2026 Mercedes GLB Adds AI & A Very Strange Rear End

A new generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLB has arrived, and while the silhouette remains true to the blocky, upright form of the original, there’s quite a bit going on beneath the surface.
 

Offered in both 5- and 7-seat configurations, the 2026 GLB debuts as an all-electric model and, for now, serves as a replacement for the EQB in everything but name. Hybrid versions will follow later, but the first wave is electric-only.
 
Two versions of the new generation GLB are launching out of the gate. The first, labeled GLB 250+ with EQ Technology, features an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery and adopts an 800-volt electric architecture.
 
It powers a single rear-mounted motor rated at 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of continuous torque, with a short-term boost up to 335 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0–62 mph (100 km/h) takes 7.4 seconds, and range is quoted at 392 miles (630 km) on a full charge, olid figures for a compact SUV in this category.
 
Sitting above the 250+ is the 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. The name might not stick in your memory, but the numbers probably will. This dual-motor variant adds a front axle motor for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.
 

Range takes a slight dip to 382 miles (615 km), but the extra grunt cuts the 0–62 mph time down to 5.5 seconds.
 
Mercedes has also confirmed a more affordable electric entry-level version will join the lineup next year, followed by a hybrid variant using 48-volt architecture. Three power levels will be available across front- and all-wheel drive formats.
 
Starry Eyed
Like other new-generation Mercedes models (think CLA and GLC EQ), the GLB adopts a more expressive front end. A large grille dominates the nose, flanked by redesigned headlights with intricate star-shaped DRLs and a full-width light bar. It’s not a particularly handsome looking SUV, but neither is the outgoing model.
 
The rear-end is perhaps the most controversial angle of the 2026 GLB. The taillight treatment leans into the styling language seen on the brand’s EQXX Concept from a few years back, with vertically oriented clusters connected by a slim light bar. The signature star pattern makes another appearance here.
 

How Much Bigger Is It?
The new electric GLB has grown in nearly every direction compared to both the previous EQB and the combustion-powered GLB it effectively replaces in this segment. At 4,732 mm (186.3 inches) in length, it’s 48 mm (1.9 inches) longer than the EQB and a full 98 mm (3.9 inches) longer than the earlier GLB. Width is up as well, now measuring 1,861 mm (73.3 inches), 27 mm (1.1 inches) wider than both predecessors.
 
Interestingly, height has gone the other way, dropping slightly to 1,687 mm (66.4 inches), which makes it 14 mm (0.6 inches) lower than the previous models.
 
The wheelbase sees the most notable stretch, now sitting at 2,889 mm (113.7 inches), a 60 mm (2.4 inches) increase over earlier versions. That extra length between the axles should improve interior space, particularly in the second row.
 
One small trade-off comes in maneuverability: the turning circle has grown marginally, from 11.7 m (38.4 feet) in the old GLB to 11.9 m (39.0 feet) in the new electric version. Boot capacity is also up, with 667 liters (23.6 cubic feet) available in the rear and 127 liters at the front (frunk).
 

An All-New Cabin
A big step into the future has also been made with the GLB’s interior. Like the CLA, it can be optioned with the Mercedes Superscreen, consisting of a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch infotainment screen, and a 14-inch display for the passenger.
 
As with other new Mercedes-Benz interiors, the dash of the GLB is almost completely flat, largely free of any interesting design details.
 
It runs on the fourth-generation MBUX system that includes Microsoft and Google artificial intelligence. The screen runs on the Unity Game Engine and includes the MBUX Virtual Assistant, based on ChatGPT4o. Clearly, Mercedes was eager to make the GLB as tech-focused as possible.
 
At this point, pricing is confirmed only for Germany. The GLB 250+ with EQ Technology starts at €59,048 ($68,700), while the 350 4Matic comes in at €62,178 ($72,400). US pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but expect a similar spread when it arrives in other markets next year.