Key highlights:
- The new GLB replaces the EQB nameplate with electric GLB variants
- Australian pricing starts at $65,400, down from $68,300
- Electric versions offer up to 570km of WLTP range
The second-generation 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB has arrived in Australia with a much bigger change than a routine facelift. Mercedes-Benz has also replaced the separate EQB electric nameplate with GLB variants, added mild-hybrid petrol powertrains and reshaped the range around four variants.
The new luxury compact SUV is now available to order and has reached Australian showrooms. The lineup starts at $65,400 with the GLB200 mild-hybrid and tops out at $86,200 for the GLB350 4Matic electric AWD variant, both before on-road costs.
The new GLB occupies a rare niche Down Under as a premium compact SUV that offers a three-row, 7-seat configuration, a feature most of its rivals, like the 5-seat BMW X1 / X2 and BMW iX1 electric, lack.
Pricing: Four variants, two powertrain choices
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB combines two 48V mild-hybrid petrol models with two electric versions.
The electric GLB250+ and GLB350 replace the EQB, the electric version of the previous-generation GLB.
| Variant | Price (before on-roads) |
|---|---|
| GLB200 MHEV FWD | $65,400 |
| GLB220 4Matic MHEV AWD | $76,100 |
| GLB250+ Electric RWD | $74,990 |
| GLB350 4Matic Electric AWD | $86,200 |
The new range also lowers the entry price; the outgoing GLB started at $68,300 plus on-road costs, while the new GLB200 starts at $65,400.
The electric range gets an even bigger price cut; the GLB250+ costs $74,990 before on-road costs, more than $15,000 less than the outgoing EQB.
The brand skipped the AMG GLB35 4Matic successor this time, as it prioritised the top-spec 2027 GLB350 4Matic electric for this generation.
Powertrains and performance
The new GLB shares Mercedes-Benz’s Modular Architecture (MMA) with the third-generation CLA range.
The petrol models use a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The electric models use an 85kWh usable nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery and an 800V electrical architecture.
| Specification | GLB200 | GLB220 4Matic | GLB250+ electric | GLB350 4Matic electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.5L turbo-petrol 4cyl 48V MHEV | 1.5L turbo-petrol 4cyl 48V MHEV | Single electric motor | Dual electric motors |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Engine output | 120kW / 250Nm | 140kW / 300Nm | – | – |
| Electric output | 22kW / 200Nm | 22kW / 200Nm | 200kW / 335Nm | 260kW / 515Nm |
| Battery | – | – | 85kWh NMC | 85kWh NMC |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch AT | 8-speed dual-clutch AT | 2-speed rear-axle AT | 2-speed rear-axle AT |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 8.7s | 7.5s | 7.4s | 5.5s |
| Range (WLTP) | – | – | 570km | 554km |
| Fuel consumption | TBC | TBC | – | – |
The GLB250+ EV uses one motor, while the GLB350 4Matic EV uses two, and the top-spec variant produces 260kW and 515Nm and can reach 100km/h in a claimed 5.5 seconds. Both electric models support DC fast charging at up to 320kW and AC charging at up to 22kW.
The GLB250+ EV delivers a claimed 570km of WLTP range, and the GLB350 4Matic EV manages 554km. All-wheel-drive variants also receive a dedicated Terrain mode.
Also read: Polestar 4 SUV lands in Australia with its rear window back
Bigger body, more cabin space
The new GLB has grown in almost every key dimension – the new GLB stretches 48mm longer and 27mm wider, and its wheelbase grows by 60mm, compared with its predecessor. It actually stands 14mm lower, at 1687mm.
| Length | 4732mm |
| Width | 1861mm |
| Height | 1687mm |
| Wheelbase | 2889mm |
| Cargo capacity | 480L (seats up) 1605L (rear seats folded) 127L (frunk; electric versions) |
The extra length also creates more headroom across the cabin, and the brand reports an additional 10mm in the third row, 64mm in the second row and 35mm in the first row.
Interior upgrades: More screens and physical controls
Mercedes-Benz equips every GLB with a panoramic glass roof, hands-free power tailgate, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 14-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The front seats also get heating, power adjustment and memory as standard.
The cabin still relies heavily on screens, but Mercedes-Benz has brought back physical steering-wheel controls – a rocker switch for cruise control and the speed limiter, along with a roller for audio-volume adjustment.
Buyers can add the optional MBUX Superscreen, which adds a 14-inch display for the front passenger.
The upgraded GLB runs the fourth generation of MBUX infotainment through Mercedes-Benz’s MB.OS operating system, and its virtual assistant uses generative AI powered by ChatGPT-4o, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini to answer queries while Google Maps handles navigation.
Electric versions also get intelligent journey planning that uses real-time information about the vehicle and route.
The base GLB200 comes standard with the following interior and technology equipment:
- 7-seat layout
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Proximity entry and start
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Head-up display
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- MBUX Virtual Assistant
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory
The GLB220, GLB250 and GLB350 come standard with the AMG Line package, which adds adaptive damping, Nappa leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, and light carbon-grain aluminium trim.
Exterior updates: Different lighting for petrol and electric models
Mercedes-Benz gives the petrol and electric GLBs distinct front-end lighting details – mild-hybrid models feature a chromed grille with the Mercedes-Benz star pattern and LED framing, while electric versions use 94 individually animated LED stars.
The GLB200 features 19-inch alloy wheels and the other three higher-spec trims sport 20-inch alloy wheels as part of the AMG Line Package.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot assist
- Emergency stop function
- Evasive steering
- Lane-keep assist
- Surround-view camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
The next-gen GLB has not yet received an ANCAP or Euro NCAP safety rating.
Options and packages
The AMG Line package costs $3200 on the GLB200 and comes standard on every other GLB variant. Every GLB can also receive the Premium Plus Package with Digital Extras for an additional $4000 and this adds:
- MBUX Superscreen with 14-inch passenger display
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- LED High Performance headlamps
- Rear light strip
- Burmester 3D sound system
- Ambient lighting
Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced service pricing for the new GLB, but the compact luxury SUV comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, and the EV battery has eight years or 160,000km of warranty.
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