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Mercedes-Benz is making strikes within the electrical automobile (EV) world, and the brand new GLB is the newest cab off the rank.
The premium mid-size SUV, an oft-forgotten member of Mercedes-Benz’s extremely broad Australian mannequin vary, has entered a second technology. It’s now primarily based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), making it a really shut relative to the brand new CLA sedan launched earlier this 12 months.
That’s a major step ahead from the previous GLB by way of its underpinnings, given the unique GLB shared its MFA2 platform with the earlier A-Class, B-Class and CLA, and it contributes to the mannequin’s new multi-powertrain method. Mercedes-Benz has retained front- and all-wheel-drive combustion powertrains, albeit supplementing them with 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) tech, consistent with the CLA.
The greater information, nevertheless, is the addition of absolutely electrical GLB variants. The new platform permits for each single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, broadening the GLB’s enchantment.
That additionally means Mercedes-Benz shall be dropping the older EQB bespoke electrical SUV in favour of the electrical GLB, simplifying its lineup.
Naturally, each MHEV and EV variations of the brand new mannequin retain the GLB’s seven-seat format, and Mercedes-Benz says there’s extra space within the third row than earlier than, due to the mannequin’s bigger proportions.
Inside, the entrance of the cabin has been utterly redesigned to include the model’s ‘MBUX Superscreen’ digital setup. This options three screens built-in throughout the dashboard, although the passenger-side show is simply accessible as an non-compulsory additional.
CarExpert was among the many media invited to Melbourne by Mercedes-Benz to pattern the brand new GLB, with solely all-wheel drive variations of the MHEV and EV available on the launch.
How does it stack up?
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLB value?
Like-for-like, costs are down for the new-generation GLB.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB200 | $65,400 |
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB220 4Matic | $76,100 |
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB250+ electrical | $74,990 |
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB350 4Matic electrical | $86,200 |
The outgoing GLB200 was priced from $68,300 earlier than on-road prices, so its entry level has decreased by $2900. There’s a bigger hole between the electrical GLB and its non secular predecessor, the front-drive-only EQB, with the brand new mannequin now being as much as $15,000 cheaper.
As ever, the seven-seat GLB is a singular providing in Australia, and its direct rivals are restricted. One value contemplating is the less-premium, equally sized Volkswagen Tayron, which is cheaper and ranges from $48,950 to $76,550 plus ORCs.
Interestingly sufficient, probably the most direct competitor to the electrical GLB is the six-seat Tesla Model Y L. It has extra energy and vary than the GLB, is all-wheel drive solely, and is priced at $74,900 plus ORCs.
The GLB is, nevertheless, cheaper than a five-seat, rear-wheel drive Audi Q6 e-tron, which begins at $89,900 plus ORCs.
It’s additionally cheaper than its CLA platform-mate, with the CLA220 4Matic MHEV priced at $84,227 plus ORCs and the CLA350 4Matic EV at $91,300 plus ORCs.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What is the Mercedes-Benz GLB like on the within?
Mercedes-Benz’s new inside method actually is extreme.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the GLB diligently follows the development set by the CLA, and there are some positives. The screens themselves look good graphically, really feel slick to make use of, and are unmistakably Mercedes in high quality, format, and common model.
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But man, they don’t should be this brutal.
The slab throughout the dashboard is greatest described as something however elegant, with no actual design identification past the curved edges and round air vents. It’s simply an excessive amount of.
It’s worse with out the passenger show included as a part of the non-compulsory MBUX Superscreen, as a result of its absence leaves a garish shiny panel calmly embellished with three-pointed stars. Actually, the non-compulsory 14.0-inch show is not any simpler to justify.
As within the CLA, its use is restricted when the automobile is in movement, even for the passenger. That means it is solely helpful when stationary, which is okay should you’re charging within the electrical variations however, in the end, it does not look like an choice field value ticking.
At least the Superscreen is certainly one of a number of objects included within the non-compulsory Plus bundle. That means your cash can go in the direction of issues which might be extra helpful, just like the deeply spectacular Burmester sound system. Its versatility and high quality are among the many greatest you will get at this value.
All that apart, the cabin proved a snug place to spend time. We’ve already mentioned the screens are good to make use of, although there are nonetheless pure limitations with the screen-heavy setup, primarily with the local weather controls.
Some extra bodily shortcuts for fundamental capabilities can be good, even should you nonetheless get an always-on ribbon on the backside of the show that will help you alongside. The sheer variety of submenus and settings within the infotainment system is rather a lot to absorb, too.
Looking previous the thick black bezels finally brings you to the ten.25-inch digital instrument show. This feels a bit extra acquainted, thanks principally to its barely extra conventional format in default two-gauge kind.
It’s navigable utilizing some imprecise haptic controls on the steering wheel, nevertheless it’s simple sufficient to determine. The inclusion of bodily controls for quantity and radar-cruise distance can be a pleasant contact, however the plastic stalks in entrance of the wheel really feel a bit flimsy.
The actual inside highlights are occupant consolation and ergonomics. Though the seats initially really feel wider than crucial, they’re truly very supportive and stay nice on lengthy drives. Of course, door-mounted seat adjustment controls are a typical Mercedes-Benz contact.
The seats can go fairly low by SUV requirements, making the GLB really feel decrease than its experience peak may counsel. Combine that with a variety of steering wheel adjustment and you’ve got an SUV able to offering a commendably good driving place.
Helping that’s the centre console, intentionally positioned excessive to create extra of a cockpit really feel. The vital components of the cabin are all tender, too, except for the metallic trim items that seem like actual steel.
Storage can be good. The centre console, whereas undeniably naked, has two cupholders with spring-loaded tooth, a wi-fi cellphone charger, and a small array of haptic buttons.
There’s additionally an enormous tray beneath the central ‘bridge’ and two small USB-C ports, certainly one of which can be utilized to attach a cellphone should you do not wish to use wi-fi Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. My cellphone had points with the wired connection on the launch occasion, although.
Otherwise, there are bottle holders within the doorways and a large-ish storage field underneath the central armrest. The entrance of the cabin is sort of good when you’re in and settled, even when the screens are a bit in-your-face.
The second row is spacious, with loads of headroom regardless of the comparatively excessive bench seat and glass roof. It’s a tad extra expansive than the previous GLB however maintains the identical upright proportions.
A neat trick is the bench seat’s capacity to slip ahead or again by 140mm. This means that you can maximise both legroom or cargo area as wanted, making the GLB a tad extra sensible. As ever, there are second-row air vents and a fold-down armrest as well.
Our solely actual criticism is there isn’t any sunshade for the glass roof. The CLA’s glass roof can flip opaque on the press of a button, and whereas the GLB has the identical as an choice abroad, Mercedes-Benz says it is not accessible in Australia in the interim.
Still, the GLB has maintained its drawcard as a seven-seat SUV that is not too huge. The model admits the third row solely actually works for individuals shorter than 171cm, and at 173cm I agree. It’ll nonetheless work for brief journeys or youngsters, and the sliding second row grants easy accessibility.
A thought of characteristic is the inclusion of ISOFIX anchors for the third row. This gives somewhat extra versatility you probably have many younger children, although we won’t think about it might be a lot enjoyable to wrestle two baby seats into place again right here.
Boot area is workable, albeit significantly compromised with the third row in use. It’s a lot smaller than within the Model Y L and Tayron, however not unusable. The area opens up properly with the third row stowed, and you will have an enormous, flat load flooring should you fold all rear seatbacks down.
You get a tad extra storage beneath the rearmost portion of the boot flooring, however you will not discover a spare wheel in there. All GLBs are fitted with a tyre restore equipment as normal, a disappointingly frequent theme in lots of Euro automobiles and EVs nowadays.
The electrical GLB no less than incorporates a big under-bonnet storage bin, making good use of the area vacated by the MHEV’s petrol engine.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-Benz GLB |
|---|---|
| Length | 4732mm |
| Width | 1861mm |
| Height | 1687mm |
| Wheelbase | 2889mm |
| Cargo capability | 145L – all seats up 480L – third row folded 1605L – 2nd and third rows folded 127L – under-bonnet storage (EV solely) |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Four powertrains can be found for the GLB: two mild-hybrid and two all-electric. We examined the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder MHEV GLB220 4Matic and the dual-motor all-wheel drive GLB350 4Matic EV.
| Specifications | GLB200 | GLB220 4Matic | GLB250+ | GLB350 4Matic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | 1.5L turbo-petrol 4cyl 48V MHEV | 1.5L turbo-petrol 4cyl 48V MHEV | Single electrical motor | Dual electrical motors |
| Engine outputs | 120kW / 250Nm | 140kW / 300Nm | – | – |
| Electric motor outputs | 22kW / 200Nm | 22kW / 200Nm | 200kW / 335Nm | 260kW / 515Nm |
| Battery | 1.3kWh li-ion | 1.3kWh li-ion | 85kWh NMC | 85kWh NMC |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch auto | 8-speed dual-clutch auto | 2-speed rear-axle automated | 2-speed rear-axle automated |
| Drive sort | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.7 seconds | 7.5 seconds | 7.4 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Fuel economic system (claimed) | 6.1L/100km | 6.5L/100km | – | – |
| CO2 emissions | 140g/km | 148g/km | – | – |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 | Euro 6 | – | – |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | – | – | 17.5kWh/100km | 17.7kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | – | – | 570km | 554km |
| Max AC cost charge | – | – | 22kW | 22kW |
| Max DC cost charge | – | – | 320kW | 320kW |
| DC cost time (10-80 per cent) | – | – | 22 minutes | 22 minutes |
The MHEV powertrain can truly drive as an EV, however solely briefly. Its energy output is restricted to only 22kW, as within the CLA, so if you need greater than that it will hearth up the combustion engine.
Both GLB MHEVs use an eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission, whereas the EVs have a two-speed setup. We’ll element the behaviours of every in our driving impressions beneath.
As for gasoline economic system and vitality consumption, we did not get sufficient time in anyone automobile to document consultant real-world figures. After the two-hour drive program, nevertheless, the GLB350 EV was exhibiting roughly 17.0kWh/100km, and the MHEV about 6.0L/100km.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLB drive?
If the outside styling and inside presentation do not impress you, the drive expertise positive will.
Though we spent most of our time within the GLB350 EV, we discovered loads of similarities between it and the GLB220 MHEV from a chassis-tuning perspective. That’s a superb factor, as a result of Mercedes-Benz has completely nailed it.
We instantly seen the steering setup, which has a shorter-than-expected ratio and makes the GLB really feel extremely nimble. It’s additionally very properly weighted with out feeling overly synthetic, and usually fits the SUV’s character very effectively.
But the true story is physique management. The GLB does not buck or crash over bumps; as an alternative, it shows wonderful road-holding that evokes confidence from the driving force’s seat.
The physique by no means feels unsettled or overwhelmed, even when it leans in the direction of agency slightly than tender. Mercedes-Benz has simply struck a pleasant steadiness between confidence and luxury, and the GLB is all the higher for it.
In reality, this is not terribly shocking. Cars like this are constructed to outlive German autobahns, and decrease speeds on rougher roads do not throw it a curveball both. The GLB’s experience/dealing with bundle is world too – Mercedes-Benz has no native chassis tuning program for Australia, and clearly does not want one.
If you need it even firmer, you’ll be able to flick over to Sport mode. This has a right away impact, with the obvious profit being that it mitigates the inconsequential physique roll you may encounter in Comfort mode.
That mentioned, we predict the GLB is greatest loved in Comfort. Naturally, that is when it feels most snug, however there isn’t any enormous compromise in its cornering behaviour regardless of the softer damping.
It responds remarkably effectively to speedy course modifications, and even appears keen to rotate slightly than merely push broad. It has an unusually playful character for a household SUV, however the chassis stays reassuringly predictable.
This factors to each good chassis steadiness and well-tuned traction management. We understand it is not a sports activities automobile, nevertheless it’s immensely refreshing to drive a brand new SUV that drives like a automobile, slightly than a cumbersome lump. Indeed, the brand new GLB might be a brand new section benchmark for experience high quality and physique management.
Keep in thoughts this solely applies to all-wheel drive GLBs, as we won’t but touch upon the opposite drivetrains, however we would anticipate them to ship equally good dynamics, even when the dealing with envelope of the rear-drive petrol GLB200 and the front-drive GLB250+ EV is extra restricted.
For extra relaxed drivers, the GLB provides a straightforward driving expertise. Outward visibility is beneficiant, and the entire controls really feel significantly intuitive within the electrical fashions. It’s additionally very quiet on the transfer, and does not really feel enormous from behind the wheel.
Best of all, we heard no safety-related beeps or bongs throughout our launch drive. Somehow, an automaker has discovered how one can make a contemporary SUV that rides effectively, handles effectively, and does not pester you whereas driving.
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However, the GLB begins to separate in the case of powertrain behaviour, as a result of – frankly – the EV is best to drive.
It dispenses with the petrol mannequin’s eight-speed dual-clutch auto, eliminating any potential hiccups when shifting. The solely shift you may discover comes when demanding robust acceleration above 100km/h, when the two-speed transmission modifications ratios. It’s hardly an inconvenience, although.
Above all, the electrical powertrain is predictably easy, with good throttle and brake pedal calibration. It does not really feel like a spaceship, although you’ll be able to actually make it sound like one with any of the six included ‘Sound Worlds’. It’s a gimmick, nevertheless it’s enjoyable and characterful.
You additionally get three totally different brake regen strengths adjustable by way of the steering wheel paddle shifters. We at all times recognize the comfort of adjusting this on the fly, and all energy ranges are simple to get used to – there’s even a real ‘one-pedal’ setting for these so inclined.
Of course, the electrical efficiency can be robust. The dual-motor GLB350 EV is comfortably fast while you lay into it, and the all-wheel drive setup means traction is not any situation.
Things change while you swap to the MHEV. Performance within the all-wheel drive GLB220 could also be respectable underneath onerous acceleration, and it could be easy at cruise, nevertheless it struggles in low-speed driving.
It is able to driving on pure electrical energy, however solely briefly, given it has a modest energy peak of 22kW. Once you exceed that ceiling, it takes a second for the petrol engine to fireside up and take over.
It’s virtually as if the automobile is shocked each time you want the engine, creating a brief however apparent lifeless spot while you gently speed up. The dual-clutch auto is usually unfriendly at low speeds, too.
It’s nonetheless potential to crawl alongside in cease/begin visitors on electrical energy alone, however we really feel the electrical motor needs to be extra versatile, and the engine ought to hearth up earlier. The brake pedal may additionally do with higher really feel.
We had the very same complaints in regards to the mild-hybrid CLA we reviewed earlier this 12 months. The two automobiles use the identical powertrains, in order that’s to be anticipated.
At least the petrol GLB sounds alright underneath load, and cabin refinement stays good. You also can flick over to Sport mode to maintain the engine firing, which makes the GLB220 really feel way more like a pointy Euro SUV with a dual-clutch auto. Nitpicks, however value mentioning.
All informed, the brand new GLB is a stunning SUV to drive, and it is at its greatest as an EV.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLB stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
The new GLB is out there in 4 variants.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB200 tools highlights:
- 48V MHEV powertrain
- Front-wheel drive
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore equipment
- Auto LED headlights
- LED tail-lights
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- ‘ARTICO’ black artificial leather-based seat upholstery
- Power-adjustable entrance seats with place reminiscence
- Heated entrance seats
- Head-up show
- 10.25-inch digital instrument show
- 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Bluetooth
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Google Maps
- AI-powered digital assistant
- Over-the-air (OTA) software program updates
- 4 ‘Sound Worlds’ audio profiles:
-
- Silver Waves
- Vivid Flux
- Roaring Pulse
- Serene Breeze
- Sliding second row
- Hands-free energy tailgate
- Panoramic glass roof
- Keyless entry
- 4 drive modes:
-
- Comfort
- Eco
- Sport
- Individual
GLB220 4Matic provides:
- All-wheel drive
- AMG Line bundle:
-
- 20-inch AMG alloy wheels
- Adaptive damping
- AMG exterior styling
- Nappa leather-wrapped sports activities steering wheel
- Light carbon-grain aluminium inside trim
- ‘Sporty engine sound’
- AMG flooring mats
- Terrain drive mode
GLB250+ provides:
- Electric powertrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- 800V electrical structure
- Illuminated entrance grille
- Satellite navigation with clever EV route planning
- 2 EV-specific ‘Sound Worlds’ audio profiles:
-
- Fractal Fusion
- Granular Fuzz
- Under-bonnet storage
Being a non-4Matic mannequin, the 250+ lacks the Terrain drive mode.
GLB350 4Matic provides:
- All-wheel drive
- Terrain drive mode