2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB: The Compact SUV Reimagined with Electric Power and Cutting-Edge Technology
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2027 GLB, a significant evolution in the compact luxury SUV segment, combining practicality, electric power, and a tech-heavy cabin. The second-generation GLB moves beyond the traditional internal combustion variants, launching initially with two fully electric models—the GLB250+ and GLB350 4Matic—while a hybrid version is set to follow shortly. This shift underscores Mercedes’ commitment to electrification while maintaining versatility and luxury in a segment that increasingly demands sustainable solutions. The new GLB adopts a more substantial footprint than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase, wider track, and slightly reduced height, creating a more commanding road presence without compromising maneuverability in urban settings. While retaining the boxy, upright styling that has defined the GLB lineage, the latest iteration embraces contemporary design cues inspired by the CLA-class and other recent Mercedes SUVs, offering a familiar yet refreshed aesthetic. From flush door handles to a starry grille and rear light bar, the exterior communicates modernity and sophistication. Mercedes has clearly emphasized the need for space, functionality, and comfort while integrating state-of-the-art EV technology into a compact luxury SUV that accommodates up to seven passengers, making it a rare offering in the class.
Electric Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Performance
The highlight of the 2027 GLB is its electric powertrain lineup, designed to deliver both performance and efficiency. The base GLB250+ features rear-wheel-drive with a single electric motor producing 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-62 mph sprint in 7.3 to 7.4 seconds. The more powerful GLB350 4Matic employs a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive, producing 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0-62 mph acceleration to just 5.5 seconds. Both variants use an 85 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, providing WLTP-estimated ranges of 337–392 miles for the GLB250+ and 324–382 miles for the GLB350, which translates to approximately 286–333 miles and 275–325 miles under U.S. standards. The vehicles support up to 320 kW DC fast charging, capable of adding around 162 miles of range in just ten minutes, alongside 9.6 kW AC charging for overnight convenience. Mercedes’ engineering ensures that these SUVs balance the needs of daily urban driving and longer journeys, allowing families or professional users to adopt an electric lifestyle without sacrificing usability or speed. By pairing high-capacity batteries with agile, performance-oriented motors, the GLB demonstrates that compact electric SUVs can offer spirited driving experiences while maintaining low energy consumption and zero-emission credentials, ensuring competitiveness in the rapidly expanding EV market.
Hybrid Variant: Bridging Gas and Electricity
For buyers not yet ready to commit fully to electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid GLB variant shortly after the launch of the electric models. Borrowing heavily from the CLA220 hybrid, this variant combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a small 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 27-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup delivers a combined output of 188 horsepower, providing enough torque for city commuting and moderate highway driving, while also enabling pure-electric operation at speeds up to 60 mph for short distances. The hybrid GLB targets buyers seeking transitional technology, offering a bridge between traditional internal combustion engines and fully electric propulsion. By incorporating electric assistance into a familiar gasoline powertrain, Mercedes ensures improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a smoother, quieter driving experience without compromising on usability. This strategic approach allows the GLB to appeal to a broader customer base while gradually familiarizing them with electric mobility. Additionally, the hybrid’s compact battery placement preserves interior space, ensuring the vehicle maintains its signature practicality, seven-seat layout, and flexible cargo capacity, a critical advantage for families or those requiring versatile transport options.
Exterior Design: Modern Boxy Elegance
The 2027 GLB retains the boxy, upright design that has defined the model since its inception, emphasizing practicality and a commanding presence on the road. However, subtle updates enhance both style and aerodynamics. The front fascia adopts Mercedes’ unibrow styling seen in the new CLA-class, paired with a prominent, star-studded grille that accentuates brand identity. LED headlamps are sleek and integrated into the bumper, while the rear sports a width-spanning LED light bar that unifies the tailgate, echoing the design language of larger Mercedes SUVs. Flush door handles reduce drag and contribute to a cleaner side profile, while 20-inch wheel options with adaptive dampers emphasize sportiness and provide a more planted stance. Despite the increase in length, width, and wheelbase, the GLB maintains its compact SUV agility, ensuring maneuverability in urban environments. The slightly reduced height does not compromise headroom due to intelligent cabin design and increased interior dimensions. Overall, Mercedes balances functional practicality with modern luxury, creating a vehicle that feels both spacious and upscale, catering to families and urban professionals who desire versatility without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
Interior and Cabin Technology: The Superscreen Experience
Step inside the 2027 GLB, and it becomes clear that Mercedes has prioritized technology and connectivity alongside traditional luxury. The cabin introduces the optional ‘Superscreen’ configuration, which comprises a 10.25-inch digital driver display, a 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger screen. This setup integrates the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, now enhanced with generative AI from both Microsoft and Google, offering conversational assistance, predictive navigation, and customizable driver profiles. Even if the Superscreen is not chosen, a two-thirds version retains the driver and central screens while allowing the passenger display as an optional upgrade. Physical controls remain for key functions, including adaptive cruise control and volume adjustment, ensuring ease of use for traditionalists. The GLB’s interior is spacious, with second-row legroom increased by 2.7 inches and a sliding middle bench for easier access to the optional third-row seats. Headroom is marginally adjusted, providing comfort for adults in the second and third rows. Interior materials are premium, combining soft-touch surfaces with elegant trim, ensuring the cabin feels upscale while integrating cutting-edge digital experiences. The panoramic roof adds natural light and an optional 158 illuminated stars that transform the cabin into a visually engaging environment, enhancing the sense of luxury and technological sophistication.
Seating, Cargo, and Practicality
The GLB’s design emphasizes practicality without sacrificing comfort or luxury. The second-generation model offers both five- and seven-seat configurations, making it versatile for families, group travel, or daily commuting. Third-row seating is designed for smaller adults or children, with sufficient legroom and headroom for short to medium journeys. The sliding middle bench improves access to the rear-most seats, a feature often absent in compact seven-seaters. Cargo capacity is competitive, offering 540 liters with five seats up and 480 liters with seven. Folding the rear seats expands storage to 1,715 liters in the five-seat layout and 1,605 liters with seven occupants, providing flexible space for luggage, sports equipment, or shopping. The front trunk adds an additional 127 liters, unique in this class, increasing utility for everyday use. This level of flexibility positions the GLB as a practical choice in the electric SUV market, where space efficiency and versatility remain critical for families, business users, and enthusiasts seeking a multi-functional vehicle without compromising luxury and comfort.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
Mercedes has focused on driving dynamics, ensuring that the GLB performs as a true luxury SUV despite its compact footprint. Both electric variants feature responsive acceleration, adaptive regenerative braking, and precise steering, delivering confidence on highways and in city traffic. The GLB350 4Matic’s dual-motor configuration offers all-wheel drive, improving traction and stability in adverse conditions. Electronic speed is capped at 130 mph across all versions, ensuring safety while maximizing efficiency. Suspension upgrades, including optional adaptive dampers, allow the vehicle to balance ride comfort and cornering performance. The electric GLB’s low center of gravity, due to battery placement, enhances stability and reduces body roll compared to its gasoline predecessors. For hybrid models, torque delivery is smooth and instantaneous thanks to the integration of the electric motor with the gas engine, providing an effortless driving experience in stop-and-go traffic and longer journeys. Overall, Mercedes has ensured that the GLB remains a practical and enjoyable vehicle to drive, whether navigating urban streets, highways, or weekend adventures, while emphasizing the refinement expected in a luxury SUV.
Charging, Range, and Energy Efficiency
Mercedes has equipped the GLB electric variants with a robust 85 kWh battery, supporting both AC and high-speed DC charging. The GLB250+ rear-drive model achieves the longest range, while the GLB350 prioritizes performance, reducing total range slightly. WLTP ratings suggest up to 392 miles for the 250+ and 382 miles for the 350, translating to approximately 286–333 miles and 275–325 miles under U.S. standards. DC fast charging at 320 kW allows rapid top-ups, adding significant range in minutes—ideal for long road trips or emergency charging scenarios. AC charging at 9.6 kW is suitable for overnight home charging. The hybrid model adds another layer of efficiency, allowing short-distance electric-only operation while maintaining gasoline backup for extended trips. Mercedes emphasizes that this approach ensures versatility, alleviating range anxiety, and catering to markets where charging infrastructure is still developing. The combination of fast-charging capability, high energy density, and regenerative braking ensures the GLB remains both practical and environmentally conscious, meeting the needs of modern luxury SUV buyers seeking sustainability without sacrificing convenience.
Safety, Assistance Systems, and AI Integration
Safety and driver assistance remain central to the GLB’s design philosophy. Mercedes includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and optional AI-driven features that continuously learn from driving patterns. The infotainment system, powered by multiple AI agents, enables intelligent suggestions for route planning, energy optimization, and media management. Over-the-air software updates keep the vehicle current, providing new functionality and security patches without dealer visits. The GLB’s high-strength body structure, reinforced crumple zones, and multiple airbags ensure passenger protection in collisions. Advanced sensor arrays, including radar and LiDAR integration in certain trims, assist with automated emergency maneuvers and parking. These systems work in tandem to create a safer and more intuitive driving experience, blending traditional Mercedes-Benz reliability with cutting-edge automation technology. Combined with the spacious cabin and versatile seating, the GLB ensures both driver and passengers are protected and comfortable, regardless of driving conditions or journey length.
Pricing, Market Positioning, and Availability
While Mercedes has not finalized all pricing, initial estimates suggest the GLB250+ starts around $50,000, with the dual-motor GLB350 4Matic commanding a modest premium. The hybrid and more affordable EV variants are expected to follow in early 2026. By positioning the GLB at the intersection of compact luxury, EV performance, and seven-seat practicality, Mercedes aims to capture buyers who require flexibility, technology, and efficiency in a stylish package. The GLB competes with other compact SUVs but differentiates itself through electric powertrains, extensive digital integration, and premium materials. The combination of space, technology, and performance appeals to families, tech-savvy professionals, and environmentally conscious buyers, positioning the GLB as a versatile choice in a market segment increasingly dominated by electric mobility. Early availability in Germany allows Mercedes to gauge market response and refine production before expanding to other regions.
Conclusion: A Compact SUV for the Modern Age
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB exemplifies the evolution of compact luxury SUVs, blending electric performance, hybrid versatility, advanced technology, and practical design. With long-range batteries, rapid charging, spacious interiors, and cutting-edge AI integration, the GLB offers both daily usability and performance for families and professionals alike. Seven-seat configurations, flexible cargo space, and intelligent cabin systems make it one of the most versatile vehicles in its class. Mercedes-Benz has successfully balanced the brand’s luxury heritage with contemporary demands for electrification and technological sophistication, ensuring the GLB remains relevant in an increasingly electrified and digitally connected automotive landscape. The new GLB represents a compelling proposition for buyers seeking an environmentally conscious, highly capable, and feature-rich SUV without sacrificing the premium experience synonymous with Mercedes-Benz. As Mercedes continues to expand its EQ Technology offerings, the GLB stands as a benchmark for compact EV SUVs, demonstrating that luxury, utility, and electric mobility can coexist seamlessly in a modern package.
