Mercedes-Benz reveals next-gen GLB

MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed its second-generation GLB medium SUV line-up at a global launch event, available with either hybrid or fully electric power, and it’s slated to land Down Under in Q4 next year.

While the line-up will include petrol-hybrid models in 2026, it is on-sale now in Germany in all-electric form, now under the GLB nameplate having been previously sold as the separate EQB model.

The first two models to be offered are the GLB 250+ with EQ Technology producing 200kW/335Nm, and the GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology which scores all-wheel drive and meatier outputs of 260kW/515Nm.

Both electric GLB models use the brand's 800-volt architecture and they share an 85kWh battery for a WLTP driving range of up to 631km (GLB 250+ with EQ Technology) and 614 (GLB 350+ with EQ Technology).

A higher fast-charging rate of 320kW will also open up an additional 260km of range in around ten minutes, Mercedes-Benz claims.

Mercedes-Benz confirmed that the range will soon be expanded with additional battery electric models, including an entry-level model, and hybrid models will follow later next year.

Petrol-hybrid models will use a 1.5-litre four cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, however power figures have not yet been provided.

A 1.3kWh battery will power the 48-volt hybrid system, which according to Mercedes-Benz is capable of providing electric-only drive when “less than 20kW is needed”. 

The new model has grown in length and width but the roofline is lower, now measuring in at 4732mm long (+48mm), 1861mm wide (+27mm) and 1687mm tall (-14mm), equating to more interior room.

While the new GLB will still be offered with the choice of seven or five seats, Mercedes-Benz claims the third row will now seat adults up to 1.71 metres tall and luggage space comes in at 540 litres (five seater) or 480 litres (seven seater).

The electric variants also score a 127 litre frunk (front trunk), which Mercedes-Benz says is the largest to feature on its new model family.

Technology also gets a serious bump, centred around a new floating 14-inch MBUX screen that spans the width of the dash, made up of a 10.25-inch drive display,  14-inch central display and 14-inch passenger display.

Infotainment has also been bolstered, with the new MBUX Virtual Assistant providing AI-powered functions for things like navigation and online searches, and it apparently even has short-term memory…whatever that means.

The advanced driver assistance technology uses five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a high-performance water-cooled computer, which Mercedes-Benz says will support future functions as they become available.

Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to confirm local specifications or pricing, but has suggested the new model will arrive by Q4 in 2026.