New Mercedes-Benz GLB: first images and what to expect

Mercedes-Benz announced the arrival of four new models in 2023, forming the car maker’s new, more accessible “Entry Luxury” family. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA was the first to be unveiled.

It was also the brand’s main new model of 2025, debuting the MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform. While it is geared towards fully electric powertrains, it does not rule out internal-combustion engines.

Next on the list is the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB, which is almost ready to make its public debut. Its unveiling is scheduled for 8 December, although the new GLB has already been seen… sort of.

Mercedes-Benz has released the first exterior images of the new SUV, captured during tests in extreme temperatures ranging from 70°C to -40°C. In this instance, a layer of ice serves as its camouflage.

The company says this new model marks a “major leap forward” over the original GLB, with a more advanced and roomier cabin. And that is something we can now see in full, without any secrets.

Mercedes-Benz GLB offers more room for everyone

As with the current model, the new GLB’s cabin will continue to be offered in five- and seven-seat layouts. However, that is where the similarities end.

Mercedes-Benz says the second generation provides more headroom in the first two rows. This improvement is largely down to its greater length, height and width, as well as the panoramic roof, which has no blind and will be standard across every version.

In the second row, the seats offer improved thigh support and more legroom thanks to longitudinal adjustment. This feature is optional in the five-seat GLB and standard on the seven-seat version, where it should also make access to the third row easier.

When they are not required, the rearmost seats can be folded flat, level with the boot floor. No luggage capacity figure has been disclosed, although it should exceed the current model’s 565 litres and 500 litres in five- and seven-seat forms respectively.

Two or three screens in the GLB

Alongside the platform, technology is another key feature of the new GLB. As in the new CLA, the second-generation SUV uses Mercedes-Benz’s new MB.OS operating system, which has been optimised with the help of Artificial Intelligence and provides access to two systems: Chat GPT and Google Gemini.

As standard, the system includes two displays: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment screen.

Choose MBUX Superscreen and a third 14-inch display is added in front of the passenger, acting as an entertainment hub. It will allow occupants to watch series and films, and even play games with a wireless controller.

Also inside the GLB, the steering wheel is the same unit seen in the CLA Shooting Brake and the new electric GLC. It stands out for bringing back physical controls rather than touch-sensitive ones, a solution that will gradually be introduced across the entire range.

Electric and mild-hybrid powertrains

Technical specifications for the new GLB have not yet been announced, but its MMA platform is exactly the same as that used by the CLA. It should therefore inherit the same powertrain options: fully electric and 48 V mild-hybrid.

If confirmed, the new GLB will become the brand’s second electric model with an 800 V architecture and the ability to charge at up to 320 kW. Mercedes-Benz quotes just 10 minutes to recover 300 km of range.

At entry level, the choices of battery packs and electric-motor count are also unlikely to differ greatly from those of the CLA. In other words, something along these lines:

• GLB 250+ - 1 rear motor; 200 kW (272 hp); 85.5 kWh battery;
• GLB 350+ 4MATIC - 2 motors (one on each axle); 260 kW (354 hp); 85.5 kWh battery;

In addition, all signs suggest the new GLB will gain a more affordable GLB 200 variant, expected to use a smaller 58 kWh battery.

Range figures are harder to anticipate. However, as an SUV with greater aerodynamic resistance, they are likely to be lower than those claimed for the CLA, which offers up to 792 km.

The mild-hybrid version, meanwhile, is expected to use the new 1.5-litre M 252 petrol engine supplied by Horse. Three power outputs are currently planned - 100 kW (136 hp), 120 kW (163 hp) and 140 kW (190 hp) - along with front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.

When will it arrive?

As mentioned at the start, the new Mercedes-Benz GLB is set to be unveiled on 8 December. Its market launch is not expected until 2026, however, beginning with the electric versions, followed later by combustion-engined models with mild-hybrid systems.