Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the 2026 GLB, introducing a new design, increased space, advanced technology and for the first time, a choice between petrol-hybrid and full-electric option under the same model banner.
Australian pricing and detailed specifications will be announced closer to the SUV’s local arrival in the second half of 2026.
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Performance and powertrains
The hybrid GLB is powered by a new four-cylinder 1.5L turbo petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and 1.3kWh battery. While final GLB outputs are yet to be confirmed, the same engine in the CLA sedan produces between 100kW/200Nm and 140kW/300Nm, with frugal fuel use of 4.9–5.3L/100km.
The hybrid drivetrain connects to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission incorporating a 22kW/200Nm electric motor, assisting with improved efficiency.
Electric variants sit on an 800-volt platform with an 85kWh battery and a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 631km, depending on variant. Fast-charging capability of up to 320kW allows up to 260km of range added in 10 minutes of fast charging, along with newly supported vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid power export.
Two electric models have been confirmed globally:
| Specifications | GLB250 + | GLB 350 4MATIC |
| Battery Capacity | 85kWh | 85kWh |
| Power | 200kW | 260kW |
| Torque | 335Nm | 515Nm |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Range (WLTP) | 631km | 614km |
All versions of the new GLB, hybrid or electric can be selected with two- or four-wheel drive and either five or seven seats.
Dimensions and design highlights
The 2026 GLB grows by 98mm in length and 27mm in width, with a wheelbase stretch of 60mm for improved cabin space. Boot and seating capacity figures stand at:
| Seating | Boot space(seats up) | Boot space(seats down) |
| 5 | 540L | 1715L |
| 7 | 480L | 1605L |
Design features include:
- New LED lighting front and rear
- A full-width bonnet LED “monobrow”
- Star-pattern exterior detailing
- Standard panoramic roof with optional variable-opacity shading
- Available in AMG-Line or Progressive-Line styling
- Standard 20-inch alloy wheels
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Interior and safety
Inside, Mercedes introduces its latest MB-OS infotainment suite across a trio of displays:
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14-inch central touchscreen
- 14-inch passenger display (optional)
A more advanced built-in virtual assistant and app ecosystem to expand onboard entertainment options, while the tall body offers headroom suited to taller passengers across all rows.
Driver-assistance upgrades include a network of:
- 8 cameras
- 5 radars
- 12 ultrasonic sensors
All connected to a new water-cooled computing unit intended to improve system responsiveness and active-safety capability.
Market positioning
With the new-generation GLB, Mercedes-Benz is consolidating its compact SUV line-up by absorbing the EQB nameplate into a single, more versatile family. It will sit between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC in the local range, remains one of the limited number of models in this class with a 7-seat option.
The addition of long-range electric power and efficient hybrid options aims to widen its powertrain coverage in the segment against rivals such as the BMW iX1/X3, Audi Q4/Q5, and Lexus NX. Local pricing and trim grades will be confirmed closer to its scheduled Australian launch in the second half of 2026.
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