Second-generation Mercedes GLB revealed with electric power, high-tech cabin
The second-generation GLB will initially be available with electric power only, with hybrids to follow.
Image: Supplied
The first-generation Mercedes GLB was something of a curiosity, in that many people didn’t quite understand where it fit in. Related to the GLA, but a little more butch and capable of seating seven occupants, at a push, the GLB was very much like a Nissan X-Trail that went to private school.
The second-generation GLB has just been revealed abroad, and it’s larger, more luxurious and powered by electricity. This means it effectively replaces the old EQB, too.
While the new GLB is not on the radar for South African introduction in 2026, the company has not ruled it out for a later stage.
The new model boasts a bolder exterior design, and the cabin is roomier too, with Mercedes claiming to have improved the amount of head and leg room available to rear occupants. A panoramic roof is now standard.
The vehicle will be offered in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations, and boot space is supplemented by a 127 litre ‘frunk’ under the front bonnet.
But the real party is in the cockpit area, where the GLB is available with a brand new MBUX ‘Superscreen’ that stretches across the entire dashboard.
The interior is optionally available with an MBUX Superscreen.
Image: Supplied
Behind its flush glass surface is a 10.25-inch driver display and two 14.0-inch displays covering the centre and passenger side of the dashboard. The Superscreen can be individualised through 11 distinct ambient styles.
The infotainment system is powered by the newly developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System, which integrates with AI from both Microsoft and Google. Its Virtual Assistant function has short-term memory and uses generative AI to enable the kind of complex, multi-turn dialogues that a person might have with a friend.
Furthermore, the highly configurable MBUX infotainment system features high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine.
Another striking interior feature is the ‘floating’ centre console that has an additional storage compartment.
What powers the new GLB?
The European market will initially be served with two fully electric variants, the GLB 250+ and GLB 350 4Matic, but the range will soon be expanded to include an entry-level EV as well as hybrid models.
The new model has a chunkier shape.
Image: Supplied
The GLB 250+ has a power output of 200kW and a claimed range of up to 631km between charges on the WLTP cycle. The brawnier GLB 350 4Matic boasts all-wheel drive and a system output of 260kW.
Both feature lithium-ion batteries with a usable capacity of 85 kWh, and the advanced 800-volt electrical system allows 260km of range to be added in just 10 minutes at a fast-charging facility.
IOL Motoring