The All-New Mercedes-Benz GLB: The Electric “Swiss Army Knife” for the Modern Family

In the world of compact SUVs, there is often a compromise. You usually have to choose between a cool, sporty design and the ability to actually carry your life’s luggage. Mercedes-Benz claims to have solved this riddle with the all-new GLB. They call it a “versatile everyday hero,” and after digging into the specs, it looks like they might be right.

This isn’t just a facelift. It is a complete reimagining of the compact SUV, launching with powerful electric drivetrains, a massive leap in digital technology, and – crucially for families – the option for seven seats.

Whether you are a tech geek, a parent with a busy schedule, or someone who just loves a good road trip, here is everything you need to know about the new GLB.

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Space: A “Frunk” Big Enough for Your Hobbies

The headline feature here isn’t just the engine; it’s the packaging. The new GLB is designed to be the “most versatile everyday hero,” specifically catering to spontaneity.

The Magic of the “Frunk”

If you have ever struggled to fit charging cables, a gym bag, and groceries into an electric car, you will love this. The new GLB features the largest front boot (frunk) in its model family, boasting 127 litres of space.

  • What fits? You can easily stow a crate of drinks, three footballs, or even a compact tent right under the bonnet.
  • Why it matters: It puts an end to the “puzzle” parents play when packing for a holiday. You don’t have to choose between the stroller and the suitcase.
2026 Mercedes Benz GLB EV Frunk space

Room for Seven (or a Tennis Team)

The GLB retains its standout feature: it is available as a 5-seater or a 7-seater.

  • Third Row: The two additional seats in the back can now comfortably accommodate passengers up to 1.71 metres tall (that’s about 5’7″), which is a 3-centimetre improvement over the old model.
  • Easy Entry: Getting into that third row is easier thanks to a longer adjustment range on the second-row seats and larger rear door cutouts.
  • Cargo Capacity: The rear boot offers up to 540 litres (5-seater) or 480 litres (7-seater). Fold everything down, and you get a massive 1,715 litres of space.

Everyday Tip: The doors now extend over the sills. This keeps the door frames clean, so you won’t get dirt on your trousers when getting in and out—a small but brilliant detail for messy winter days.

Electric Power: Range Anxiety is Dead

Mercedes-Benz is launching the GLB with “EQ Technology” (fully electric) first, and the specs are impressive.

Two Flavors at Launch

The electric models will hit the market in Spring 2026, but you can order them starting December 8, 2025.

ModelPowerRange (WLTP)0-100 km/hPrice (DE)
GLB 250+200 kWUp to 631 km7.4s€59,048
GLB 350 4MATIC260 kWUp to 614 km5.5s€62,178

800-Volt Charging: The Game Changer

This is a big deal. The GLB uses a state-of-the-art 800-volt architecture. In plain English, this means lightning-fast charging.

  • The Speed: You can add up to 260 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes at a compatible DC fast charger.
  • The Power: It supports charging speeds up to 320 kW.
  • Long Trips: A trip from Cologne to Berlin or Denver to Salt Lake City can now be done non-stop thanks to the 631 km range.

Intelligent Efficiency

The car is incredibly efficient, with a 93% efficiency rating from battery to wheel. It uses a clever “Disconnect Unit” (DCU) on the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive models. This system completely disconnects the front motor when it’s not needed to save energy, engaging it only when you need extra traction.

The Hybrid Option: Coming Soon

Not ready for full electric? No problem. A few months after the electric launch, Mercedes will release a high-tech hybrid version.

  • Tech: It features a 48-volt system and a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT) with an integrated electric motor.
  • Engine: A 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine from the FAME family.
  • Electric Capability: It can drive purely on electric power at city speeds and “coast” (sail) at speeds up to 100 km/h to save fuel.

Design: “Sensual Purity” with a Boxy Edge

The GLB has always been the “boxy” sibling to the sleek GLA, and the new model embraces that rugged SUV look.

Exterior Highlights

  • The Grille: The electric models feature a stunning panel with 94 illuminated stars that form a pattern. In many regions (like the U.S.), the central Mercedes star also lights up.
  • Proportions: It has a steeper windscreen, upright front, and visual underride protection that screams “off-road ready”.
  • Aerodynamics: Despite being boxy, it’s sleek through the air with a cd​ value of 0.28, which helps maximize that electric range.

Interior: The “Superscreen” Era

Step inside, and it feels like a spaceship. The centerpiece is the optional MBUX Superscreen.

2026 Mercedes Benz GLB Electric Interior dashboard black and white
  • The Layout: It features a 10.25-inch driver display, a huge 14-inch central display, and an optional 14-inch passenger display.
  • Passenger Fun: The front passenger can watch Disney+ or play video games (via cloud gaming) on their own screen. Special technology prevents the driver from seeing this screen to avoid distraction.
  • Floating Console: The center console appears to float, offering cool storage solutions and wireless charging.

Technology: Your Car is Now Your Friend

The GLB runs on MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz’s own operating system, which allows the car to “learn” and evolve.

AI That Actually Talks

The new MBUX Virtual Assistant uses generative AI (backed by ChatGPT and Google Gemini) to hold natural conversations.

  • Empathy: The assistant has “emotions” shown via a star avatar on the screen. It changes color (green for happy!) based on your interaction.
  • Knowledge: You can ask it, “When does cherry blossom season start in Japan?” or “Explain black holes to a child,” and it will give you a real answer.
  • Navigation: Powered by Google Maps, the navigation is deeply integrated. It can even show a 3D view of the road on the driver display, highlighting cars, bikes, and pedestrians.

Sound and Atmosphere

  • Dolby Atmos: The optional Burmester 3D surround sound system (16 speakers!) creates an immersive audio experience.
  • Sound Zones: Parents, rejoice! You can direct audio only to the kids in the back seats, leaving the front cabin quiet.

Safety & Driving Assistance

Mercedes aims for the GLB to be the safest car in its class.

  • Center Airbag: A standard feature that deploys between the driver and passenger to prevent them from colliding during a side impact.
  • Transparent Bonnet: For the 4MATIC models, cameras stitch together a virtual view of the ground beneath the front of the car—perfect for avoiding rocks on rough terrain.
  • MB.DRIVE: The car is packed with sensors (lidar, radar, cameras) allowing for Level 2 automated driving, including automatic lane changes on motorways.

Production: Made in Europe

The new GLB is being built at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary, starting December 2025. This factory is a high-tech hub, operating with net carbon-neutral production and moving toward 100% renewable energy use. Both the electric and hybrid versions will be built on the same flexible line.

The Perfect Daily Driver?

The new Mercedes-Benz GLB seems to hit a sweet spot. It offers the range (631 km) to handle long road trips, the charging speed (10 min) to make stops painless, and the practicality (7 seats + frunk) that families actually need.

Combine that with a futuristic interior and AI that can help you with your homework, and you have a compelling package.