Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the second-generation GLB SUV. While visually familiar, the GLB is fundamentally new, being the second model to utilize Mercedes’ new MMA architecture following the CLA and its Shooting Brake variant.
The new model now integrates the electric EQB nameplate into the GLB range, offering buyers the choice of a hybrid or full-electric powertrain within the same body style and badging.
The new GLB comes as either a five-seater or a seven-seater. Those who opt for the version with two additional seats in the third row can travel to the next league match with an entire tennis team or pile the neighbour’s children in and haul them to the school festival. Even last-minute changes to plans don’t faze GLB drivers – with a longitudinally adjustable bench seat in the second row, there’s even room for plants from the garden centre, a good friend’s moving boxes or that flea market bargain.
Compared to its predecessor, the new electric GLB offers a noticeable increase in headroom in the first two rows of seats. This is thanks to the SUV’s roofline as well as a standard panoramic roof. Passengers can also enjoy more legroom in the rear. Seating comfort in the second row has been noticeably improved, with the thigh support now longer, among other things.
Ready for journeys beyond the everyday
An idyllic campsite on a meadow? A cosy barbecue evening with friends in a cabin at the edge of the forest? The most exciting locations are often found off the beaten track. No problem for the 4MATIC versions – when traction is needed, the electric motor on the front axle kicks in at blazing speed. The 4MATIC models also feature TERRAIN MODE. This driving programme for fields and gravel roads adjusts the characteristics of the drivetrain, steering and brakes to support the driver. The “Transparent Bonnet” function provides a virtual view under the entire vehicle, making it easier to manoeuvre in rough terrain.
The towing capacity is up to two tones, which is a top value for BEVs in this vehicle category. This makes the electric GLB models suitable as towing vehicles for full-size caravans. Thanks to a high drawbar load of 100 kilograms, e-bikes can also be taken along on weekend trips and holidays.
With 127 liters, the GLB has the largest front boot (“frunk”) in the new model family – enough space for a crate of drinks, or three footballs, or a compact tent. The rear boot has a capacity of up to 540/480 liters (five/seven-seater), and with the rear seatbacks folded down, this increases to 1,715/1,605 liters.
Few cars in this class allow more than two child seats to be fitted in the rear. The new GLB has families in mind – a total of four child seats can be installed in rows two and three, plus one in the front passenger seat.
Predictive technology for a high level of protection
The new GLB has a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems, including DISTRONIC distance control as standard in Europe. The hardware in this region comprises eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a water-cooled high-performance computer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.
Mercedes‑Benz now bundles all assistance systems under the name MB.DRIVE. Many Digital extras will already be available at market launch or can be ordered via the Mercedes-Benz Store. Further Digital Extras will also be updateable at a later date.
Suitable for long distances
From Cologne to Berlin; from Rome to Venice; from Lyon to Strasbourg – there are many interesting cities in Europe within a distance of around 600 kilometers. The same applies to China, where Xi’an and Zhengzhou are connected by a comparable distance, as well as the U.S. A similarly long trip in the States is Denver to Salt Lake City. All of those trips can be completed non-stop thanks to 631 km (392 miles) (WLTP) range of the GLB 250+.
Time-efficient: ready for the next stage in just a few minutes
To go even further than that, energy can be recharged quickly: the 800-volt system, in conjunction with a new battery generation, ensures short charging times. The GLB can be recharged for a range of up to 260 km (161 miles) (WLTP) within 10 minutes. Fast DC charging is possible at 800-volt charging stations with a charging capacity of up to 320 kW. However, the GLB can also use a 400-volt charging infrastructure. A DC converter is available as an option. The AC charging capacity is up to 22 kW.
Dynamic suspension for relaxed travel or driving pleasure
The suspension with adaptive damping, which comes as standard in combination with 20-inch wheels, ensures a particularly comfortable or alternatively sporty driving experience. Drivers can use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to change the vehicle’s damping characteristics. They can choose between Comfort mode with more comfortable damping characteristics or Sport mode for a sporty, firm setting.
Open to technology: hybrid with three power levels
A few months after its market launch, the new GLB will also be available as an attractive entry-level electric model and as a high-tech hybrid with 48-volt technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The state-of-the-art combustion engine will initially be available in three power levels. GLB hybrid models will be able to drive purely electrically and recuperate energy under certain conditions. Buyers will have the choice between front-wheel drive and 4MATIC.
Proportions and iconic lighting accents
Powerful SUV proportions with an upright front and steep windscreen, as well as short overhangs, characterise the side view. Surrounding wheel-arch cladding and visual underride protection at the front and rear emphasise the off-road character. A wide track and flush-mounted wheels, together with muscular vehicle shoulders, give the GLB a powerful appearance. A total of 94 individually animated LED stars in a chrome look are the highlights of the iconic radiator grille.
Depending on country-specific legal regulations, the central star is also illuminated in whole or in part. One of the few visual distinguishing features of the GLB hybrid is that it has the classic radiator grille with a Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome, surrounded by a standard LED light guide.
Generous panoramic roof for unlimited visibility
The large standard panoramic roof creates an exceptionally spacious and open feeling. Within milliseconds, the glass surface of the optional SKY CONTROL panoramic roof can be switched back and forth between transparent for an unobstructed view upwards and opaque (milky) for more privacy (optional extra). The GLB offers a unique visual experience, especially at night, when its 158 stars are illuminated.
High-tech design meets ergonomic control
The new interior design principle focuses attention on a few iconic high-tech elements, such as the seemingly floating MBUX Superscreen (optional). Behind its large glass surface are a 26-centimetre (10.25-inch) screen for the driver, a 35.6-centimetre (14-inch) central display and a 35.6-centimetre (14-inch) screen for the front passenger.
Another eye-catching feature is the floating, sporty, high-positioned center console with an additional storage compartment. The new steering wheel is ergonomically designed and intuitive to use. In response to numerous customer requests, Mercedes‑Benz has reintroduced a rocker switch for the limiter and DISTRONIC, as well as a roller for volume control.
Unique ambient styles and a wide range of equipment options
With the Progressive Line, AMG Line and AMG Line Plus equipment lines as well as the Night Package and other equipment options, the GLB can be configured in a wide variety of ways to suit customer requirements. There is also a large selection of trim elements and interior materials. Another customisation option is the selection of 11 ambient styles for the MBUX Superscreen.
This allows users to create a personal atmosphere in the vehicle. The colour scheme of the instrument cluster, including gauges, controls and ambient lighting, is coordinated with these emotional background motifs.
A new world of comprehensive digital experiences with MBUX and technological innovations (MB.OS)
The new GLB fully operates on the in-house-developed Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The AI-enhanced system makes it possible to equip every vehicle with supercomputers connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This enables regular over-the-air update for the most important vehicle functions, including driving assistance systems. This keeps the GLB up-to-date and attractive for years to come. As Digital Extras, additional functions can also be ordered via the Mercedes-Benz Store.
MB.OS marks the start of the fourth MBUX generation. It opens up a new world of personalised experiences and intuitive interaction between human and vehicle, setting new standards in the automotive industry. The new MBUX generation is the first in-car infotainment system to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. This combines multiple AI agents in one system for the first time. MB.OS offers maximum flexibility to seamlessly integrate content from third-party providers. The typical Mercedes interface remains, delivering the familiar customer experience.
The MBUX Superscreen is powered by state-of-the-art high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine. The new control and display concept is tailored to individual customer preferences. The further developed MBUX Zero Layer on the central display shows the most important information, suggestions and, for the first time, the most recently used apps. In the app view, apps can now be moved and grouped into individually named folders, similar to a smartphone. When an app is open, a simple swipe to the left returns to the app view. Another swipe takes the user back to the Zero Layer. Alternatively, they can still go directly to the Zero Layer at any time via the home button.
With generative AI, the new MBUX Virtual Assistant revolutionises the relationship between vehicle and driver. It enables the kinds of complex, multi-turn dialogues one might have with a friend and has short-term memory. Based on ChatGPT4o and searches with Microsoft Bing, it unites the collective knowledge of the internet. Thanks to Google Gemini, the virtual assistant is also well-versed in navigation-related questions. It can access information from the Google Maps platform to provide users with detailed and personalised answers to questions about navigation, points of interest and much more. The MBUX Virtual Assistant is always present on the Zero Layer as a “living” avatar.
In the new GLB, the navigation experience is based on Google Maps. The navigation solution developed as part of the partnership between Google and Mercedes-Benz is one of the first integrations of Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent for in-vehicle conversation services with Google Maps. Mercedes‑Benz Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors. Integrated visual communication also reaches a new dimension with MBUX Surround Navigation. It seamlessly integrates the driver-assistance view with a 3D representation of the surroundings and route guidance in real-time on the driver display. Drivers benefit from improved situational awareness, seeing what the GLB sees and how the assistance systems support them.
