Brand New Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes GLB is significantly improved in this second generation guise. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The second generation Mercedes GLB is a very different proposition from the first. This lower mid-sized SUV is now properly big enough to take its seven-seat format. And there's now a choice of EV or full-Hybrid power. A big step forward's been taken here.

Background

Radical revolution is sometimes subtle. Take the car in question here, the second generation Mercedes GLB. It looks much like its X247-era predecessor, launched back in 2019 and facelifted in 2023, two years before this replacement design arrived for the 2026 model year. But almost everything is different here, the MK2 GLB the second Mercedes model (after the MK3 CLA) to use the brand's latest MMA architecture for compact cars. That advanced platform accommodates both Hybrid and pure electric powertrains, both of which now feature in the GLB model range, the latter replacing the previous EQB model. Like the old GLB, this one is a compact but family-sized seven-seater with visual nods to the brand's big G-Class SUV. This time round, it's bigger, more efficient and considerably more advanced inside. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

This second generation GLB is mechanically based on the MK3 CLA, so can offer either full-electric or full-Hybrid power, both powertrains new to a Mercedes model bandaged 'GLB'. The mainstream electric version (whose official name is the 'GLB with EQ Technology') is the 250+. This has a 268bhp rear-mounted motor paired (unusually for an EV of this size) to a two-speed transmission (for punchier low speed acceleration). That motor is energised by an 85kWh battery offering up to 393 miles of range. There's also a dual motor electric GLB, the 350 4MATIC, which adds an additional e-motor on the front axle for AWD. This improves the 0-62mph time from 7.4s to 5.5s. But range falls to 382 miles. Both electric GLBs can tow up to 2-tonnes. The combustion alternative is also CLA-based, using a compact 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine linked to an eight-speed auto gearbox with a built in 27bhp e-motor energised by a 1.3kWh battery. That motor allows the car to drive at town speeds without using the engine; and cruise with the engine off on the highway. There are two front-driven Hybrid GLB models, offering 134bhp or 161bhp. And an AWD 4MATIC version with 188bhp.

Design and Build

Looks can be deceiving. This truly is a completely new GLB, even though the straight-edged, two-box SUV silhouette might be familiar from before. This time round, combustion and EV variants share the same design, though their front ends are different. The petrol Hybrid has a conventional grille with a chrome star pattern and an illuminated frame. On the EV, that's replaced by an illuminated panel featuring 94 individual stars that light up in different patterns as you approach or leave the car. More important than all that is the increased size of this MK2 model - it's around 100mm longer than before thanks to the new MMA underpinning platform. Which helps give the car a more confident stance, emphasised by SUV body cladding. There's still the same bluff rear end though, with a full-width light bar that looks similar to that of another Daimler Group segment rival, the smart #5. The cabin is very different from before and the entire dashboard can be covered by screens. All models get a 10.25-inch driver's instrument display and a big 14-inch central touchscreen. Opt for the optional 'Superscreen' layout and these monitors are also joined by a further 14-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. The centre screen hosts the latest fourth generation MB.OS version of the brand's MBUX infotainment system. This now has Google Maps integrated directly into the navigation and an AI-powered virtual assistant. Passengers will notice a big difference with this second generation GLB too. Thanks to a 60mm wheelbase length increase, there's significantly more second row leg room and there's now 64mm more secondary head room too, even with the standard panoramic glass roof fitted (etched into which are 158 stars). All UK GLBs will be seven seaters and that wheelbase length increase makes it much easier to access the third row; and makes that area of the car slightly more suitable for adults when you reach it, though as before, the rearmost row remains primarily meant for kids. Adults will fit though if second row folk make use of their sliding bench base, which can move by up to 140mm. There's not much boot space with all three rows in place, but if you pull the tab to lower the third row, up to 480-litres of capacity can be freed up. With the second row folded, there's up to 1,605-litres. The figures are the same with the Hybrid and the EV, but EV also has a 127-litre under-bonnet 'frunk' (apparently enough for three footballs).

Market and Model

If you want the electric version of this MK2 GLB, prices start from around £46,000 and rise up to around £61,000. The Hybrid version will require a starting budget just over the £40,000 mark. All versions come with seven seats and there's a choice of five trim levels - 'Sport', 'Sport Executive', 'AMG Line Executive', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus'. With the EV, if you ignore the base two trim levels, you'll be offered the option of upgrading from the single motor 250+ powertrain to the twin motor 350 4MATIC powertrain for around £4,000 more. Mercedes can no longer afford spartan trim levels, even with base spec models. So even with entry 'Sport' trim, you get a panoramic roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED High Performance headlamps, power-folding mirrors and a Parking assist system. Plus a full suite of drive assists systems. Inside across the range, there's THERMATIC automatic climate control, ARTICO man-made leather upholstery and heated front seats. 'Sport Executive' spec adds larger 19-inch wheels, keyless entry and a wireless 'phone charger. 'AMG Line Executive' has AMG body styling, a sports steering wheel and sports seats; 'AMG Line Premium' has 20-inch wheels, Augmented Reality navigation, ambient lighting and the 'Superscreen' dash layout with its extra passenger-side display; 'AMG Line Premium Plus' adds a Burmester sound system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree camera with 'Transparent bonnet' feature.

Cost of Ownership

The GLB EV has a powerful regen braking system that can provide up to 200kW of stopping power off-throttle, helping to keep the battery topped up. And the 4MATIC EV model retains impressive range because its additional front motor is decoupled from the front axle when it isn't needed, reducing energy losses to friction by 90%. At the right public charging station, the EV version of this second generation GLB can be DC rapid-charged at up to 320kW thanks to its adoption of an 800V electrical architecture. This enables 201 mile top up in just 10 minutes. And a full DC top-up in 22 minutes. As for AC charging at home, well if you've an 11kW three-phase supply, your GLB EV can be fully charged in 9 hours. That figure will rise to 13 hours 45 minutes if you've only a single-phase 7.4kW wallbox. What about the combustion Hybrid GLB model? Well Mercedes claims that it can deliver 'diesel-level' efficiency (think over 50mpg in regular use), with a system that can provide several miles of engine-off propulsion. So much so that the brand has decided not to offer a Plug-in Hybrid derivative. "We think Hybrid is the best combination we can offer for those who aren't completely ready for electric", says transmission engineer Jan Becker.

Summary

This is a different kind of GLB and offers a definite shift up-market from its predecessor. Should you want the EV version, you'll find range and charging speed in a different world from the previous EQB model. But before fully deciding on one of these, we'd suggest you carefully consider the Hybrid version. Either way, this is now a very premium seven-seat family SUV, though despite its increased size, there are still much bigger mainstream-sized seven-seat crossovers available for this sort of money. You'll probably be looking at this Mercedes though because you don't want a mainstream brand. Needing instead a bit of Star quality. You'll find it here.