Mercedes-Benz GLB vs Subaru Trailseeker

The Mercedes-Benz GLB starts from $63,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Trailseeker opens at $63,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLB the more affordable entry point by $90.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $70,290 and $70,389 respectively.

The Subaru Trailseeker qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLB, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLB and Subaru Trailseeker hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLB packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru Trailseeker.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 8 in the Subaru Trailseeker.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Trailseeker gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Subaru Trailseeker. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.

The Subaru Trailseeker responds with a Dual Electric Motor making 280kW and 536Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

The Subaru Trailseeker has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 4.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB measures 4,634mm long on a 2,829mm wheelbase, 211mm shorter than the Subaru Trailseeker at 4,845mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Trailseeker generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 39L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLB seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLB leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,588kg. That 12kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLB) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Trailseeker). Both match on warranty length.