Next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLB going EV first, hybrid second

The compact SUV is launching for 2027 with two electric powertrain options, the GLB 250+ and GLB 350, while fuel-burning versions will come after.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB front and side — *Mercedes-Benz unveiled the next-generation GLB. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB will serve as both a direct replacement to the current fuel-burning SUV of that name as well as the now-discontinued all-electric EQB.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the next-gen compact SUV, which will launch for the 2027 model year.

Canadian market details weren’t provided, but the GLB will become available in Germany in the spring of 2026, so expect it to be here sometime after that.

Like the current GLB and EQB, the new SUV will come standard with a two-row, five-seat configuration and an optional three-row, seven-seat setup. Mercedes-Benz currently charges an extra $1,100 for the extra seats on the GLB and EQB.

At launch, the compact SUV will be available in two electric powertrain versions, while fuel-burning hybrid-electric powertrains will be made available after. If this sounds familiar, it’s because that’s the same strategy Mercedes-Benz is employing on the upcoming CLA compact sedan.

The all-electric GLB 250+ with EQ Technology gets a rear-wheel-drive setup with 268 hp and 247 lb.-ft. of torque while the GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology gets all-wheel drive and 349 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB rear — *The Mercedes-Benz GLB gets updated design for 2027. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Charging and driving range

Both versions get an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery on 800-volt architecture, which allows for fast charging.

Mercedes-Benz said the GLB can charge at speeds of up to 320 kW at 800-volt charging stations, while a DC converter also allows for DC fast charging at 400-volt charging stations.

Based on WLTP standards, which are observed in Europe, Mercedes-Benz estimates the GLB 250+ will have a driving range of up to 631 kilometres, while the GLB 350 will top out at 614 kilometres. Canada’s NRCan testing standards are tougher so expect those figures to be reported slightly lower here.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB cabin front — *The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers more interior space than the outgoing model. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

More space

The new GLB is slightly larger than its predecessors.

Its length of 186.3 inches is 1.9 inches more than the EQB and 3.9 inches than the outgoing GLB.

It’s also 1.1 inches wider than both.

While its height is down by 0.6 inches, Mercedes-Benz points out head room is higher in the first two rows. The third row gets a 0.4-inch increase in headroom compared to the EQB but down 0.1 inches compared to the outgoing GLB.

Cargo volume is up slightly compared to the EQB, but down slightly compared to the outgoing GLB, but now there’s also an additional frunk for extra stuff up front.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB interior view of front — *The massive MBUX Superscreen is optional on the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Technology

The MBUX Superscreen, which essentially replaces the dashboard’s front fascia with a giant screen, is optional.

If selected, the Superscreen features a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch central display and 14-inch front passenger display.

A panoramic roof is standard. An optional feature of the roof is the ability to switch between transparent and opaque. The GLB also has 158 stars in the roof that can be illuminated.

The GLB’s MBUX (user interface) is powered by the Mercedes-Benz Operating System. The system is enhanced by AI and can connect to supercomputers via Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. The system can receive over-the-air updates to keep it up to date.

The SUV gets the automaker’s fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, which combined multiple AI agents, from both Microsoft and Google.

You can also talk to the MBUX virtual assistant, which uses generative AI and can take part in complex, multi-turn dialogue. The assistant, through use of Google Gemini, is ready for navigation-related questions, and the GLB’s navigation system is based on Google Maps.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB front — *Mercedes-Benz will eventually stick a gas engine under the hood of the GLB. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Future hybrid powertrains

A few months after the EV versions of the GLB launch, the automaker will also launch new gasoline-burning powertrains featuring a new compact engine and transmission design mated to a 48-volt, 1.3-kWh battery and an electric motor.

Mercedes-Benz plans three different power outputs, though not all are necessarily destined for Canada.

The new engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit equipped with a turbocharger.

The hybrid GLB will be able to travel on electric power at urban speeds or when less than 26 hp is needed. It can also help power the vehicle at highway speeds when coasting, and the system can also recuperate energy in all eight gears. Handling gear changes is a compact dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz said it would provide further technical details on hybrid models at a later date.

The automaker plans to offer the hybrid models with front-wheel and all-wheel drive, but that may not necessarily be for Canada.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB side — *GLB models equipped with 20-inch wheels get a suspension with adaptive adjustable damping. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Vehicle dynamics

The Mercedes-Benz GLB will also be available with a suite of advanced driver aides, including MB.Drive Assist, MB.Drive Assist Plus, MB.Drive Assist Pro, MB.Drive Parking Assist and MB.Drive Parking Assist 360.

GLB models with the SUV’s largest wheels (20 inches) come standard with a suspension that has adaptive adjustable damping.

Drivers can change the vehicle’s damping characteristics through the vehicle’s Dynamic Select switch, giving them a choice of a comfort drive or a sportier, stiffer ride.

For updates, visit the Mercedes-Benz Canada website.