L
Consumption L/100km
8.10 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
146 - 204 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
52 - 60 L
Fuel tank capacity
48 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1640 - 1820 kg
Curb weight
1693 - 1739 kg
Trunk capacity
565 - 570 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
4634 - 4650 mm
Length
4670 mm
Width
1834 - 1850 mm
Width
1830 mm
Height
1665 - 1692 mm
Height
1730 mm
Max trunk capacity
1800 - 1805 L
Max trunk capacity
1679 - 1731 L
Payload
500 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 320 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 11.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.20 s
Max Speed
188 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
188 km/h
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 235 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3
Engine capacity
1995 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Subaru
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes GLB have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.