2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB Debuts With Hybrid, EV Variants
Hochgurgl, Austria—Mercedes-Benz chose a remote location in the Austrian mountains to introduce the all-new, second-generation GLB. The boxy-looking SUV aims to please families after a practical, no-nonsense SUV. And following the discontinuation of the fully electric EQB, the automaker will now offer an EV variant alongside the standard GLB.
Built on Mercedes-Benz’s new MMA platform, the redesigned GLB shares many of its components with the latest CLA sedan. Three models will be sold in Canada including two electric ones and another using a gasoline engine.
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Actually, the latter is a hybrid model, called GLB 250 4MATIC, that combines an all-new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a triple-clutch transmission. Triple-clutch? That’s right. The first two clutches operate like other automated transmissions, but the third clutch enables the gasoline engine to completely disengage from the transmission, giving the GLB the ability to run on pure battery power over short distances. Incidentally, the battery is a small 1.3kWh unit. All-wheel drive is part of the mix and total output is rated at 228 horsepower.
When it comes to electric models, the entry-level GLB 250+ EQ features a single motor that drives the rear wheels and produces 268 horsepower, while the dual-motor GLB 350 EQ 4MATIC benefits from all-wheel drive and generates 348 horsepower. The 85kWh battery is part of an 800V architecture with DC charging capacity up to 320 kW under ideal conditions. Using a 400V fast charger, however, maximum charging power is limited to just 100 kW.
What about range? According to Mercedes-Benz, the single-motor GLB can travel up to 631 km based on the optimistic WLTP standard. Look for a lower figure from Natural Resources Canada.
Longer and Roomier, Except in the Third Row
The new GLB continues to be available in a 5- or 7-seat configuration. The former boasts trunk capacity of 540 litres, while the latter manages 480 litres when the rear seats are folded down (Euro specs). With all the seats in the upright position, cargo room becomes extremely tight.
Mercedes-Benz engineers have increased the wheelbase by 6 cm and overall length by 10 cm. This primarily results in a bit more legroom in the second row, as we were able to confirm for ourselves. The boxy shape of the GLB also ensures that headroom is maximized. The second-row seats can be moved forward and backward independently to increase either passenger or cargo space.
As is the case with the outgoing generation, access to the third row is cramped, and once you get there, there is precious space available. In other words, don't plan to travel hundreds of kilometres with seven people on board. The GLB’s third row should only be used in a pinch.
New Cabin With More Tech
In addition to the platform and powertrains, the new Mercedes-Benz GLB also shares its dashboard with the CLA. This includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, as well as a 14-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch passenger display.
Thanks to the MB.OS supercomputer and the new MBUX interface, the vehicle can receive over-the-air updates and allow the front passenger to stream content. In order to prevent distractions, a camera located in the middle of the dashboard automatically cuts out the video feed as soon as the driver looks at the screen.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet confirmed the vehicle's launch date in Canada. However, we know that the new GLB is expected to hit the market in late 2026 or early 2027 as a 2027 model.
