Mercedes-Benz has teased some details about the next-generation GLB compact SUV, which will get its full unveiling on Dec. 8.

The current model is a gasoline-burning vehicle, but the new new one appears to be going electric, though reporting suggests there may be a gasoline-burning version as well. If the GLB does indeed have EV and gas versions, then it would serve as both the second-gen of the GLB that exists today and a replacement for the recently discontinued and similarly sized EQB.

The all-new GLB will be available in five- and seven-seat configurations, just like the current one and the discontinued EQB.

Ready to handle all kinds of weather

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t said much, other than the upcoming vehicle will be able to handle all kinds of weather and temperatures with ease.

The company put the vehicle through its paces in a cold tunnel simulating blizzard weather and arctic temperatures as well as in a heat chamber.

In the cold tunnel, the company can simulate fierce winds, at speeds up to 200 km/h and -40 C temperatures.

Mercedes-Benz said in temperatures of -7 C, the cabin heats up twice as quickly as its predecessor and uses less energy too.

The cabin heating also starts automatically as soon as someone gets into the car. Mercedes-Benz said the heating begins in the upper body and hands area, to create rapid comfort for occupants.

The GLB’s system also regulates heating and cooling seamlessly thanks to an intelligent and predictive operating system.

More space

Mercedes-Benz said the new model is more spacious and has a more flexible interior, with more headroom in the first two rows, with more legroom in the second row. The back rests of the second-row seats can also adjust their angle and the seats can be moved longitudinally.

Buyers who opt for the seven-seat option can stow away the third row into the load floor.

There’s also a large panoramic roof with solar radiation protection, heat-insulating laminated safety glass with infrared-reflecting coating and low-emissivity coating on the inside. This helps reduce interior heating in the summer. In the winter, the glass reduces heat loss as well.

An optional feature includes adjustable transparency of the roof. Another option allows you to illuminate the panoramic roof.

Technology

The GLB will be tech-forward, featuring the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), a system that thinks, learns and evolves.

The SUV comes with the fourth-generation MBUX system, which includes a virtual assistant that is powered by generative AI.

The MBUX Superscreen you see in the supplied image, stretching the width of the dashboard, is optional.

More details will be announced on Dec. 8. For updates, visit the Mercedes-Benz Canada website.

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