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Mercedes GLB vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (354 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (43,200 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLB or Subaru Forester?

Mercedes GLB vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Mercedes GLB

3.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly more trunk space
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Subaru Forester

4.4 (4 Reviews)
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  • visibly cheaper
  • barely lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

GLB

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Subaru Forester is visibly cheaper – starting at 34,700 £ , while the Mercedes GLB costs 43,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,492 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLB uses 5.7 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.4 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLB offers considerably more power – delivering 354 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 218 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLB is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 5.5 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 6.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLB delivers substantially more torque with 515 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 333 Nm more.

GLB

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is barely lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 1,840 kg. The difference is around 147 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLB offers very slightly more boot space – 540 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 32 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLB carries barely more – 505 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLB is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £43,200
GLB

Mercedes GLB

  • Engine Type : Electric, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 156 - 354 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.7 - 6.1 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.4 - 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 431 - 631 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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Mercedes GLB
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

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Reviews Mercedes GLB

3.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
Hans
19 Feb 2026, 02:39:00

Great car — very satisfied with the GLB 250 4MATIC.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4.4 (4 Reviews)
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Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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Mercedes GLB
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
43,200 - 62,400 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.4 - 15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
431 - 631 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 138 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,840 - 2,280 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
540 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,861 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 505 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
156 - 354 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 9.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
280 - 515 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
115 - 260 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Subaru
What drive types are available for the Mercedes GLB?

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

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.