Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off the next-generation GLB, and while its familiar upright silhouette remains, almost everything else has been thoroughly reworked. The SUV enters its new chapter as a fully electric model, stepping in as a successor to the EQB despite wearing a different badge. Hybrid versions will come later, but the initial rollout focuses solely on battery power, available in both five- and seven-seat layouts.
The new GLB arrives with two variants at launch. The first is the GLB 250+ with EQ Technology, fitted with an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery and built around an 800-volt electrical system. Power is supplied by a single rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp and 335 Nm of continuous torque, with a short-lived boost function that temporarily increases output to 454 Nm. It manages the 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds and offers a travel range of 630 km on a full charge, which places it right at the top of the segment for efficiency and usable distance.
Above it sits the more powerful GLB 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. This version adds a second motor at the front axle for all-wheel drive, raising total output to 349 hp and 515 Nm. Despite the bump in performance, its range dips only slightly to 615 km. The extra power drops the 0–100 km/h time to 5.5 seconds, giving the 4Matic variant some surprisingly lively acceleration for a family SUV.
Mercedes has also confirmed that a more affordable electric entry-level version will join the lineup next year, followed by a hybrid model using 48-volt architecture. Altogether, three power levels will eventually be available in both front- and all-wheel drive formats.
The styling updates are immediately noticeable. The front end now carries a larger grille framed by slimmer, more expressive headlights featuring star-shaped DRLs and a full-width daytime running light bar. The rear design is arguably the biggest departure from the older GLB, adopting vertically oriented taillights linked by a sleek light strip inspired by the brand’s EQXX Concept. The signature star pattern appears again at the back, giving the SUV a distinctly modern identity.
Dimensionally, the new GLB grows in nearly every direction. It now measures 4,732 mm long, making it 48 mm longer than the EQB and almost 100 mm longer than the previous GLB. Width increases to 1,861 mm, up by 27 mm. Height, however, drops slightly to 1,687 mm, lowering the centre of gravity while giving the SUV a more planted look. The wheelbase stretches to 2,889 mm—60 mm longer than before—promising better cabin space, especially for second-row passengers.
One small compromise is manoeuvrability, as the turning circle increases from 11.7 metres to 11.9 metres. Storage space improves with 667 litres in the rear and an additional 127 litres offered by the front trunk.
Inside, the SUV takes a big step forward with its technology package. Buyers can specify the Mercedes Superscreen, which mirrors the setup seen in the new CLA. The layout includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment screen and another 14-inch display for the front passenger. Running on the latest fourth-generation MBUX system, the interface incorporates Microsoft and Google AI features, operating on the Unity Game Engine for smoother graphics and advanced functionality.
The Virtual Assistant uses ChatGPT-4o and offers a more natural conversational experience, highlighting Mercedes-Benz’s push toward a more intelligent cabin environment. The dashboard itself is almost completely flat, reflecting the brand’s trend of minimalistic interior design.
Pricing has been officially confirmed only for Germany. The GLB 250+ with EQ Technology starts at €59,048, which converts to roughly RM305,000, while the GLB 350 4Matic is priced at €62,178, or approximately RM321,000. These figures position the new GLB squarely among premium electric SUVs, but Mercedes is banking on its improved range, stronger performance and significantly enhanced technology to give it an edge in an increasingly competitive segment.
Although it retains the familiar boxy attitude that made the original GLB stand out, the 2026 electric GLB moves the nameplate firmly into its next chapter—more spacious, more futuristic and unmistakably more ambitious.
