Mercedes-Benz Axes EQB, Removes AMG Model From GLB Lineup
The Mercedes-Benz EQB, a compact-sized luxury electric SUV that launched in 2023, has already reached the end of its lifecycle and will not be offered in Canada or the U.S. after the 2025 model year, The Car Guide has learned.
The short-lived EQB is underachieving in terms of sales in the face of more attractive and longer-range competitors, all of this at a time when demand for electric vehicles is waning. The German manufacturer prefers to turn to the future and focus on a next-generation product that will be more accomplished.
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“Mercedes-Benz remains fully committed to electrification and the largest product offensive in the history of the brand is just around the corner,” said Sinead Brown, corporate communications manager at Mercedes-Benz Canada, in a statement provided to The Car Guide.
The new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), which debuts on the fully electric 2026 CLA, will spawn a pair of new SUVs in the near future. One of them will be the next-generation GLB, which will prove much more technologically advanced, more competent and more refined, while offering both gas and electric variants. The latter, featuring EQ Technology, should address the main complaints about the EQB by offering improved range and faster charging speeds.
The EQB is limited to 359 km in front-wheel-drive 250+ trim (181 hp) or 340 km in all-wheel-drive 300 4MATIC trim (225 hp), which pales in comparison with models like the Audi Q4 e-tron, Cadillac Optiq, Volvo EX40 and Genesis GV60. Let’s not forget the Lexus RZ, which is significantly upgraded for 2026.
Speaking of the GLB, Mercedes-Benz has also decided to eliminate its sporty albeit stiff-riding AMG model for 2026—the one that produced 302 hp and reached 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.
All that will remain next year is the 221-hp GLB 250 4MATIC, which is made slightly more efficient by a mild hybrid system. Considering its generous torque and urban-oriented aspirations, performance may satisfy a majority of drivers, but others will have to shop elsewhere. Names like the BMW X1 M35i xDrive, Alfa Romeo Tonale or the redesigned and more powerful 2026 Audi Q3 come to mind.
