Ever thought what a small sedan would look like if it morphed into a boxy compact SUV? Well, now you know about the second-generation 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB. From a design perspective, this compact SUV evolves the existing car’s boxy looks with softer curves and the brand’s latest corporate look. Like the CLA sedan, the GLB features a less angular radiator grille paired with thicker LED headlight clusters. It also includes daytime running lights shaped like the three-pointed star. Out back, you’ll find a full LED light bar featuring the three-pointed star, as well.
Versus the outgoing car, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB is slightly larger than its predecessor. It’s 1.9 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, and has a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase. However, it’s 0.6 inches shorter than before, and the turning circle is up 0.3 inches. As a result, second-row leg room increases by 2.7 inches, adding to the GLB’s versatility.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB: More Space, More Tech
The 2027 GLB remains one of only a handful of compact SUVs available that can seat up to seven. It continues to offer a third row option, but Mercedes designed it to accommodate people up to 5’6″ in height. Larger rear doors and the new Easy Entry function make accessing the third row more convenient. For second row passengers, the hip angle has been improved by nine degrees to improve comfort. Additionally, the seats have optimized contouring for extra lateral support. Furthermore, cargo space stands at up to 19 cubic feet with all seats up or up to 60.6 cubic feet behind the front seats, depending on your chosen configuration.
Like the CLA, the new GLB features the MB.OS interface. It features the MBUX virtual assistant, giving you extensive conversation possibilities. Using Microsoft Bing and ChatGPT4o, the virtual assistant can understand natural conversation and answer all types of questions you ask it. For navigation-related answers, the system relies on Google Cloud’s Automotive AI agent to get you the most accurate answer. Mercedes’ standard setup can also be upgraded to the MBUX Supercreen. It features a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a 14-inch touchscreen, and a 14-inch front passenger display all under one glass panel. For added customizability, the MBUX Superscreen has 11 ambient styles that change the gauges, controls, and interior lighting. Additionally, an optional 16-speaker Burmester 3D premium audio system has Dolby Atmos compatibility for optimum listening.
On the driver assistance front, the 2027 GLB comes with many standard features. You can also update these with extras like a surround-view camera with invisible hood view, traffic sign recognition, automated parking, and lane change assist.
Potent Electrified Power
Right out of the gate, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB comes with electrified power. The hybrid variant features a 1.5-liter turbo-four coupled to a new hybrid system with a 27-hp electric motor integrated into the new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 1.3-kWh 48-volt battery. Mercedes didn’t disclose any outputs, but we expect this to have slightly less horsepower and torque than the current gas 2.0-liter turbo-four. At launch, AWD comes standard on the hybrid GLB models.
Battery-electric models return wearing the GLB name, effectively killing off the old EQB moniker. They use an 85-kWh battery pack and come in either single or dual-motor configuration. The GLB 250+ features a rear motor setup with 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the dual-motor GLB 350 4MATIC has 349 hp and 380 lb-ft. Both models feature the same 800-volt charging architecture as the CLA, enabling them to reach peak DC charging rates of up to 320 kW. This enables the GLB to gain 260 km or 161 miles in just 10 minutes. On the other hand, their AC charging might be on the slower side due to the 9.6-kW onboard charger.
In terms of driving range, Mercedes says the GLB 250+ can go up to 631 km or 392 miles in the WLTP cycle. The GLB 350 is good for up to 614 km or 381 miles on the WLTP cycle. Both EV variants feature new electric motors designed to optimize efficiency in real-world driving. The rear motor also includes a two-speed transmission and a silicon carbide inverter, increasing its performance without sacrificing efficiency. It also includes four levels of regenerative braking strengths.
A Modular Platform For All Levels of Electrification
Both the new CLA and GLB use the same modular architecture. That means it can accommodate everything from hybrids to battery-electric vehicles. As a result, both the hybrid and EV GLBs look identical. They also use the same new suspension setup. This includes forged aluminum components, a MacPherson strut front, and a multilink rear setup, the latter of which is a design derived from the E-Class and S-Class. Mercedes tuned the new suspension for precise response, complementing it with cast aluminum steering components for high camber stiffness and minimal noise.
Models equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels can also be equipped with adjustable dampers. It features two modes: Comfort and Sport. Comfort softens up the suspension, while Sport firms it up. The setup uses multiple sensors to continuously monitor the suspension status, driving situation, and your driving system. It’ll then adjust the damping individually for each wheel.
In terms of charging, the new MB. CHARGE Public app allows you to use all public charging functions under one umbrella. It also enables plug & charge capability at certain providers. Mercedes-Benz EVs will gain access to over 45,000 charging points globally by the end of the decade, including IONNA and its own DC charging stations. Additionally, it includes a Green Charging function, which ensures you’re using a renewable energy source. In case it’s not available, it’ll use renewable electricity credits to ensure that the equivalent amount is put into the grid.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB: Arriving Soon
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB arrives sometime next year. Expect the two EV models first, followed by the hybrid. The former should also include a built-in NACS charging port just like the CLA. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but expect it to start slightly more than the current and below the new GLC 400 EV.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
