Mercedes-Benz unveils all-new second-generation GLB

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off the successor to one of its recent bestsellers: The all-new, second generation Mercedes-Benz GLB.

Available again with seven seats (though a five seater will also go on sale internationally), the compact SUV sports a design language that brings it up to date with what we've seen from the CLA and the GLC, and also boasts a redesigned interior with a new floating MBUX Superscreen. At launch, the GLB is set to be introduced in two fully-electric variants - as the GLB 250+ and GLB 350 4MATIC (both with EQ Technology) - though partially combustion-powered ones have also been promised for the coming months.

The new GLB has a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems, including Distronic distance control as standard in Europe

Let's talk styling first. True the model's roots, Merc hasn't messed around much with the GLB's distinctive, boxy silhouette - but it's also given the car fresher styling that brings it unmistakably in line with its current design language. For starters, both the front and rear ends now feature light bands that connect the head and tail lamps respectively.

As seen on the GLC, embedded within the GLB's head light clusters as well are star motifs; ditto for the light casing at the rear. Spec your GLB out in one of the higher trims (likely the AMG Line) and you'll even get stars studded all across the front grille. Mercedes-Benz states that the latter is framed as standard by an "LED light guide". 

Counting stars: The all-new GLB follows the brand's latest design language with a literally star-studded exterior

Compared to its predecessor, the new GLB offers a noticeable increase in headroom in the first two rows of seats. Passengers can also enjoy more legroom in the rear. Seating comfort in the second row has been noticeably improved, with the thigh support now longer, among other things. It also offers a 127-litre frunk and up to 1,715 litres of boot space (five-seater with the rear seatbacks folded down).

And regarding its new MBUX Superscreen, behind its large glass surface lays a 10.25-inch screen for the driver, a 14-inch central display, and a 14-inch screen for the front passenger. Another eye-catching feature is the floating, sporty, high-positioned centre console with an additional storage compartment, while the new steering wheel is ergonomically designed and intuitive to use.

Buyers of the new model will have a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants

With the Progressive Line, AMG Line, and AMG Line Plus equipment lines as well as the Night Package and other equipment options, the GLB can be configured in a wide variety of ways to suit customer requirements. There is also a large selection of trim elements and interior materials. Another customisation option is the selection of 11 ambient styles for the MBUX Superscreen. This allows users to create a personal atmosphere in the vehicle.

The new GLB fully operates on the in-house-developed Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The AI-enhanced system makes it possible to equip every vehicle with supercomputers connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This enables regular over-the-air updates for the most important vehicle functions, including driving assistance systems.

In terms of power, both the aforementioned GLB 250+ and 350 will come with an 85kWh battery offering an output of 200kW and 260kW respectively. The GLB 250+ also delivers a WLTP range of up to 631km. And with its 800V electric architecture, the GLB can recharge up to 260km in just 10 minutes with a fast charging capacity of up to 320kW.

Mild hybrid variants of the GLB are set to follow, featuring 48V technology and an electric motor integrated into their transmissions (Pictured: All-electric Mercedes-Benz GLB)

Following similar launch paths as the CLA and GLC, Mercedes-Benz has also said that the GLB model range will soon expand with the addition of battery-electric variants, an entry-level model, and mild-hybrid variants.

Said to closely resemble the fully-electric GLB visually, the mild-hybrid GLB will come with 48V technology and an electric motor integrated into its transmission. It will also be offered in both front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive variants.

Residing within the mild hybrid GLB is a 1.3kWh battery pack, which can apparently allow it drive using electric power alone at urban speeds and when less than 20kW is needed. It also manages pure electric 'sailing' - Merc-speak for coasting with a decoupled drivetrain - at speeds of up to approximately 100km/h.

The GLB is set to launch in the U.K. in Q2 2026

Naturally, however, the bulk of the propulsion for the mild hybrid GLB will still be handled by combustion power - in particular, a newly-developed 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

The all-new GLB is set to launch in the U.K. in Q2 2026. Its local launch date in Singapore remains unclear as of time of publishing.