2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB debuts with 631km EV range and seven-seat flexibility

Global debut: The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV has made its global debut as the second-generation, seven-seat sibling to the CLA. It replaces the EQB in Mercedes’ electric SUV line-up and uses the new MMA platform for compact models. At launch, it arrives as the GLB with EQ Technology, with petrol, diesel and 48-volt hybrid versions to follow in selected markets.

Flexible package: The GLB is the largest MMA-based model and sits above the next GLA. It offers five- and seven-seat layouts and a three-row cabin in a relatively compact footprint. It targets buyers considering the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 E-tron, Volkswagen ID.4, Peugeot e-5008, Volvo EX90 and Kia EV9, but has few direct seven-seat premium rivals.

Boxy design: The SUV keeps a straight-edged, two-box silhouette that recalls the G-Class, yet grows up to 98mm longer, 27mm wider and 14mm lower, with a wheelbase stretched by 60mm. CLA-inspired linked LED headlights sit above a tall nose. The profile gets squared arches, a thick D-pillar, roof rails and flush handles, while the rear gains U-shaped connected tail-lamps.

EV styling: Electric versions use an enclosed grille panel with 94 illuminated stars and a large central badge, performing welcome and farewell animations. ICE models get a functional grille with chrome star pattern and an illuminated frame plus a bold central emblem. Star graphics appear again in the LED tail-lamps and in an optional panoramic glass roof etched with 158 stars.

Spacious cabin: Inside, the longer wheelbase and reworked roofline increase space in all rows. Headroom rises by up to 35mm in front, 64-68mm in the second row and 10mm in the third. The sliding second row improves access to the optional third row, which seats occupants up to 5ft 6in. EV versions add a 127-litre front boot and generous luggage capacity.

Superscreen tech: The dashboard can be fitted with the MBUX Superscreen, combining a 10.25 or 12.3-inch driver display with dual 14-inch touchscreens under one glass panel. It runs the new MB.OS with fourth-generation MBUX, over-the-air updates and a game-engine graphics system. An AI assistant using ChatGPT, Microsoft and Google technology handles natural speech and Google Maps-based electric route planning.

Electric powertrains At launch, the GLB 250+ with EQ Technology uses a rear-mounted motor with 268-272hp and 335Nm, while the GLB 350 4Matic adds a front motor for 349-353hp and 515Nm, plus all-wheel drive and a 0-100kph time of about 5.4-5.5 seconds. An 85kWh usable battery delivers 521-631km WLTP range, depending on variant and test method.

Charging and hybrids: The 800-volt system allows DC fast charging at up to 320kW, adding around 225-260km of range in ten minutes. A standard DC converter also enables 400-volt charging and AC charging up to 22kW. Later, a GLB 200 EV with a 58kWh battery will target about 280 miles, while a 1.5-litre 48-volt hybrid petrol and other ICE engines join globally.

Safety and India launch: The GLB includes advanced driver-assistance features, multiple airbags, new crash structures and options such as adaptive suspension, terrain modes, “transparent bonnet” camera views and MB.DRIVE parking aids. In India, the second-generation GLB will return as a full CBU import with only petrol and diesel engines, unlike the CLA, which will be sold locally only as an EV.