Bigger Proportions, Better Tech Coming for New 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB

With the slowdown in of the electric vehicle (EV) market, the automotive industry is reevaluating its short- and mid-term product plans. For example, Mercedes-Benz previously separated its electric models from their internal combustion equivalents in both name (with the EQ moniker) and styling.

For the 2027 model year, the GLB will end this trend by integrating the electric variants into the wider model lineup. Indeed, the EQB is dead, long live the GLB with EQ technology. In fact, in Canada, the electric variant will be the one prioritized, as it is expected that the crossover's lineup will be composed of three trims, two electric, one hybrid.

To wit, the GLB 250 4Matic gets a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine that works in concert with an electric motor that's powerful enough to take over driving duties completely. However, these moments of all-electric motoring will be short, since the battery pack in the trim is only 1.3 kWh large. All in, the powertrain will deliver 228 hp.

On the other side of the equation, the all-electric variants offer a little more power. The GLB250+ EQ has single motor that sends 268 hp to the front wheels. Meanwhile, the GLB350+ EQ 4Matic gets a second electric motor and together they deliver 348 hp and all-wheel drive.

Regardless of how many motors a buyer goes for, the electric GLB will be anchored by an 85 kWh battery pack working on an 800V architecture. As a result, the crossover is able to recharge at speeds of up to 320 kW at charging stations that can support such power. Where 400V charging is all that’s available, speeds drop to 100 kW.

Unfortunately, Canadian range estimates are not available at time of writing but, in Europe, the single-motor GLB250+ EQ is rated at 631 km of range. Over on this side of the Atlantic, where range estimates are considerably less optimistic, you should expect to see a range figure of less than 600 km.

Despite sharing its platform with the compact CLA, the new GLB will still be able to seat up to seven occupants. To be frank, it will likely be more comfortable for five, but passengers in the 2027 model should be more comfortable than those in the current model, since its wheelbase is growing by 6 cm and it’s 10 cm longer overall.

Even despite the extra length, the GLB has always felt bigger than it is thanks to its boxy shape. Indeed, drivers will be able to stow between 480 and 540 litres of stuff in the luggage compartment, depending on how many seats are in use.

Up front, the driver’s compartment should be familiar to anyone who has seen the new CLA. It will feature a 10.25-inch instrument display and two 14-inch screens acting as an infotainment system and a passenger entertainment unit. Admittedly, the passenger-side screen is an option, as is often the case with this type of screen, but it can display videos to keep the passenger from getting bored. Powering it all is Mercedes’ new MB.OS operating system, which can be updated over the air.

Many details remain to be confirmed and, unfortunately, Canadians interested in a new GLB will have to wait a long time, as our version isn’t expected to arrive for another year. When it reaches our shores at the end of 2026, it will be sold as a 2027 model year vehicle.