The Mercedes GLB makes its debut in the electric GLB EQ version with two variants, the GLB 250+ and GLB 350 4Matic. In a few months, versions with combustion engines and 48V mild-hybrid technology will also become available. New compared to the CLA: optional adaptive suspension.
The third model in Mercedes’ new compact lineup, after the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, debuts—just like the other two—in an electric version, while the combustion engine models with 48V mild-hybrid technology will follow in a few months.
Thus, the electric versions can already be ordered: the Mercedes GLB 250+ with a rear-mounted 200 kW (272 PS)/335 Nm motor starting at €59,047.80, and the Mercedes GLB 350 4Matic with two motors delivering a total of 260 kW (354 PS)/515 Nm from €62,177.50.
Seven-seat option
Measuring 4,732 mm in length, the new Mercedes GLB EQ is 48 and 98 mm longer than the previous EQB/GLB generations, while its width of 1,861 mm and height of 1,687 mm make it 27 mm wider and 14 mm lower than the previous EQB/GLB.
The wheelbase of 2,889 mm is 60 mm longer than on the former EQB/GLB, which increases rear knee room in the second row by 68 mm. Interior height is also greater on all three rows compared to the EQB: +35 mm in the front, +64 mm in the second row, and +10 mm in the third row.
Passengers sit more comfortably in the second row thanks to the seatback angle being increased by 9 degrees, and access to the third row is easier due to the wider rear door openings and the rear bench’s 32 mm greater adjustment range.
The luggage compartment volume in the 5- or 7-seat configuration is now 540/480 liters, 45/15 liters more than the former EQB and 25/20 liters less than the former GLB. With the 40/20/40% folding bench, luggage volume is 1,715/1,605 liters in the 5-/7-seat versions, which is +5/–15 liters compared to the EQB and –90/–75 liters compared to the GLB.
The sliding rear bench with 140 mm travel is standard on the 7-seat version and optional on the 5-seat version, allowing extra knee room or more trunk space.
As in the CLA, the Mercedes GLB EQ has a spacious front trunk (frunk) of 127 liters (104 liters according to ISO 3832), compared to 101 liters in the CLA. The GLB EQ is a true family car, allowing the installation of four child seats: two in the second row and two in the third row.
As with the CLA, the Mercedes GLB EQ comes standard with the Sky Control panoramic roof featuring 158 illuminated stars, whose transparency can be adjusted segment by segment within 10–20 milliseconds from fully opaque to fully transparent.
Interior similar to the CLA
The dashboard is similar to that of the CLA and includes a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 14-inch multimedia display. Optionally, the MBUX Superscreen can be ordered, which also adds a 14-inch passenger display, but only in combination with the €4,325.65 Premium with Digital Extras package.
The multimedia system uses the new in-house MB.OS software and Google services, including Google Maps, plus AI from Microsoft and Google.
Optional adaptive suspension
The Mercedes GLB EQ comes standard with a traditional steel-spring suspension, but unlike the CLA, it can be configured with adaptive suspension (€737.80) in combination with 20-inch alloy wheels (€1,547). This allows the driver to choose between Comfort and Sport suspension settings.
4Matic models also offer an off-road Terrain Mode and can be equipped with the “Transparent Bonnet” feature, which provides a virtual view of the area beneath the front of the vehicle using the front and mirror-mounted cameras.
Optional charging at 400V stations
The Mercedes GLB EQ is available in two versions, both with the large 85 kWh net lithium-ion battery:
-
Mercedes GLB 250+ with a rear motor producing 200 kW (272 PS)/335 Nm
-
Mercedes GLB 350 4Matic with two permanent-magnet synchronous motors: a 200 kW (272 PS) rear motor paired with a two-speed transmission and an 80 kW (109 PS) front motor, for a total of 260 kW (354 PS)/515 Nm.
With its taller SUV profile, it is normal that the GLB EQ has lower WLTP range than the CLA. The GLB 250+ offers up to 631 km WLTP, while the GLB 350 4Matic offers up to 614 km WLTP.
Both models can charge at 800V DC stations at up to 320 kW, adding enough energy for 260 km (GLB 250+) or 255 km (GLB 350 4Matic) in just 10 minutes. AC charging is possible at 11 kW and optionally 22 kW (€654.50). Bidirectional charging will be available later.
Unlike the CLA, the GLB EQ now offers the possibility to charge at older 400V DC stations, available optionally via a DC converter (€654.50).
The driver can select four regenerative braking levels via paddles behind the steering wheel:
D Auto (intelligent recuperation), D+ (no recuperation), D (standard recuperation up to 1 m/s²), and D- (strong recuperation up to 3 m/s²).
Mild hybrid versions will follow later
After a few months, the Mercedes GLB will also be available as a mild hybrid with second-generation 48V technology. A 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder M252 engine from the new FAME family is paired with an electric motor integrated into the new 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The electric motor is powered by a 1.3 kWh battery and can recuperate up to 25 kW in any of the eight gears of the automatic transmission.As with the CLA, the Mercedes GLB hybrid will be available with three power levels, two of which include all-wheel drive.
