Mercedes has unveiled the first official photos of the interior of the upcoming Mercedes GLB, along with exterior images from low-temperature laboratory tests, in which the vehicle is covered by a thick layer of ice.
The Mercedes GLB is the third model in the brand’s new compact range. Following the Mercedes CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, the new Mercedes GLB will be officially revealed on December 8, 2025, at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen.
Before its public debut, Mercedes carried out final laboratory tests simulating operation under cold conditions. In fact, the temperature range in the so-called “cold tunnel” extends from –40°C to +40°C, covering virtually the full range of temperatures that might be encountered in different regions of the world.
High-temperature tests were also conducted, with the thermal chamber capable of simulating temperatures from –10°C to +60°C. Additionally, there is a solar simulation system with 32 lamps, providing a radiation spectrum equivalent to natural sunlight. On a surface of 8 by 2.5 meters, the radiation intensity can vary between 200 and 1,200 watts per square meter.
In each tunnel, a “rolling road” simulates the driving surface. Powerful electric motors drive four rollers each, allowing 4MATIC models to be tested under realistic conditions.
The new Mercedes GLB successfully passed the low-temperature tests. Within just 15 minutes at –15°C, the windshield completely defrosted—without activating the wipers. And after only 20 minutes of driving at –7°C, the cabin warmed up twice as fast as that of the previous model, with the electric version of the GLB consuming only half the energy of its predecessor.
This impressive efficiency is thanks to a new heat pump system adapted from the Vision EQXX concept.
To accompany the release of the official cold-weather test photos, Mercedes also shared a few shots of the interior. Like its predecessor, the new GLB will be offered in five- and seven-seat configurations, and Mercedes promises more headroom in the first two rows thanks to the new roofline and the standard panoramic roof.
The sliding second-row bench is optional in the five-seat version and standard in the seven-seater. Access to the third row is easier due to the longer sliding range of the rear bench. When not in use, the third-row seats fold flat into the floor.
For solar protection, the panoramic roof is thermally insulated, featuring an infrared-reflective layer and a LowE (low-emissivity) inner coating, which reduces cabin heating during summer.
In winter, the LowE layer minimizes heat loss by reflecting interior warmth back inside. At just 200 nanometers thick, this infrared film is much thinner than a human hair, which measures about 50,000 nanometers in diameter.
Optionally, the transparency of the panoramic roof can be adjusted segment by segment in 10–20 milliseconds. Passengers can choose between a transparent mode for a clear view outside and an opal (milky) mode for more privacy. The opal mode not only prevents prying eyes but also reduces glare in direct sunlight. Control is available through a dedicated menu in the vehicle’s central display.
For an extra touch of luxury, the large panoramic roof can even be illuminated. Each segment connects to the ambient lighting system, creating a personalized “starry-sky” effect, with light guided by front-mounted LED modules.
The multimedia system is carried over from the new CLA, which was recently tested, and runs on Mercedes’ proprietary MB.OS operating system. The base setup includes a 10.25-inch display for the digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch multimedia screen, while an additional 14-inch passenger display is optional. Regardless of whether the passenger screen is selected, Silver Shadow-finished air vents are positioned at the outer edges of the triple-display dashboard.
As with the CLA, the new steering wheel features two rocker switches—one for the Distronic adaptive cruise control and one for audio volume—replacing the touch-sensitive controls from the previous generation.
The new Mercedes GLB will go on sale in spring 2026, with pricing to be announced. Like the CLA, it will be available in both electric and 48V mild-hybrid versions.
