Mercedes GLB Electric & Hybrid 4×4 Looks A Little Familiar

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new-generation GLB SUV, blending the electric model (formerly known as EQB) and combustion models into one car. The small family SUV will be available as a five- or seven-seat model.
 

This new version is all about adding more space and usefulness to the SUV, with everything under the skin largely being the same as that of the current CLA.
 
It looks a bit… familiar
Ah, yes, you’ve spotted it, too. The front is very much predictable small Mercedes at this point – big glitzy grille, huge three-pointed star and the ability to optionally have it lit. But that rear end? It looks an awful lot like the Smart #5 – similar lighting arrangement, body structure…
 
Mercedes-Benz insiders say it really is just coincidence. Even with the brand’s dealings with Geely – including both companies having a 50/50 venture for running the Smart brand – and it both using Horse Powertrains, Mercedes insists the GLB is its own work. We’ll just point out, however, that Gorden Wagener, chief design officer for the Mercedes-Benz Group, also oversees teams that design the current Smart cars.
 
Anyway. As well as familiar looks, the new GLB has fresh lighting and colours, as well as new wheel designs that look rather intricate. There’s now a standard panoramic roof and, if you dare to take your GLB off road, details like the doors cover the sills so you don’t get muddy shins getting in and out.
 

What about the interior?
Near-identical to the CLA. That means an upgrade in certain touchpoints and the finer details of the interior over the old car, as well as an enormous infotainment upgrade.
 
The new MB.OS tech upgrade that came with the CLA is here, too, meaning a new generation of MBUX software that adds more functionality. The central infotainment system’s home screen has been simplified and will learn what apps and functions you use regularly and display them regularly. The voice assistant uses multiple AI language models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini and blends the results when you ask it questions, while Google Maps are built into the infotainment.
 
4Matic models also benefit from ‘terrain mode’ within the drive mode select options, as well as ‘transparent bonnet’ tech that shows the road ahead via the car’s onboard cameras – just to make sure you stay on course when you’re off-road… or parking.
 
You can choose either a five-seat or seven-seat GLB model, but the UK market will only take the seven-seat option given its relative uniqueness within the market.
 

The GLB has grown in most directions, with Mercedes largely focusing on expanding space for those in the second row. The wheelbase is 60mm longer than both the old GLB and EQB, with that and some other packaging tweaks over the old cars meaning there’s a maximum of 68mm of extra legroom.
 
Headroom has increased despite the shorter overall height, due to the standard panoramic glass roof. Mercedes claims that up to five child seats can be fitted – one in the front passenger seat, two in the outer middle seats and two in the rearmost seats – but those rearmost seats are still very much for children.
 
Give me some specs
There will be both mild hybrid and electric models of the GLB.
 
The line-up will start with two electric variants, labelled GLB 250+ with EQ Technology and GLB 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. Both use an 85kWh battery and run on an 800-volt electrical architecture, can charge at 11kW AC (22kW AC optionally) or up to 320kW DC. Like the CLA, a DC-DC inverter that works on older 400-volt fast chargers remains a cost option.
 

A 250+ uses a single electric motor developing 268bhp. It can sprint to 62mph in 7.4 seconds and tops out at 130mph. Mercedes claims a range between 336 and 392 miles depending on the spec.
 
The 350 4Matic version uses two e-motors, developing 349bhp and managing a sprightlier 5.5sec 0-62mph time. Claimed range doesn’t take that much of a dent either, dropping to between 323 and 382 miles – likely due to the fact the second motor can be disconnected ‘under low load’ for efficiency gains. More electric variants will arrive from 2026 onwards, including an entry-level one that’ll drop the price a bit.
 
As well as the electric versions, a GLB ‘hybrid’ will launch a little later in 2026. This uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder that Mercedes says is entirely developed in-house, but assembled by Geely. The engine is mated to an electric motor and a dual-clutch transmission – providing an extra boost and allowing engine-off coasting. The battery is just big enough to allow the GLB to drive with the engine off at low throttle loads, too.
 
When can I have one?
The new GLB will launch early in 2026, with UK specifications to be finalised around then.