New Models Starry Sky and Fast Charging: Mercedes Electrifies the GLB Anew

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94 LED stars at the front, 800-volt technology inside. The new GLB is no longer a retrofitted combustion engine but a true electric car. That comes at a price.

"Your good star on all roads," was how Mercedes advertised in the 1950s. With the new GLB, this becomes a true flood of stars. At the front of the electric version, 94 small LED stars form a pattern that appears like a glowing emblem in the rearview mirror. At night, the graphic is extended by 158 additional light points in the roof of the optional Sky Control panoramic roof.

Mercedes showcases the new GLB much more prominently. While its predecessor was retrofitted for electrification, with all the weaknesses such a retrofit entails for everyday use, the 800-volt architecture from the CLA and GLC is now integrated into the compact SUV, including shorter charging times and more efficient energy management. Thanks to the 320-kW charging capacity, a ten-minute stop at a fast charger provides up to 162 miles of range.

Mercedes Has Learned from Mockery And Anger

At the launch of the CLA, Mercedes made the mistake of not including a DC converter. As a result, the first models of the coupe were unable to use the widely available 400-volt fast chargers, especially in southern countries. Mercedes has learned from the ridicule and frustration on social networks. With the GLB, the converter can be ordered right away, allowing for relaxed travel abroad. "This is essential, especially for markets outside major metropolitan areas," says product manager Jan Klingen.

Mercedes Transfers the Concept of the Main Drive to the Rear Axle

Two models are being launched: the GLB 250+ with a 200 kW electric motor and a range of 392 miles, and the all-wheel-drive 350 4matic. Thanks to an additional front motor, its power increases to 260 kW. Both models utilize the 85-kWh battery. With the main drive unit on the rear axle, Mercedes transfers the drivetrain layout of its larger models to the compact class. The electric motors were developed entirely in-house. As in the CLA, they have an efficiency of 93 percent and are coupled with a two-speed transmission, promising similarly low consumption and high practical range. To save energy, the front motor of the 4matic is usually disengaged, allowing the motor and parts of the transmission to come to a complete standstill. The front motor is only activated when grip is needed on all four wheels or for a boost during rapid acceleration.

At the beginning of 2026, the combustion engine version with a 0.40 US gallons displacement, 48-volt hybrid technology, and three power levels will follow. The front-wheel-drive models have 100 kW/136 hp or 120 kW/163 hp, while the all-wheel-drive version has 140 kW/190 hp. In the city or when less than 20 kW/27 hp is needed, the gasoline GLB can drive short distances purely electrically.

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Higher Price But Better Equipped

The two electric models cost $69,000 USD and just over $72,000 USD, respectively. The gasoline versions start at around $63,000 USD. This is a significant price increase compared to the previous electric model, which was last available starting at $62,300 USD. However, it came with a smaller battery, slower charging performance, and less power. Additionally, the new GLB comes with better standard equipment, such as a glass roof, electric tailgate, and rearview camera. For the first time, an adaptive suspension system is also available as an option.

Where practicality and format previously defined its image, the new edition places a greater emphasis on presence. At 15.5 feet, the car is almost 4 inches longer and has a 2.4 inches longer wheelbase. Additionally, the doors extend over the sills, keeping the entryway and passengers' trousers clean.

Steering Systems

Industry Standard: China Approves Steer-by-Wire

As before, two individual seats in the rear are optionally available. Thanks to larger doors and the ability to slide the second row further forward, kids can crawl to the back more easily. In the second row, the GLB offers better-shaped cushions, noticeably more legroom, a longer thigh support, and more headroom.

More Storage Space

The cargo space also becomes a strong argument. In addition to the 143 US gallons in the five-seater or 127 US gallons in the seven-seater, there is now a very decent frunk—a storage space that simply didn’t exist in the predecessor. A beverage crate can now even fit under the front hood. For families, this means bags, strollers, and changing supplies can be quickly stowed without any Tetris skills. And for trailer owners, this is important: up to two tons of towing capacity make the electric GLB one of the few compact SUVs truly capable of handling substantial loads.

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The design stays true to the GLB nature: steep front, clear surfaces, robust wheel arch contours. Yet everything appears slightly more determined, less playful. Especially in the AMG line, where the wheel arches and bumpers are painted in the vehicle's color.

Inside, the large screen dominates, as seen in the CLA and other current models. Three displays behind a single glass surface, powered by the new MB-OS system, complete with over-the-air updates and AI functions. A floating center console with a large storage compartment separates the driver and front passenger. Additional storage is available in the doors or the fold-out center armrest in the second row. Those familiar with the previous GLB will notice a significant departure here. What remains is the functionality: four child seat positions, a flexible rear bench, and robust controls. What's new are off-road features like Terrain Mode or the transparent hood.