Second-Gen Mercedes-Benz GLB Bows As EV-Only Crossover For Now

Revealed officially earlier today, the new second-gen Mercedes-Benz GLB bows as an EV-only offering for now.

With its screen-heavy innards teased last month, the new second generation Mercedes-Benz GLB (2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB) compact two- and three-row premium crossover SUV has finally bowed.

Unlike it’s the third-gen CLA compact electric (EV) saloon with which it shares the same Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform base, the new-gen GLB bows as an EV-only offering for now. Hybrid petrol-electric variants are also planned, but will only arrive at a later stage.

For now, the EV-only GLB has two variants on offer – base GLB 250+ with EQ Technology and a higher-end GLB 350 4Matic with EQ Technology.

The second-gen GLB heavily borrows styling cues from the new CLA and GLC, but retains its predecessor's squared and boxy stance.

Besides sharing the same bones, the new GLB also heavily borrows visual and styling cues as seen in the third-gen CLA compact EV saloon mentioned. Key to which include the forward and rear lighting designs which star-shaped LED DRLs and taillight graphics.

Other key touches include connecting LED lightbars front and aft, plus a distinct and large grille design mirroring what’s seen in both the CLA mentioned plus the larger new GLC crossover. Overall, the new-gen GLB also retains the squared silhouette and stance of its predecessor.

On board, the new GLB is brimmed with the marque's high-tech 'Superscreen' three-screen setup in the dash that brings a slew of advanced AI-powered features.

As seen and detailed prior, the second-gen GLB sees its cabin brimmed with the three-screened ‘Superscreen’ setup in its dash – the third being a sizeable 14-inch passenger display interface offered as an option.

Key bits here are of course a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 14-inch central touchscreen infotainment.

The optional 14-inch third screen also gains the Unity Game Engine, bringing a high level of interactivity for passengers.

All are powered using the latest fourth-gen Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MBOS) that brings the MBUX Virtual Assistant suite with interactive avatars powered by ChatGPT4o, other Artificial Intelligence (AI) functions from both Microsoft and Google, as well as the Unity Game Engine for the third display.

Whilst here, we’ll also note that a series of interior colourway options are offered, including brown, white, and a striking monochrome (black and white) combination. Like before, European buyers will get the choice between two- and three-row seating layouts, the latter offering space for seven occupants.

Mechanically, both variants share an 85 kWh battery pack, but the higher-end variant brings dual-motor, AWD performance into the mix.

Mechanically, both variants share the same 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack brimmed within an 800-volt architecture. In the base GLB 250+, it makes do with a single rear-mounted e-motor outputting 268 hp and 335 Nm to drive its rear wheels and enable 0-100 km/h dashes in 7.4 secs. Critically, this variant promises a max range of up to 630 KM too.

Move up to the GLB 350 4Matic and its all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup stems from a dual-motor layout instead, altogether outputting peppier headlining figures of 349 hp and 515 Nm plus a quicker century sprint time of 5.5 secs. Naturally, added performance brings a slight range penalty for this variant, which makes do with a lower claimed max range of 615 KM.

Petrol-electric hybrid variants of the new second-gen GLB have been planned, and should be announced sometime next year.

Following its online debut, only German market prices for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB were announced. Things start at €59,048 (RM282,958) for the base GLB 250+ whereas the dual-motored GLB 350 4Matic is tagged from €62,178 (RM297,957).

Looking at how the three-point star elected to price the hybrid-powered new CLA lower versus its EV variants, we can perhaps expect a similar approach to the upcoming hybrid variants of the new second-gen GLB detailed.