First look: A chilled sneak peek at the 2026 Mercedes GLB

Mercedes has put its all-new 2026 GLB through extreme testing ahead of its December debut, promising a tech-filled, seven-seat SUV built to handle every weather Britain can throw at it.

The compact SUV market is set to get a cool (or maybe hot?) new reveal next month. Mercedes-Benz is preparing to unveil its all-new GLB on 8 December 2025.

Winter isn’t quite here yet, and the UK weather remains unpredictable — so maybe it’s no surprise Mercedes has already thrown everything it has at its latest release, from blizzards to blistering heat, to ensure it is ready for anything. 

The new model promises to keep its signature seven-seat practicality while delivering a major jump in technology, space, and comfort. The GLB will also offer both traditional engine power and a fully electric version, effectively replacing the existing Mercedes EQB.

Ready for Britain’s weather, and more…

Before the curtains come up on the final design, the German giant has given us a frosty glimpse into the extremes the GLB has been exposed to at the Mercedes Technology Centre’s climatic wind tunnels in Sindelfingen (near Stuttgart, Germany).

So what has this new SUV been exposed to? Well, the headline figures are that the GLB has been chilled to temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, and all the way up to a toasty +40 degrees. And, if that wasn’t intense enough, snow cannons and wind speeds of up to 125 mph have also been deployed, simulating a fierce blizzard.

The testing isn’t just for show, though; it comes with the promise of real-world benefits which can certainly apply to UK drivers. The new GLB is said to warm its interior up to twice its predecessor during a 20-minute drive through -7 degree weather — something we’ll never say no to on a nippy winter morning. It also passed tests to demonstrate it can clear a frosted windscreen in just 15 minutes at -15 degrees using only the standard defrost setting, which should save a lot of scraping time and frosted fingers. Much of this improved thermal performance is credited to an innovative heat pump system derived from the VISION EQXX concept car, proving that some concept cars really do carry into reality…

Powertrains for all

Another key detail as part of Mercedes’ pre-launch preview is the new GLB's powertrain line-up. It will offer a choice of internal combustion engines (mild-hybrid expected) and a brand-new electric variant. This electric version has been framed a big step forward, angling for the position currently occupied by the Mercedes EQB, but we’ll have to wait for the full reveal to get the full scoop on that. 

More space, screens, and comfort

The GLB is already known for its practicality, and the new one seems like it’s going to build on that strength. The optional third row of seats remains, meaning the GLB is still available as a versatile seven-seater. Mercedes-Benz confirms that there is ‘noticeably more headroom’ and improved seating comfort in the first two rows, along with better legroom and improved thigh support. Getting into the rearmost seats should also be easier thanks to a longer adjustment range for the 'Easy-Entry' function.

Inside — much like the new GLC we got up close with in Munich — the cabin takes a jump into futuristic territory. The centrepiece is the optional 'floating' MBUX Superscreen, which stretches across the entire width of the dashboard, offering a cleaner, minimalist concept with high-tech elements. But, this is combined with some tactile elements, with re-introduction of the rocker switch for the DISTRONIC (distance control) and a volume roller switch on the new ergonomic steering wheel. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, sometimes the old-school approach is just the best.

A final, smart touch is the optional panoramic roof. Not only do we expect this to bring a light, open feel, but it has clever anti-glare, heat-insulating glass. And, for a bit more futuristic fun, it can also change its transparency — from clear to a milky opal — segment by segment in a matter of milliseconds.

So, what lurks beneath the pre-revealed GLB’s snow-clad cover looks set to deliver a healthy portion of comfort and intelligent technology, keeping you going through every weather extreme. 

The focus on thermal management in the electric version, suggests it is taking efficiency seriously, and could be excellent news for electric drivers. And retaining the practical, seven-seat option seems like a smart choice to us. But has this caught your interest enough to check out the full reveal next month?

Hero image credit:  Mercedes