Hyundai Santa Fe VS Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Hyundai Santa Fe
Likes
- Superb storage in cabin
- Forgiving to drive for most driver types
- Passenger comfort in all three rows
Dislikes
- Not as efficient as hybrid siblings
- Exterior design won't land with everyone
- Basic warranty terms on offer
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Likes
- Very comfortable
- Impressive practicality
- Surprisingly fun to drive
Dislikes
- Minor visibility issues
- 200 a bit gutless
- Doesn't feel small
Summary
Hyundai Santa Fe
A big welcome to one of the first turbo-petrol four-cylinder versions of the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a model that launched locally with only its hybrid variants available to our market.
While it might not satisfy the fans of the previous-gen's V6 petrol engine, it might be enough for those who have been on the fence about going the hybrid route.
This is my third time in the new Santa Fe, and each tested variant has managed to offer something different and the base petrol grade, in FWD, is no different – but does it offer enough?
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| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid with Premium Unleaded |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.3L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Mercedes-Benz reckons its A B Cs are as easy as a competitor's 1 2 3s, which is why it's adding an all new nameplate to the world's ever-expanding list of premium small SUVs.
What you're looking at here is the GLB, and as the name implies – it's the latest addition to the Deutsche juggernaut's 'compact' family. Mercedes is a little late to the show, though, with its main competitors, Audi and BMW, already offering two small SUVs each.
Not to be outdone, Merc's GLB is a totally different take on the small premium SUV formula, especially since, well, it's not all that small...
Read on to find out what that's about, as well as what we made of the GLB at its international launch.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.3L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.5L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Verdict
Hyundai Santa Fe8.5/10
So I asked at the beginning if the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD petrol offered enough for families looking for a large seven-seat SUV and the answer is: YES!
It's practical, has people-mover space and storage and is downright comfortable to drive. There's so much to like here.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class7.8/10
The GLB is set to mix up the Australian premium small SUV landscape by launching something a little different to most of its competitors. It's bold and interesting to look at, which is a good sign for a brand that's spent the last few years going to great pains to homogenise the styling of its main models.
Importantly, it manages to look interesting and drive well, while living up to an ambitious practicality promise.
Whether consumers warm to it or not will largely depend on its standard specs in Australia, so stay tuned closer to its second quarter 2020 launch to see exactly how competitive Benz can make its not-so-small small-SUV...
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.
Design
Hyundai Santa Fe
It's boxy and bold and you certainly won't mistake it for anything else on the road. That's both good and bad.
The front works beautifully; pairing a chunky and square aesthetic with cool H-shaped LED headlights (a running motif throughout the car). The front and sides look like the chiseled face of a Greek hero or the latest Romantasy crush, but the rear is just awkward. It's essentially just a big blank body panel and the only interesting thing about the back are the H-shaped tail lights.
Head inside and the interior is exactly the same as the base FWD hybrid variant - you get an interesting black and grey tartan fabric upholstery across the seats, and enough soft touchpoints scattered throughout to stop you looking too hard at the heavy use of plastics.
The dashboard shares similar chunky proportions with the exterior and you can see lots of H shapes in the air vents and panelling, so it flows pretty well inside.
The highlight is 100 per cent the large curved panel on the dash that houses the dual 12.3-inch displays. They look high-end and instantly lift the cabin from feeling 'basic'.
Joinery is flush, nothing rattles and there's an overwhelming sense of high-build quality inside. It's a cabin you'll be able to spend a lot of time in.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class8/10
The GLB is ugly... in a good way. I think so, anyway. It shuns the slick lines of the GLC, and Benz sedan family in favour of something unusual.
You'll notice straight away the chunky lines and upright front and rear fascias of the GLB, along with its light fittings that are wrong, but also right?
Then there's the shutline of the bonnet which rides across the top, creating a distinct off-set line, which is rudely interrupted by a jutting bit of chrome over the rear wheel arch.
It's almost so intentionally jarring that it feels like it's meant to conjure up visions of a mini G-Class. Benz says many of these design elements were internally dubbed 'squircles' due to their blending of angles and curves.
There's a lot to look at, and admittedly I wasn't initially a fan, but like many new design languages, you have to see it in the metal to appreciate it. I found it only became more endearing with time.
Just like the rest of the Benz compact vehicle family, the GLB has a new interior full of screens and round design elements. If you're a fan of the A-Class' interior you'll be a fan of this, too, although the GLB even ups the quality with some genuinely nice materials strewn about the place.
Special attention was paid to things like the little tubular metal fittings in the dash and doors, meant to represent grab handles and the LED lighting on higher spec cars reflected inside the air vents is always one of those wow factor items.
The dual 10.25-inch screen set-up is controversial. Some will love it, some will be begging for a set of analog dials.
Once you've adjusted to it though, it's relatively easy to use – with a couple of caveats we'll explore in the practicality section.
Practicality
Hyundai Santa Fe
I've said it before but I'll say it again. The cabin offers similar, if not the same, level of practicality of a people mover with passenger space and storage solutions.
In fact, Hyundai may have shot their other three-row SUV, the Palisade, in the foot here because I'm not sure why you'd now bother forking out an extra $13,800 on the base Elite grade over out test model. Not when each row will be comfortable for an adult and feature decent amenities.
With seats that don't sit too high and a 177mm ground clearance, the Santa Fe is an easy SUV to get in and out of, even for kids.
The front- and middle-row seats are the most comfortable when it comes to padding and under-thigh support. The powered drivers seat also offers adjustable lumbar support on top of the heat functions that both front seats get.
Storage is top-notch with lots of cubbies to choose from up front with dual gloveboxes, one that can fit a manual and one that will hold smaller items like a wallet, wet wipes etc.
The middle console is huge and has a removable shelf but is also shared with the middle row as the bottom pulls out into a storage drawer for them. This means you can cut out the middle man (AKA the parent) and have a handy place to put any roadie snacks.
The centre console features two phone cradles and a large shelf underneath that easily holds a handbag or Saturday night's takeaway.
There are a total of 12 cupholders (2/6/4) and four drink holders (one in each door storage bin) plus a sunglasses holder and map pockets on the back of the front seats. So, definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to individual storage.
The technology is easy to use and high-quality with display screens that feature crisp graphics and a responsive multimedia touchscreen. The system features wireless phone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth connectivity.
Charging options are good throughout the car with six USB-C ports (2/2/2), and a 12-volt socket and wireless charging pad up front.
Rounding out the cabin is the large boot which offers 642L when the third row is stowed, and up to 1963L when just the front seats are in use.
The loading space is level but you still get a handy under-floor compartment for small items. And the full-size spare tyre and powered tailgate are always practical to have!
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class9/10
The GLB's thematic purpose in the Benz family is to be the practical option to the upcoming GLA's 'sportiness' and larger GLC's luxury. Although it's not that much smaller than the GLC, the GLB is packaged in a radically different way.
For one, it can be had as a seven-seater, and at this size there's not much that can compete in the luxury space. Again, that makes its closest rival the Land Rover Discovery Sport which is dimensionally similar and also offered with seven seats.
The next closest seven-seat competitors come in the form of the VW Tiguan Allspace and perhaps Skoda Kodiaq.
Audi and BMW don't quite have anything like it (despite fielding a Q2 and Q3 or X1 and X2 respectively... ), and that could well be the GLB's master stroke. It almost fills its own niche. Mercedes is heavy on the idea that this will be the perfect SUV in its line-up for growing families.
Like those VW group rivals, the GLB is a bit of a practicality wizard, too, able to make use of a huge 500-litre boot with the rear seats stowed, or 570 litres as a five-seater.
The second row is on rails, so you can either max legroom or max boot space respectively. I was genuinely surprised with how spacious the third row is.
The packaging is brilliant, I can fit in there, not only with my head completely upright (just touching the roof), but also with actual knee room! The second row seats are also designed as such that your feet can tuck under them, so you don't feel squashed.
Even with another adult in the rear row it's wide enough to not cause problems.
Keep in mind though, with all three rows deployed you'll almost be sacrificing 100 per cent of that massive boot. I couldn't even fit a basic duffel bag in the shelf of space left over.
The second row offers simply heaps of legroom for passengers, even with adults in the third row, and it's surprisingly wide and deep. I found the panoramic sunroof, fitted to some launch cars, ate into the headroom, although it was still more than enough.
Up front is upright, but comfortable in all grades, with the GLA 35 having the most comfortable seats, by far. There are a few trenches strewn about the place, decent cupholders and a centre console box which hosts USB ports.
Trim quality was a notch above the A- and B-Class across the dash, mainly thanks the the choice of materials in the GLB's design.
I do have a few minor issues with visibility though. The A-pillar is upright and, at times, takes up too much of your line-of-sight, especially when approaching corners.
In my seating position, the top of the steering wheel obscures bits of the digital dash, and vision out the back was okay but not stellar thanks to the GLB's almost flat rear window.
Benz' digital dash suite is capable of almost everything that Audi's benchmark 'Virtual Cockpit' does, although using it is a bit awkward, with many sub menus and odd touchpads for flicking through them on the steering wheel.
Price and features
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in three grades, with the base- and mid-spec options now having the option of having a turbo-petrol engine or a self-charging hybrid powertrain.
Our test model is the front-wheel-drive base-petrol grade, which is priced from $53,000 before on-road costs. That makes it the most affordable variant in the Santa Fe line-up, being $2500 more affordable than the base FWD hybrid model.
This positions it in between its three-row large SUV rivals, the Kia Sorento S ($50,680) and even larger Nissan Pathfinder ST-L ($60,220). But the Sorento is still offered with a choice between V6 petrol engine and a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which will entice some.
Our test model is incredibly well-equipped for a base variant and includes features like heated front seats, a powered driver's seat (with adjustable lumbar support), rear privacy glass and LED external lights.
There are great practical items like a full-size spare wheel, a powered tailgate, keyless entry/start, a 360-degree camera system, dual-zone climate control and tyre pressure monitoring.
Technology is also a standout with dual 12.3-inch displays taking centre stage, FM/AM and digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, Hyundai 'Bluelink' app, over-the-air updates, Bluetooth connectivity, a wireless charging pad, six USB-C ports and two 12-volt sockets.
Bluelink connected car services brings features like ‘Automatic Collision Notification’ an emergency call (SOS) function, geo-fencing, valet, speed and time alerts and more.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class7/10
We don't know how much the GLB will cost when it comes to Australia, but Mercedes says to expect it to fall in a sensible void between its GLA (currently $44,700 - $94,382) and the GLC ($66,100 - $168,100).
Its traditional competitors will mainly be in the form of the BMW X1, and Audi Q3, although size and spec wise it's much closer to the Land Rover Discovery Sport (from $60,500) which can also be had with seven seats.
While standard inclusions on the Euro cars as tested here were decent, we expect they will increase for base Australian cars, along with a price hike.
Prices will largely depend on the choice of engine grade and out of the six options available globally, Australians will only be offered three petrol powertrains (Mercedes has decided against bringing the three diesel options to our market, citing a relative lack of demand).
Of course, option packs will transform each car, and there are many of them, but there are some revealing downfalls in the internationally specified cars. LED headlights, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring are part of an option pack in Europe. We hope these items, or at very least blind spot monitoring, is added to the standard features list for Australia.
Under the bonnet
Hyundai Santa Fe
Our Santa Fe is the front-wheel-drive base variant, which features an eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces up to 206kW of power and 422Nm of torque.
Our model has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg, which is up from its hybrid siblings which can only tow up to 1650kg.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class8/10
The GLB has an almost confusingly extensive list of engine options. In Europe it's offered with three petrols and three diesels in either front- or all-wheel drive.
We'll only address the petrols as they are the only units destined for our market. The entry-level car is the GLB 200 which has Mercedes' familiar 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine (120kW/250Nm) shared across the A- and B-Class, as well as various Renault models. In this case it's mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Next up is the GLB 250. The 250 is a 2.0-litre engine with significantly higher outputs (165kW/350Nm). It is offered only with Benz' '4Matic' all-wheel drive. It is offered with an eight-speed dual-clutch auto only.
Then there's the star of the petrol-powered show, the GLB 35 AMG. Powered again by a 2.0-litre engine, the AMG-tuned GLB ups the ante to 225kW/400Nm. It is offered with an AMG tuned eight-speed auto, and adds the 'Sport +' drive mode.
Efficiency
Hyundai Santa Fe
The base petrol Santa Fe has an official combined fuel cycle usage of 9.3L/100km and 67L fuel tank, giving it a theoretical driving range of 740km, which isn’t as good as its hybrid siblings but still sufficient for the odd road trip.
After doing lots of open-roading this week and a good three days of city dwelling, my real-world usage has popped out at 8.7L/100km, which is a solid result for such a large SUV.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class8/10
Fuel consumption figures are as varied as the engine choices, the base GLB 200 will consume 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle, while the GLB 250 adds more than a litre to that number at 7.4L/100km, and despite its performance focus, the GLB 35 will supposedly do 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Real-world figures will have to wait until we get our hands on Aussie-spec GLBs to do a fair week-long test. Stay tuned for that.
It is yet to be confirmed, but we'd be surprised if the GLB required anything less than 95RON mid-grade unleaded petrol.
Driving
Hyundai Santa Fe
The petrol engine definitely has more pep to it than the hybrid variants I've sampled. The power is responsive and you still feel like there’s heaps leftover when you have to overtake or get up a hill without any annoying engine whines.
The steering isn’t too heavy, despite the size of this car but turning off the lane-keeping aid will keep the on-road experience feeling smooth. Otherwise, you sort of ping-pong in your lane as the aid readjusts strongly.
All Santa Fes feel way more nimble than they have any right to in corners. You do get some roll, but our test model is sure-footed, even in heavy wet weather.Â
The eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission is smooth enough and you don’t get any annoying lags when you accelerate from a full stop, which is unusual for such a unit.
Ride comfort is pretty high as well, with suspension that feels forgiving over the worst of the bumps and a cabin that remains quiet, even at higher speeds.Â
You have really great visibility in this model because of how big the windows are and the taller driving position helps as well. None of the pillars hindered my vision either from my driving position.
The Santa Fe well and truly fills out a car space and it was easy to see it in a car park because the butt hangs out a bit, but it’s still easy to park with its very clear 360-degree camera system and parking sensors at the front, side and rear. So while it is big, it doesn't feel big to park.
Overall, the petrol Santa Fe is an simple SUV to drive and will be a forgiving choice for lots of different driving styles.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class8/10
Driving the GLB was surprising. It's comfortable! It doesn't seem to matter which grade you pick, either. In fact, the GLB 35 rides the best, with its ridiculous wheels overcompensated for by impressive active dampers.
Families will love the plush seats and ultra-compliant ride. Some Benz magic must have gone into the suspension calibration, but we think the ride is also helped along by the long wheelbase.
The position of the wheels also helps prevent the GLB from feeling too nose happy. You don't feel at risk of understeer at all, and this is probably due to the fact that the front wheels are actually quite far ahead of the A-pillar.
In terms of handling, the GLB is great. The steering is light, but direct in Comfort mode. Sport mode is more of a mixed bag, with the wheel feeling a bit too artificially heavy. In 'Individual' mode you can set it up to have the suspension and transmission set to Sport, with the Comfort steering.
Obviously the GLB 35 is a hoot in terms of power available. It's fun, if a little silly. I was surprised how sedate the exhaust is, even in Sport +, a show-pony the GLB 35 is not.
That goes for all grades, too. The cabin is generally well refined.
The 250 is the right car for most drivers, with plenty of power on tap, and a reasonably smart eight-speed dual-clutch. This transmission's major drawback was how annoying it was in Sport mode, sticking in gear and revving the engine out unnecessarily.
Surprisingly, we also had the chance to sample the base model 200. This car rode just as well as its higher-spec counterparts, and it was just as quiet, too, but the 1.3-engine took a long time to get to its sweet spot.
The extra weight of the GLB over the A-Class and B-Class was evident, and the seven-speed auto seems a little less intelligent and slick-shifting than the eight-speed on the other two grades.
There was a long waiting time for peak torque, meaning foot to the floor for several seconds before anything really happened.
That having been said, the 200 is still an attractive option to cut the cost of a GLB for someone who will mainly use it for city or urban driving.
Which leads to one of the GLBs drawbacks – it doesn't feel like a 'small' SUV behind the wheel. You feel every last bit of its dimensions when negotiating a three-point turn with its almost 12-metre turning radius or trying to navigate tight city streets.
Overall though, the GLB offered a surprisingly comfortable, quiet and even entertaining drive experience for an SUV.
Safety
Hyundai Santa Fe
All hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe variants are covered by a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2024, but the petrol variants are not, so our test model is currently unrated. It does feature 10 airbags, though, which is excellent for a family SUV and the curtain airbags extend to the third row.
The standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, LED daytime running lights, driver attention alert, leading vehicle departure alert, safe exit assist, rear occupant alert (first two rows only), rear collision warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert and a lane-keeping aid.
There's also lane following assist, traffic sign recognition, an intelligent seatbelt warning (first two rows only), adaptive cruise control (with start/stop), the 360-degree camera system and front, side, and rear parking sensors.
It's also nice to see the blind-spot monitor on the base model, which is a system that pops a video feed of your blind spot onto your dashboard.
However, some of the safety features, like the driver attention monitor and traffic sign recognition, can be intrusive to daily driving. If you could permanently disable the sound alert, it would be a lot more enjoyable to drive long term.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class7/10
Thanks to those kooky Germans and their love for high-speed freeways, every GLB will ship with high-speed auto emergency braking with standard pedestrian and cyclist detection.
It also gets lane departure warning (delivered by vibration through the steering) and a limited version of lane keep assist that works on solid lines and helps swerve away from oncoming vehicles.
Additionally via an option pack on the Euro cars we tested is 'Pre-Safe Plus' which adds blind spot monitoring, improved lane keep assist with lane change assist, and a system which uses a rear radar to detect incoming collisions and lessens the risk of whiplash.
We don't know what will be on Australian-specified cars yet, so stay tuned for an update.
The GLB has a total of six airbags, and in case you're wondering, the GLB's side curtain airbags are capable of protecting even the third row.
ISOFIX and top-tether chid seat mounting points are available on both the outboard seats in the second row, and in the third row in seven-seat variants – for a total of four child seat ready positions.
We'll have to wait and see what ANCAP rating the GLB scores (with standard safety equipment for this market to be confirmed), although it already wears a maximum five star Euro NCAP rating.
Ownership
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which isn’t as good as some of its rivals, especially with Nissan now offering a 10-year warranty on its models, albeit conditional.
The pre-paid servicing plans are competitive, though, and the five-year plan averages just $481 per service.
Servicing intervals could get a bit annoying if you do a lot of kays every year as they're at every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first.
The Santa Fe petrol is a simple gal and enjoys 91RON unleaded petrol and is even E10 suitable.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class7/10
Like Audi and BMW, Mercedes persists with a three-year/unlimited km warranty. If you believe BMW, they say consumers in this price bracket don't expect longer warranties, but it would be nice, no?
The first German to do it will win a distinct advantage, but for now the GLB's warranty promise is par for the course.
Service pricing has not been plotted out for the GLB in our market yet but expect to be able to package in several years at a fixed price on finance, as you can on other Benz vehicles.