Mazda BT-50 vs Mercedes-Benz GLB
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Mazda BT-50 starts from $36,400 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB opens at $63,900. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $27,500.
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 $40,040 and $70,290 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda BT-50 and Mercedes-Benz GLB hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Mazda BT-50 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
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 1 in the Mazda BT-50.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda BT-50 and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda BT-50 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLB. The Mercedes-Benz GLB counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda BT-50 uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda BT-50 measures 5,320mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 686mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLB at 4,634mm (2,829mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda BT-50 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mazda BT-50 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 1,900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the Mazda BT-50 and $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Mazda BT-50) vs $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz GLB). The Mercedes-Benz GLB saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLB). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda BT-50 and Mercedes-Benz GLB trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz GLB will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda BT-50 and Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLB by $27,500.
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 — Mazda BT-50 and Mercedes-Benz GLB all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda BT-50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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