Volkswagen Tayron vs Mercedes-Benz GLB
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 Volkswagen Tayron starts from $48,290 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB opens at $63,900. That makes the Volkswagen Tayron the more affordable entry point by $15,610.
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 $53,119 and $70,290 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLB by roughly $1,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Tayron and Mercedes-Benz GLB hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Volkswagen Tayron and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
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 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLB. The Volkswagen Tayron adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLB misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Tayron features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB counters with heated front seats and ambient lighting that the Volkswagen Tayron does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Tayron uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 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.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tayron is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Tayron measures 4,792mm long on a 2,791mm wheelbase, 158mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLB at 4,634mm (2,829mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLB generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the Volkswagen Tayron and 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
For towing, the Volkswagen Tayron leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.6m
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tayron and $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. That is a $313 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Volkswagen Tayron) vs $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz GLB). The Mercedes-Benz GLB saves you roughly $313 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tayron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLB). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Tayron if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Tayron takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLB will save you roughly $313 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, Volkswagen Tayron and Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The Volkswagen Tayron is the cheapest at $48,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLB by $15,610.
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 — Volkswagen Tayron 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 Volkswagen Tayron has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB makes the most power at 120kW. The Volkswagen Tayron is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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