Mercedes-Benz GLB vs Volkswagen ID.5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLB starts from $63,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.5 opens at $65,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLB the more affordable entry point by $2,090.
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 $72,589 respectively.
The Volkswagen ID.5 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLB and Volkswagen ID.5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 6 in the Volkswagen ID.5. The Volkswagen ID.5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLB misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLB features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen ID.5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.5. The Volkswagen ID.5 counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLB gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen ID.5 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 3-zone in the Volkswagen ID.5.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.5 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.5 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID.5 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLB measures 4,634mm long on a 2,829mm wheelbase, 50mm longer than the Volkswagen ID.5 at 4,584mm (2,769mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLB generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 549L in the Volkswagen ID.5, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLB a 21L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLB leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
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 (Volkswagen ID.5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLB takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLB and Volkswagen ID.5?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the cheapest at $63,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID.5 by $2,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLB and Volkswagen ID.5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID.5 makes the most power at 210kW. The Volkswagen ID.5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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