- The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB is here.
- It replaces the previous-generation GLB and the discontinued EQB crossovers.
- Powered by an 800-volt architecture, it promises very fast charging speeds and over 300 miles of range on the EPA cycle.
This is the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB. It debuts as an all-electric crossover with two powertrain options, but a few hybrid versions will also be available later.
While it might not look like it, the new GLB is a big deal for the German luxury automaker. That’s because it competes in the same competitive segment that’s currently ruled by the Tesla Model Y, albeit at a higher price point, so a lot is riding on the success of the new SUV. At first glance, though, it looks like Mercedes-Benz chose all the right pieces to make this new car as good as it can be.
The all-new GLB replaces both the previous-generation gas-powered model and the all-electric EQB. It sits on the same 800-volt MMA platform as the CLA sedan, which was designed with efficiency in mind, so it’s no surprise that the GLB comes standard with a Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverter, a two-speed transmission at the rear, a disconnecting front drive unit and an advanced heat pump that scavenges heat from three different sources.
Two versions of the electric crossover will be available at first, both powered by the same battery with a usable capacity of 85 kilowatt-hours. The GLB 250+ with EQ Technology is rear-wheel drive and has a peak output of 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in about 7.3 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz says this entry-level version is capable of driving between 336 and 392 miles (542-631 kilometers) on a full charge on the WLTP cycle. The EPA rating is not yet available, but it should be somewhere between 288 and 335 miles.
Then, there’s the GLB 350 4Matic with EQ Technology, which adds a second permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) at the front for all-wheel drive capabilities. The front drive unit makes 107 hp on its own and comes with a dedicated silicon carbide inverter for increased efficiency. However, the automaker fitted this version of the GLB with a Disconnect Unit, so the front motor only engages when the traction control system detects slip. According to the automaker, the battery-to-wheel efficiency over long distances is an impressive 93%
When both motors work together, they can deliver a peak output of 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, shortening the 0-to-60 mph sprint time to 5.4 seconds. Range-wise, the dual-motor GLB can cover between 323 and 381 miles (521-614 km) on the WLTP cycle. On the EPA procedure, it should be somewhere between 277 and 326 miles, but we’ll know for sure once the automaker goes through the certification process.
Both electric GLBs can be charged at up to 320 kilowatts on 800-volt chargers, which can add up to 161 miles of range on the WLTP cycle, or around 138 miles on the EPA test. What’s more, the electric GLB comes with a DC-to-DC converter as standard, allowing owners to charge at 400-volt DC fast chargers, too, although the power input will be lower and charging sessions will last longer.
If hybrids are more to your liking, you should know that the combustion GLB will be powered by a 1.5-liter engine and a 1.3 kWh battery that sends juice to a small electric motor integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Keeping with the efficiency topic, the EV’s heat pump system has been adapted from the Vision EQXX concept. It can use three energy sources at the same time, which leads to much quicker heat-up times in frigid temperatures and more comfort for the driver and the passengers.
Mercedes-Benz says the system can scavenge heat from the electric drive unit, the battery and the ambient air. As a result, during a 20-minute drive in an outside ambient temperature of 19°F (-7°C), the interior is heated twice as fast as the discontinued EQB, while using half the energy. The carmaker says that cabin heating starts automatically as soon as someone gets into the car, and that the heating strategy was designed to warm the upper body and hands first, which ensures rapid thermal comfort, even without pre-conditioning the cabin.
Speaking about the cabin, the new Mercedes-Benz GLB has more headroom and legroom than both the cars it replaces. That’s due to the longer wheelbase and the fact that all GLBs come standard with a glass panoramic roof. The five-seat layout is also standard, but a seven-seat version is also available. Likewise, an electrochromic glass roof with variable opacity and 158 illuminated star logos can be had as an option.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz GLB (2026)
The GLB’s 113.7-inch wheelbase is almost identical to that of the Tesla Model Y, which measures 113.8 in. The same goes for the length, with the GLB measuring 186.3 in, just 0.6 in less than the Model Y. The GLB’s cargo capacity is 19.1 cubic feet for the two-row version and 17 cu ft for the three-row variant. There’s also a front trunk.
Getting back to the interior, the new Mercedes-Benz electric crossover comes standard with the company’s latest MB.OS-based infotainment system. The driver gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and there’s a 14-inch central touchscreen display. As an optional extra, a second 14-inch touchscreen can be fitted for the passenger, creating what Mercedes calls the “MBUX Superscreen.”
The operating system brings together several artificial intelligence features from several providers, which should make for a more comprehensive knowledge set. It uses ChatGPT-4o and Microsoft Bing Search together with navigation data from Google Maps to bring detailed personalized answers to questions about navigation and points of interest.
On the outside, the new electric Mercedes-Benz GLB gets an illuminated closed grille with a light-up star logo, as well as high-performance LED headlights and a connecting LED light band.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB will hit American showroom floors next year, with pricing details set to be revealed closer to the market launch.
