2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB It Better Than The Old One

The pixel-manipulating crowd does not seem to have had enough of the new generation Mercedes GLB, as the premium subcompact crossover has entered the rendering blender once more, a couple of days after we saw one of the first CGI projects of this model.
 

Between us, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB imagined by Kelsonik and shared on Instagram recently looks better than the one Kolesa posted, even if the differences are quite minor. The vehicle lacks the star-shaped DRLs and has a two-slat grille with a different pattern.
 
The front bumper looks more discreet here, and the rear one has a smaller diffuser and no chrome touches. Moreover, this CGI model sports a different taillight pattern, even if the shape is pretty much the same, and comes with traditional door handles instead of the flush-mounted ones.
 
You may have also noticed that the wheels now have a multi-spoke pattern, that the shiny trim on the sides was moved further down, and that the plastic cladding is a bit thinner. Kelsonik’s imagined 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB has a white paint finish and was based on the latest spy shots, hence the realistic approach.
 
Thus, what you see is what you will get when the crossover comes out, likely sometime in 2025 for the 2026 model year, utilizing the same platform as the next-gen CLA. The MMA architecture is its foundation stone, and the new GLB will offer electric and internal combustion powertrains. The top-of-the-line AMG will reportedly have hybrid assistance, the regular Benz models should mix a 1.5L four-banger with a small electric motor inside the transmission, and the EVs will likely get two battery packs, with the most frugal variant perhaps offering around 465 miles (750 km) on a full charge.
 

The outgoing Mercedes GLB is in the 2025 model year stateside and includes the GLB 250 with FWD, which begins at $45,800, with the 4Matic AWD version kicking off at $47,800. Power comes from a 2.0L four-pot mild-hybrid, which is good for 221 hp (224 ps/165 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque, enabling 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 6.9 seconds in both flavors of the car.
 
Completing the offering is the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, which is a $60,100 affair before destination and dealer fees. This model takes 5.4 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, thus being 1.5 seconds faster than the Benzes, and packs a 2.0L four-pot with hybrid assistance. The powertrain develops 302 hp (306 ps/225 kW) and 295 pound-foot (400 Nm) of torque, so chances are its successor will be punchier.
 
But what’s your take on the styling part? Does the new GLB look better as imagined by the quoted rendering artist, or do you prefer the outgoing iteration?