Mercedes has launched its all-electric GLB SUV, targeting families who need seven seats without the bulk of larger vehicles. The company announced the model will arrive in early 2026 with a starting price around £50,000.
The electric GLB uses Mercedes’ dedicated MMA platform, which includes 800V charging technology borrowed from the compact CLA. This setup allows charging speeds up to 320kW – making it among the fastest-charging SUVs in its class.
Mercedes is launching with one battery configuration: an 85kWh pack. The rear-wheel drive GLB 250 delivers 260bhp and up to 392 miles of range. The all-wheel drive 350 4Matic variant produces 349bhp but sacrifices some efficiency for the extra traction.
A more affordable GLB 200 will follow shortly after launch.
This entry-level model pairs a smaller 58kWh battery with 221bhp sent to the rear wheels. Range drops to around 280 miles – still competitive for urban and suburban driving.
Bi-directional vehicle-to-load charging will arrive later as an over-the-air update. Mercedes is also offering a DC converter for Britain’s standard 400V public charge points as an £850 option.
More Space Where It Counts
Mercedes stretched the GLB’s wheelbase to 2.9 metres to address the cramped cabin that plagued the original model. Headroom increases are substantial – 35mm for the driver, 64mm for middle passengers, and 100mm for third-row occupants.
Boot space remains tight with all seven seats up at just 48 litres.
Fold the third row and you’ll have room for weekend gear. Drop all rear seats and cargo capacity opens to 1,605 litres. A 127-litre frunk under the bonnet adds storage – Mercedes says it’s large enough for three footballs.
The cabin embraces Mercedes’ screen-heavy approach. An optional Superscreen setup borrowed from the S-Class spans 38.25 inches across the dashboard with three displays. Like the CLA, the main touchscreen floats in the centre with traditional air vents below.
Mercedes kept some physical controls. Rocker switches on the steering wheel handle audio volume and adaptive cruise control.
The latest MBUX infotainment system runs the show with what Mercedes describes as supercomputer-level processing power. Google’s AI services, including Gemini, integrate throughout the interface.
Standing Out in Traffic
The GLB adopts a boxy, two-door SUV profile that echoes the G-Class. Up front, 94 individual LED three-pointed stars light up in different patterns when you approach or leave the vehicle.
Mercedes logos bookend the LED array. An additional 158 stars are etched into the sunroof for those who want more brand reminders.
The GLB faces established competitors like the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Volkswagen ID.4 – none of which offer seven seats as standard. Cheaper seven-seaters like the Peugeot e-5008 lack the GLB’s premium positioning, while larger options like the Volvo EX90 and Kia EV9 command higher prices and bigger driveways.
Mercedes is betting families will pay extra for the three-pointed star and that third row of seats.
