New 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB: A 7-seater EV with marathon range?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB has arrived. With a 392-mile range and rapid charging capabilities, the ‘versatile everyday hero’ is looking to redefine the electric compact SUV market.

After a frosty sneak peek last month, Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the all-new GLB, ushering in a new era for the popular compact SUV. Scheduled to release in spring 2026, the redesigned GLB positions itself as a ‘versatile everyday hero’, combining a cavernous interior capable of seating seven with a state-of-the-art 800-volt electric architecture.

And, with a focus on ‘Sensual Purity’, the new GLB expands the brand’s Entry Luxury portfolio (currently containing other compact Mercs such as the A-Class and CLA) offering a vehicle that is larger, smarter, and more efficient than its predecessor.

Efficient yet electrifying?

At launch, the GLB will be available in two fully electric configurations powered by a new 85 kwh lithium-ion battery. 

The rear-wheel-drive GLB 250+ serves as the option for those chasing efficiency, delivering a peak output of 200 kw and 335 nm of torque. This setup allows for a hefty range of up to 392 miles. That’s enough to take you from ‘Cologne to Berlin; from Rome to Venice; from Lyon to Strasbourg’ if you were wondering… And, for those looking for a little more ‘oomph’, the GLB 350 4MATIC delivers a 260-kw peak output, dragging you from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.5 seconds. 

When it’s time to plug in, thanks to the new 800-volt architecture, both GLB variants can replenish up to 161 miles of range in just 10 minutes at compatible fast-charging stations. 

While the spotlight is on the electric models, GLB will also be available as a hybrid shortly after launch. These models will feature a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, also capable of electric-only driving.

Smooth and spacious

While the boxy GLB shape we have become accustomed to has been maintained, the edges have been smoothed out a little bit to allow for better aerodynamics — contributing to that aforementioned extended range. Within this updated silhouette, the vehicle has grown in every dimension: now measuring 4,732 mm in length, 1,861 mm in width, and 1,687 mm in height.

This increased footprint translates directly to interior utility and increased passenger comfort. The GLB’s third row is still an option, capable of seating passengers up to 1.71 metres tall (roughly 5’6”). And should you opt to fold some seats down for some extra storage, you’ll unlock a capable cargo capacity of up to 1,715 litres. Still not enough? Well, the new model also features the largest ‘frunk’ (front trunk) in the model family at 127 litres, which Mercedes say is enough space for ‘a crate of drinks, three footballs, or a compact tent’. Three options for a fun weekend, we reckon.

For an even-more-spacious feeling, an optional panoramic roof can be popped on top, which can switch from transparent to opaque in a matter of milliseconds. Or, for something completely different, it can be illuminated to show 158 stars.

The digital cockpit

The GLB’s dashboard has received a very noticeable update. Should you opt for it, the cabin is dominated by the MBUX Superscreen, a floating glass surface extending across the width of the interior. This consists of a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display, and a further optional 14-inch passenger screen.

There is some futuristic tech powering this setup too. Running on the MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System), the GLB features a new AI-powered virtual assistant which taps into both ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The system can handle complex, multi-turn dialogues and offers a ‘living’ avatar that reacts to the driver.

While this handles navigation and driver queries, there is a bit of fun available for passengers too. That passenger screen can offer entertainment too, including Disney+ video streaming and cloud gaming — with safeguards in place to prevent driver distraction, of course.

So, the new 2026 GLB is bigger, smarter, and comfier than its predecessor, but are you tempted to put Mercedes’ latest ‘entry luxury’ offering on your driveway?

Image credits:  Mercedes-benz