Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB – and just like the CLA, the all-new GLB is also debuting as an electric vehicle (EV) only for now, with internal combustion engine (ICE) options to follow after the car’s official launch.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB retains much of its predecessor’s familiar boxy silhouette, now updated with the illuminated Iconic Grille featuring 94 chrome-look stars. This is paired with a full-width light signature, flanked by Multibeam LED headlamps with three-pointed star daytime running lights, similar to the recently launched Mercedes-Benz CLA.
At the back, each taillight sports two three-pointed stars instead of one at the front and is connected with a full-width lightbar that bends and outlines the taillights. On its sides, the all-new GLB features new wheel options that are available up to 20 inches in size.
The rest of the vehicle is further customisable with Progressive Line, AMG Line and AMG Line Plus equipment packages, as well as the Night Package. New colour options include Aquamint and Clear Blue Metallic.
Inside, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB features a new floating MBUX Superscreen combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with dual 14-inch displays for the central infotainment and passenger screen. The system is powered by the fourth-generation MBUX UI and runs on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS).
Mercedes-Benz says that the MBUX virtual assistant has now been enhanced by integrating generative AI for improved responses — more on that in a bit. Google Maps navigation is also now built into the 3D MBUX surround navigation.
Looking around the dashboard, new sportier round air vents flank the MBUX system. The steering wheel now reintroduces physical buttons due to “popular demand based on customer feedback”, and are integrated with several other haptic touch buttons, while the centre console features an integrated wireless charging tray and cupholders.
As before, the all-new second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB will continue to offer seven seats on the inside. They’re treated to a new upholstery fabric with a technical-looking pearl effect in Black or Clean White Pearl colours. Depending on the specification, the interior is trimmed in open-pore wood, brushed aluminium, an anodised-look coating, and a new decorative paper surface that is new to the automotive industry.
Further adding to the liveliness of the interior, the infotainment system now supports Disney+ and Sony’s Ridevu streaming services, as well as Boosteroid cloud gaming that can be linked to a Bluetooth controller. Further complementing it is an optional 16-speaker, 850-watt Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos. There are also new EV sounds, which Mercedes-Benz calls “Holistic Sounds” that introduces the new Fractal Fusion and Granular Fuzz sounds.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB also introduces a new innovative glass roof. This new roof consists of heat-insulating laminated safety glass with an infrared-reflecting and a low-emissivity (LowE) coating on the inside to protect from solar radiation. Not only does it reduce heat on sunny days, but it also reduces heat loss during winter conditions.
The new roof also features the Sky Control function, which changes the glass from transparent to opaque in just 10–20 milliseconds. Controlled via the central display, it offers three modes: “clear,” “opaque,” and “motif,” the latter displaying a striped pattern. The glass roof is illuminated alongside the car’s ambient lighting system to create a “starry sky” effect, with 158 individual stars integrated into the glass that can be lit separately via the ambient lighting settings.
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Another major highlight is the introduction of generative AI in the car’s systems. Mercedes-Benz says the “MBUX Virtual Assistant enables complex, multi-turn dialogues – as you have with a friend – and has short-term memory.” This capability is powered by ChatGPT-4 and Microsoft Bing Search.
Passengers can ask questions like, “Hey Mercedes, when does cherry blossom season start in Japan? And when does it start in Germany?” The virtual assistant is always accessible on the “Zero Layer” as a “living” avatar in the form of the Mercedes star.
At launch, the all-new Mercedes GLB will be offered exclusively as an EV, bearing the “with EQ Technology” suffix in their names. Two variants have been announced: the GLB 250+ with EQ Technology, and the GLB 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. The 250+ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 272 hp (200 kW) and 335 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds.
The GLB 350 4Matic adds a front motor for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 353 hp (260 kW) and 515 Nm of torque, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. Both models share a top speed of 210 km/h and are fitted with an 85 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery, giving them up to 631 km and 614 km of range (WLTP) for the two variants respectively.
Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, AC charging is supported at 22 kW while DC charging is supported at up to 320 kW.
Mercedes-Benz says it will also be available as a mild hybrid in the future, featuring a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. This powertrain will be paired with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh. When the driver demands less than 20 kW of power, the MHEV GLB can run on electric power alone for up to speeds of 100 km/h, with the electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (e-DCT).
Optional features available via the Mercedes‑Benz Store include MB.Drive Assist Level 2 with semi-autonomous driving and auto lane changes, MB.Drive Assist Plus for enhanced highway lane-changing, and MB.Drive Assist Pro for advanced urban driving (initially in China). Parking is upgraded with MB.Drive Parking Assist, which now handles diagonal spaces, and can be enhanced with a 360° camera system via MB.Drive Parking Assist 360.
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