Mercedes-Benz just killed the EQB name and replaced it with something far more ambitious. The second-generation GLB launches exclusively as a battery-electric vehicle, built on an 800-volt architecture with up to 392 miles (630 km) of WLTP range from an 85 kWh battery pack. Pricing in Germany starts at €59,048 for the rear-drive GLB 250+, climbing to €62,178 for the dual-motor GLB 350 4Matic.
Two powertrain options arrive at launch. The GLB 250+ runs a single rear motor producing 268 hp and 335 Nm (247 lb-ft continuous), hitting 62 mph in 7.4 seconds. The GLB 350 4Matic adds a front motor for a combined 349 hp and 516 Nm (380 lb-ft), cutting the sprint to 5.5 seconds. Both sit on the 800-volt platform that Mercedes has been rolling out across its EV lineup.
Bigger in Every Direction
The new GLB grew substantially. At 4,732 mm long, it stretches 98 mm beyond the first-generation GLB and 48 mm past the outgoing EQB. Width is up 27 mm to 1,861 mm, while height drops 14 mm to 1,687 mm. The wheelbase gains a critical 60 mm, now at 2,889 mm, which Mercedes says translates directly into second-row legroom. Boot space sits at 667 liters with a 127-liter frunk up front. Both five-seat and seven-seat configurations remain available.
MBUX Gets a ChatGPT Brain
Inside, the fourth-generation MBUX system takes center stage. The optional Superscreen layout stretches three displays across the dash: a 10.25-inch driver cluster, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger display. The virtual assistant now runs on ChatGPT-4o, with additional AI integration from Microsoft and Google. Mercedes built the interface on the Unity game engine, which should make for smoother animations than the previous system's occasionally sluggish responses.
The flat dashboard design borrows cues from the EQXX concept. Exterior styling leans into the new Mercedes EV language with star-shaped daytime running lights, a full-width front light bar, and vertically-oriented rear clusters connected by an illuminated strip.
🔌 ICE Is Coming, Just Not Yet
Mercedes is clear that this EV-first launch is temporary. Entry-level electric variants and 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains with three output levels arrive next year, along with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options for the combustion lineup. The strategy mirrors what Porsche and others are learning the hard way: leading with EVs works, but only if you have ICE ready as backup for markets that aren't there yet.
At 268 hp and 1,861 mm wide, the GLB 250+ sits in direct competition with the Tesla Model Y Long Range (up to 350 miles EPA) and the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S (275 miles EPA). The Mercedes undercuts neither on range nor on price, but it does offer something they don't: a third row and a badge that still carries weight in the premium compact segment. US pricing hasn't been announced, but expect a significant markup over the German figures when it arrives.
