A new generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLB has arrived, and while the silhouette remains true to the blocky, upright form of the original, there’s quite a bit going on beneath the surface.

Offered in both 5- and 7-seat configurations, the 2026 GLB debuts as an all-electric model and, for now, serves as a replacement for the EQB in everything but name. Hybrid versions will follow later, but the first wave is electric-only.

Read: New Mercedes GLB Goes Big On Screens And Stars

Two versions of the new generation GLB are launching out of the gate. The first, labeled GLB 250+ with EQ Technology, features an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery and adopts an 800-volt electric architecture.

It powers a single rear-mounted motor rated at 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of continuous torque, with a short-term boost up to 335 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0–62 mph (100 km/h) takes 7.4 seconds, and range is quoted at 392 miles (630 km) on a full charge, olid figures for a compact SUV in this category.

Sitting above the 250+ is the 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. The name might not stick in your memory, but the numbers probably will. This dual-motor variant adds a front axle motor for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.

Range takes a slight dip to 382 miles (615 km), but the extra grunt cuts the 0–62 mph time down to 5.5 seconds.

Mercedes has also confirmed a more affordable electric entry-level version will join the lineup next year, followed by a hybrid variant using 48-volt architecture. Three power levels will be available across front- and all-wheel drive formats.

Starry Eyed

Like other new-generation Mercedes models (think CLA and GLC EQ), the GLB adopts a more expressive front end. A large grille dominates the nose, flanked by redesigned headlights with intricate star-shaped DRLs and a full-width light bar. It’s not a particularly handsome looking SUV, but neither is the outgoing model.

The rear-end is perhaps the most controversial angle of the 2026 GLB. The taillight treatment leans into the styling language seen on the brand’s EQXX Concept from a few years back, with vertically oriented clusters connected by a slim light bar. The signature star pattern makes another appearance here.

How Much Bigger Is It?

The new electric GLB has grown in nearly every direction compared to both the previous EQB and the combustion-powered GLB it effectively replaces in this segment. At 4,732 mm (186.3 inches) in length, it’s 48 mm (1.9 inches) longer than the EQB and a full 98 mm (3.9 inches) longer than the earlier GLB. Width is up as well, now measuring 1,861 mm (73.3 inches), 27 mm (1.1 inches) wider than both predecessors.

Interestingly, height has gone the other way, dropping slightly to 1,687 mm (66.4 inches), which makes it 14 mm (0.6 inches) lower than the previous models.

The wheelbase sees the most notable stretch, now sitting at 2,889 mm (113.7 inches), a 60 mm (2.4 inches) increase over earlier versions. That extra length between the axles should improve interior space, particularly in the second row.

One small trade-off comes in maneuverability: the turning circle has grown marginally, from 11.7 m (38.4 feet) in the old GLB to 11.9 m (39.0 feet) in the new electric version. Boot capacity is also up, with 667 liters (23.6 cubic feet) available in the rear and 127 liters at the front (frunk).

An All-New Cabin

A big step into the future has also been made with the GLB’s interior. Like the CLA, it can be optioned with the Mercedes Superscreen, consisting of a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch infotainment screen, and a 14-inch display for the passenger.

As with other new Mercedes-Benz interiors, the dash of the GLB is almost completely flat, largely free of any interesting design details.

It runs on the fourth-generation MBUX system that includes Microsoft and Google artificial intelligence. The screen runs on the Unity Game Engine and includes the MBUX Virtual Assistant, based on ChatGPT4o. Clearly, Mercedes was eager to make the GLB as tech-focused as possible.

At this point, pricing is confirmed only for Germany. The GLB 250+ with EQ Technology starts at €59,048 ($68,700), while the 350 4Matic comes in at €62,178 ($72,400). US pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but expect a similar spread when it arrives in other markets next year.

Photos Mercedes

Mercedes is gearing up to introduce the redesigned GLB on December 8 and the camouflage is starting to come off. This gives us our best look at the upcoming crossover, which will be offered with an electric powertrain.

While the front and rear ends are heavily disguised, the crossover’s profile has been exposed. This reveals an evolutionary design, which closely resembles the Smart #5. The similarities are striking as both have flush-mounted door handles and a corresponding greenhouse. The déjà vu design extends to the lower cladding and pronounced rear haunches.

More: New Mercedes GLB Goes Big On Screens And Stars

Compared to the current GLB, we can see starry new headlights and streamlined bodywork. Designers also gave the crossover a more conventional beltline and a completely new rear end.

The latter has vertical taillights that appear to be connected by an illuminated bar. Elsewhere, the license plate recess has been moved from the liftgate to the rear bumper.

A High-Tech And Screen-Focused Interior

Mercedes revealed the GLB’s interior earlier this month and the model will offer an optional MBUX Superscreen. It should consist of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display.

Buyers will also find a new steering wheel, a floating center console, and an available wireless smartphone charger. There will also be five- and seven-seat configurations.

Speaking of which, Mercedes said the second-row has additional legroom as well as “noticeably more headroom.” Third-row passengers will find improved entry and egress.

A panoramic glass roof will come standard and customers can upgrade to an illuminated roof that features a “starry sky.” One version of the roof will also be able to transition from clear to opaque in a matter of milliseconds.

The crossover is expected to echo the CLA and offer an 85 kWh battery pack as well as two powertrains at launch. The entry-level variant could have a rear-mounted motor with 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. Customers can also expect a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.

They should be joined by a hybrid powertrain that has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. This enables the European CLA to have outputs of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) as well as 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm).

Mercedes has kicked off the teaser campaign for the new generation GLB, ahead of its debut on December 8. It follows in the footsteps of the CLA and features a high-tech interior with seating for up to seven people.

Details are still under wraps, but Mercedes confirmed that the GLB will feature an optional MBUX Superscreen. The setup is expected to combine a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment screen and a matching 14-inch passenger display.

More: 2026 Mercedes GLB Spied With Gas And Electric Power

Buyers will also find the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System, which features an MBUX Virtual Assistant with avatars as well as Google Maps navigation. We can also expect plenty of artificial intelligence.

Technology aside, the GLB has circular air vents and a floating center console. The latter houses large cup holders and an available wireless smartphone charger. They’re joined by a new steering wheel as well as five- and seven-seat configurations.

What Else Is New Inside?

Mercedes wasn’t ready to talk numbers, but they revealed the redesigned crossover has “noticeably more headroom in the first two rows of seats.” Second-row passengers will also find additional legroom, added thigh support, and an adjustable backrest.

Third-row occupants haven’t been forgotten as entry and egress has been improved. When not needed, the rear seats fold into the load floor.

A panoramic glass roof comes standard and customers can upgrade to a fancier version that can transition from clear to opaque in a matter of milliseconds. Customers can also get an illuminated roof that features a “starry sky.”

Speaking of the roof, it features heat-insulating laminated safety glass as well as an infrared-reflecting coating. Mercedes says this keeps the interior cool in summer, while also minimizing heat loss in winter.

The GLB will come with a “comprehensive range of driver assistance systems.” These will be supported by “eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance computer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.”

Testing Continues

With a debut less than a month away, the automaker is wrapping up testing at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen. As part of this effort, the GLB is being subjected to cold-weather testing in climatic wind tunnels that can simulate temperatures of up to -40° F (-40° C).

Mercedes added the tunnels have cutting-edge snow cannons that can “simulate fierce blizzards where snowflakes race towards the test vehicle at speeds of up to 124 mph (200 km/h).”

These tests appear to have paid off as the upcoming GLB EQ heats the interior twice as fast as its predecessor on a 20‑minute drive in temperatures of 19.4° F (-7° C). This undercuts the heating time of a conventionally powered model and it uses half the energy as the outgoing EQB.

The company went on to say the added efficiency increases range and can be partially chalked up to an innovative heat pump. It collects waste heat from the electric motors and battery as well as from ambient air.

Electric And Hybrid Powertrains

SHProshots

Mercedes didn’t mention performance specifications, but the GLB EQ will presumably have an 85 kWh battery pack as well as at least two powertrains. The entry-level variant could have a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.

We can also expect a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.

Customers can also look forward to an assortment of hybridized powertrains that consist of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. In the European CLA, this provides outputs of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) as well as 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm).