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One of Mercedes-Benz’s Most Important SUVs Debuts with Some Unexpected Party Tricks

Don’t let its pint-sized proportions deceive you, the new GLB can still seat up to seven.

Front view of a silver Mercedes-Benz SUV with illuminated grille and headlights on a road with trees in the background.Mercedes-Benz
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By Chris Chin

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Mercedes-Benz is in the midst of overhauling its lineup, and the Stuttgart-based automaker just dropped its latest. Meet the all-new, seven-row second-generation GLB-Class subcompact SUV.

It’s the second model to launch as part of the brand’s complete makeover as it enters a new multi-energy era, following the recent debut of the CLA-Class. Given that the previous GLB was nearing six years old, it was about time for a next-gen model.

Not only does the new GLB enter its second iteration, it represents a new chapter for the Three-Point Star.

Making Mercedes-Benz young and hip

Previously, Mercedes-Benz often utilized its flagship models, like the E- and S-Class, to showcase its new ambitions and innovations. But in a constant battle to try and win over younger buyers and reduce the average age of its owners, Mercedes shifted its focus to its smaller and more affordable models.

Such models include the recently revamped CLA and now the GLB-Class. As a result, the automaker put a lot of effort into making the GLB speak to its core demographic. Mainly, young, affluent and upcoming families.

Silver Mercedes-Benz SUV driving on a road with green trees and hills in the background.
Like its predecessor, the second-gen GLB-Class retains its boxy, upright shape.
Mercedes-Benz

For instance, despite being a tiny, subcompact SUV, the new GLB continues sporting seating up to seven. It’s also got more room, more tech and obviously, more features.

But in addition to focusing on the more youthful lot, the GLB is the brand’s second attempt in its efforts to field a multi-energy future.

The first-ever all-electric GLB

Black Mercedes-Benz electric car with open front trunk parked on a concrete surface.
Kicking off the next-gen GLB’s lineup is the all-electric GLB 250+ and GLB 350.
Mercedes-Benz

As a purveyor of automotive innovation, Mercedes-Benz is one of the few automakers looking to push outside the envelope. As such, the GLB will first launch as an electric vehicle.

Despite the overall decline in EV popularity, the Three-Point Star remains committed to being a trendsetter. Thus, the GLB EV is one of several versions to come.

Interior of a Mercedes-Benz car featuring a black and white dashboard, dual digital displays, and a black steering wheel with the Mercedes logo.
The new GLB-Class also features Mercedes’ latest iteration of its MBUX infotainment system, complete with not just one, but two massive screens.
Mercedes-Benz

Similar to carmakers, Mercedes-Benz will be offering the GLB with electric, gas-electric plug-in hybrid and gas-only powertrains. The idea is to provide prospective buyers choice, rather than forcing them to adopt a specific type.

800-volt architecture for the masses

Rear view of a silver SUV with open trunk showing folded brown and black rear seats and a German license plate.
Despite its small proportions, the GLB’s boxy shape allows it to sport three rows of seating for up to seven.
Mercedes-Benz

However, the GLB’s electric drive system isn’t just any ordinary one. It’s one of the first to offer an 800-volt architecture at a relatively affordable price point.

That means its 85 kilowatt-hour battery can provide up to anywhere between 337 to 392 miles of driving range for the base GLB 250+ 4MATIC. The numbers for the top-spec GLB 350 4MATIC drop to roughly 324 to 381 miles due to the bump in output.

Car interior with tan leather seats, digital dashboard with touchscreen displays, and ambient blue lighting.
The two infotainment screens measure 14 inches in size, while the driver display is smaller at 10.25 inches.
Mercedes-Benz

Both GLB EV models come with a dual-motor arrangement, providing full-time all-wheel drive. With a total system output of 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, the GLB 250+ will hustle to 60 mph in an estimated 7.3 seconds.

The GLB 350 4MATIC drops its acceleration time to just 5.4 seconds with 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque on tap.

Silver Mercedes-Benz SUV driving on a curved road with trees and hills in the background.
Compared to the previous GLB, the second-gen models grows in length by 2.4 inches, translating into more interior room all around.
Mercedes-Benz

With said 800-volt architecture, both cars can charge up to 162 miles in just 10 minutes on the appropriate fast-charger. But if electricity isn’t your choice for propulsion, Mercedes-Benz has both a gas-electric plug-in hybrid and gas-only versions in the pipeline.

The gas and plug-in hybrid will incorporate Mercedes-Benz’s latest M252 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

Pricing or further specifics about the additional two models haven’t been released yet. We expect more info from the German automaker next year.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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