For a long time, Mercedes watched from the sidelines in which direction electrification was going, and accordingly made several models that did not really take off, but that changes with the latest generation of models that no longer bear special names such as EQA, EQB, EQC… but use well-known names of manufacturers from Stuttgart. After the new CLA arrived a few months ago, based on the new MMA platform, the same foundation was used for the second generation of the GLB model, which was offered as a gasoline and diesel model. It is about a model that went on sale these days. This model is also the successor to the EQB model, which, as the name suggests, was exclusively electric. All this is part of the Mercedes offensive, which includes 14 new models this year, as many will arrive next year as well.
It is a model with a length of 473.2 centimeters, which is a significant 9.8 cm more than the previous GLB. I already mentioned how it was created on the new MMA platform and here with a wheelbase of 288.9 cm, which is 6 cm more than on the old GLB, and there is also a wider wheel track. The increase in dimensions also led to a great advantage over the competition, which is the possibility of a third row of seats where people up to 171 cm tall can be transported. Opening the rear doors wide and moving the seats of the second row of seats allows easy access to the two seats of the third row. Why is the GLB a good family car? Because there are five places with Isofix mounts, on the passenger seat and two each in the middle and third row of seats. Speaking of family tone, let’s mention that when the third row of seats is folded, 480 liters remain in the trunk. By folding the second row, the space increases to 1605 liters. The electric versions also have a frunk (front trunk) of 127 liters. In the model with five seats, the trunk is 540 liters, expandable to 1715.
The boxy silhouette of the previous model has been retained, with a straight cut rear end. The front part of the car bears a resemblance to the CLA model, of course with a larger mask. This is where we find the difference between the hybrid and electric versions. The hybrid edition comes with the classic Mercedes-Benz star grille in the stern with an LED edge, while EQ Technology models come with an illuminated grille featuring 94 LED stars. Each new generation of cars also brings improved aerodynamics, so here the air resistance coefficient Cd has been reduced from 0.31 to 0.28. And the rear lights bring the shape of a star. The Sky Control panoramic roof, which brings 158 illuminated stars, is also an option. It brings an instant change in transparency, so the transition from completely transparent to darkened occurs within a few milliseconds, without mechanical blinds.
Now let’s go to the interior. There are, of course, big news, and in accordance with the latest Mercedes guidelines. Optionally, the MBUX Superscreen system is offered with three screens that span almost the entire width of the dashboard. Of course, based on the already presented CLA model. The system includes a 10.25-inch instrument panel, a large 14-inch central infotainment screen and another, also 14-inch screen for the passenger. The passenger can thus watch video content while driving, while the driver has access to the latest generation MBUX interface with integrated Google Maps and an advanced virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence. The basic version comes without a screen for the passenger.
The latest generation of the MBUX interface means that it is the fourth edition, powered by MB.OS. He does not use one AI assistant, but combines them. Thus, ChatGPT drives the system’s natural dialog functionality, while Google Gemini provides conversational navigation with information about restaurants, ratings, menus, and the like. In the background, MB.OS itself selects which AI agent is most suitable depending on the user’s voice request. There is also Microsoft Bing. Thanks to the short-term memory, the new MBUX virtual assistant enables complex multiple dialogues and the driver does not have to repeat the context from the previous question.
According to information from Mercedes, Google Maps Platform provides information on 250 million places around the world, and the map is updated almost in real time with more than 100 million updates per day. Technically, simple commands like ‘turn up the air conditioning’ go to local systems inside the vehicle, while complex queries like ‘find a restaurant with a terrace near my next meeting’ go to the cloud. This means that for full functionality, a stable Internet connection should be ensured at all times.
We can say that all of this was known to some extent on the CLA model as well. But now there is something new. The Mercedes pay service was introduced. It is Mercedes-Benz’s own fintech system for payments directly from the vehicle. It’s not a marketing gimmick, they have a separate financial division that develops it. Thus, through the MBUX infotainment system, the driver can initiate and pay for parking, refueling or fuel directly from the car, without looking for a mobile phone application, coins or a payment machine. The system displays the actual amount of the parking fee as soon as the process is completed. In addition, it is also possible to purchase software upgrades, navigation services, hardware options or other applications that are unlocked on demand, directly from the vehicle.
In terms of security, with the introduction of Mercedes pay+, authentication is carried out by biometric factors, such as on a mobile phone, face recognition or fingerprint, which replaced the previous system that required entering a PIN in MBUX and confirmation on a smartphone. Mercedes says it is the first manufacturer to use Visa’s delegated authentication technology for in-car payments. Allegedly, we are only available to buy a vignette, to our neighbors in Slovenia and parking, and in Germany, fuel or refueling. There is no doubt, these are services that will only complement each other. Interestingly, Mercedes estimates that 4.7 billion car transactions will take place globally this year. This shows how well Mercedes has prepared for new generations of cars and the transformation from a classic car manufacturer to a fintech company.
Technologically, the GLB is an extremely advanced vehicle, and it is still a classic Mercedes. This means that there is a top-quality finish, extremely high-quality seats that can be equipped with heating as well as massage, and there is an excellent Burmester sound system. Of course, safety is extremely high with plenty of ADAS systems, as well as a new central airbag between the driver and passenger.
The offer is opened by mild-hybrid models. It is a combination of a 1.5-liter Miller cycle gasoline engine and an electric motor with 22 kW and 160 Nm of torque integrated into the gearbox. All models come with an 8-speed eDCT dual-clutch transmission. The basic model is the GLB 180, which has a power of 115 kW / 156 hp. Next is the GLB 200 with 135 kW / 184 hp, which is also available in the 4Matic version. The top of the range is the GLB 220 with 155 kW / 211 hp, which also has a four-wheel drive version. The starting model costs 49,612 euros, the GLB 200 starts at 52,824 euros, while the 4Matic version is 3,000 euros more expensive. The GLB 220 starts at 55,401 euros, and the GLB 220 4Matic at 57,725 euros.
We have also reached fully electric editions. The initial model is called the GLB 200 with EQ Technology. This model is powered by a 58 kWh battery and develops a power of 165 kW. This model is built on the 400V platform with a range of 374 to 431 km. A 140 to 160 km range can be obtained in 10 minutes of charging, with a maximum DC charge of 200 kW. The other two models were created on the 800V platform, so in the same ten minutes of charging you can get 225 to 260 km of range because they have the possibility of DC charging of 320 kW. The middle option, the GLB 250+ with EQ Technology brings a rear electric motor with a power of 200 kW, which means up to 272 hp and up to 335 Nm of torque, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. It has a range of up to 631 kilometers thanks to a larger lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 85 kWh. It is a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery. Let’s also mention a relatively new technical solution with a two-speed transmission, which is a rarity among electric vehicles and which helps the car pull just as well at lower speeds and on the highway. The top of the range is the GLB 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. This model has another electric motor that drives the front wheels when needed. A total of 353 hp and 515 Nm are available, with acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. The range is slightly shorter, 615 km, but with much better acceleration. Compared to the CLA model, the range of the EQ model is 140, 150 km less, which is due to the higher weight and lower aerodynamics.
The GLB 200 with EQ Technology starts at a price of 52,150 euros, while the surcharge for the entry-level model with 800V architecture, the GLB 250+ with EQ Technology, is 57,290 euros. The only electric version with four-wheel drive, the GLB 350 4Matic model with EQ Technology starts at 60,170 euros. Of course, numerous additional options are possible for all models.
The towing capacity is certainly commendable for the new GLB. The electric GLB can tow up to two tons, which is an excellent result for an electric SUV of this size. The vertical hook load of 100 kg is commendable, which means that two electric bicycles can be transported on the rear rack without any problems. MBUX also brings electrical intelligence, so it prepares the battery for charging with preconditioning and the option to reserve the charger for up to 15 minutes, enabling the best performance.
The regenerative braking system has been improved, so they mention that as much as 98% of braking can be electric, and only 2% hydraulic, which certainly contributes to even greater brake durability. Let’s mention that electric motors are completely developed, designed and conceived in Germany, in Europe, while they are manufactured in China. Mercedes does not hide its cooperation with the Geely group, which will use some of the parts of the electric drive for some of its models.
Speaking of China, let’s mention that GLB also has a ‘designer twin brother’. It is a Smart #5 model. Although it is also designed in Germany, it is technically completely different. It is made on the Geely platform, it is cheaper, but not so advanced. In any case, this is another lesson from Mercedes to many other European manufacturers about what electric models should be.
