When most car brands tease their upcoming models, they’re usually wrapped in heavy patterned camouflage. Mercedes-Benz, however, took a different approach by showing its upcoming all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB completely covered in snow, effectively concealing its looks as it undergoes extreme weather testing.
That said, we are still able to get a sneak peek of the upcoming model, and overall, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB appears to retain much of its predecessor’s familiar boxy silhouette. Although the front end remains fully concealed under snow, it’s likely to feature the new illuminated Iconic Grille — a design Mercedes-Benz previously confirmed would represent the new face of its EV lineup.
The model sits on new dual-tone multi-spoke wheels, while the development test mule – despite fully covered in snow – also reveals a completely redesigned rear end. The most notable change is the sculpted taillight assembly, now seemingly connected by a full-width light bar.
Revealed in full for the first time, the interior now features a floating MBUX Superscreen similar to the one in the all-new CLA. It combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with dual 14-inch displays for the central infotainment and passenger screens, all powered by the fourth-generation MBUX system.
Running on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), the interface includes the enhanced MBUX Virtual Assistant, now integrated with generative AI for improved responses, while Google Maps navigation is also built into the 3D MBUX Surround Navigation.
It’s all powered by a water-cooled high-performance computer — which Mercedes-Benz says has “sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.”
Looking around the cabin, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB comes with all the visual flair you’d expect from the marque. It features illuminated air vents and a new floating centre console that houses extra storage and a wireless charger. Thanks to the GLB’s taller proportions, the layered open console area naturally offers more space than in the CLA.
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Mercedes-Benz also claims that the new GLB provides greater headroom overall, while rear passengers benefit from increased legroom and longer thigh support. The model can be specified as either a five- or seven-seater, with the latter offering fore-aft sliders as standard on the second-row seats for added flexibility, also available as option for the five-seater.
Look up, and you’ll find an impressive panoramic sunroof made of heat-insulating laminated safety glass. It features an infrared-reflective layer and a low-emissivity (LowE) coating that helps block solar radiation and reduce cabin heat. The LowE coating measures just 200 nanometres thick — roughly 250 times thinner than a human hair.
For added privacy, the glass can adjust its opacity within 10 to 20 milliseconds, shifting between a clear and opal (milky) finish. The sunroof’s settings are accessible through the central display, allowing passengers to personalise the illuminated “starry” roof to their liking.
Ahead of its debut, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB will be subjected to more weather tests to verify its durability. In the cold tunnel, temperatures drop to -40 degrees Celsius while simulated blizzards blast snowflakes at the vehicle at speeds of up to 200 km/h. The GLB is also tested in a heat tunnel, where solar simulations recreate extreme sun exposure up to +60 degrees Celsius. Additionally, a “Hot Road” test replicates scorching road surface temperatures to evaluate the car’s resilience under intense summer conditions.
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