In the spring of 2026, Mercedes-Benz will officially launch the all-new GLB EV. As a "space benchmark" for luxury brands in the compact car market, the new vehicle directly targets the emerging electric vehicle market with its 800V high-voltage architecture, 631km WLTP range, and a rare 7-seat layout in its class. Currently, pre-orders are open in Germany, with a starting price of €59,048 (approximately RMB 450,000), and it is expected to become a focus for family users.
The new vehicle continues the GLB series' iconic "boxy" design language. The straight roofline and near-vertical rear window not only replicate the rugged SUV character but also lay the foundation for optimized interior space. The front features a star-studded grille exclusive to the EV version, with 94 chrome-plated LED stars surrounding the central illuminated logo, displaying a dynamic welcome animation when powered on, significantly improving nighttime visibility. The standard LED headlights across the entire range incorporate starburst elements, while the high-spec MULTIBEAM LED version automatically adjusts its beam pattern according to road conditions, offering 30% better penetration in rain and fog compared to the previous model.
The side profile features wide wheel arches and black protective strips to enhance its off-road style. The wheelbase has increased by 60 mm to 2889 mm, and combined with short front and rear overhangs, the visual proportions appear more elongated. Hidden power door handles automatically pop out when unlocking, reducing wind resistance and enhancing the sense of luxury. The rear features a continuous taillight design that echoes the front, with the internal star emblem illuminating synchronously when braking. It's worth noting that the hybrid and pure electric versions differ only in grille details; the hybrid uses the classic chrome star pattern to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences.
The interior features Mercedes-Benz's signature luxurious design. The optional MBUX Superscreen spans the entire center console, comprising a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster, a 14-inch central control screen, and a 14-inch passenger entertainment screen. These three screens are integrated with a single glass panel and a 2.5D curved surface, visually appearing to float in the center of the cockpit. The screens are rendered using the Unity game engine, offering 40% smoother operation than the previous model, and support custom folders and split-screen display.
The interior materials maintain a high standard: the center console uses a combination of soft-touch plastic and metal trim, while the door panels feature new diamond-stitched leather wrapping. The new three-spoke steering wheel returns to physical buttons, adding a volume wheel and DISTRONIC control lever, resolving the previous issue of accidental touches on touch buttons. 64-color ambient lighting can be synchronized with driving modes, and combined with the optional SKY CONTROL panoramic sunroof, 158 built-in starlight dots create an immersive starry sky cabin atmosphere at night.
Intelligent interaction is a core upgrade. The MBUX virtual assistant integrates ChatGPT4o and Google Gemini dual AI engines, supporting multi-turn dialogue and short-term memory functions. The voice command recognition accuracy rate exceeded 95% in real-world testing. For example, after asking "What restaurants nearby are suitable for a date?", the system could continue answering follow-up questions such as "What are their signature dishes?" based on real-time Google Maps data. The navigation system can plan charging routes in advance and automatically reserve parking spaces 15 minutes before arriving at charging stations.
Vehicle space remains a core advantage of the GLB. The new model offers 5-seater and 7-seater versions to adapt to diverse usage scenarios. In real-world testing, a 171cm tall person still had a fist's worth of legroom in the third row (with the second row moved forward slightly), an increase of 3cm compared to the previous generation, sufficient for short trips. The second-row seats support 140mm of fore-and-aft sliding and multi-position backrest adjustment, with a 9-degree hip angle optimization significantly improving long-distance comfort.
Storage design is equally outstanding: the front trunk, exclusive to the pure electric version, boasts a capacity of 127 liters, the largest in its class, capable of accommodating camping equipment or children's toys. In five-seat mode, the trunk capacity is 540 liters (enough for three 28-inch suitcases), and in seven-seat mode, it's 480 liters. Folding down the second and third rows completely expands the capacity to a maximum of 1715 liters, even enough to accommodate small furniture. Practical storage features include door panel slots that can hold five water bottles and a 20cm deep center console storage box.
The initial models offer two all-electric versions: the GLB 250+ and the GLB 350 4MATIC.
The GLB 250+ uses a rear-mounted 200kW permanent magnet synchronous motor, achieving a WLTP range of 631 kilometers, with over 90% achievable in urban commuting conditions.
The GLB 350 4MATIC adds an 80kW front-mounted motor to form a four-wheel drive system, with a combined power output of 260kW and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 5.8 seconds.
The 800V high-voltage architecture significantly improves charging efficiency: at a 320kW supercharging station, 260km of range can be replenished in 10 minutes, and a 20%-80% fast charge takes only 15 minutes. A DC converter is optional when using a 400V charging station. The vehicle comes standard with an 85kWh high-capacity battery, supports 22kW AC slow charging, and has reserved bidirectional charging functionality, enabling V2H vehicle-to-home power supply via OTA upgrades in the future.
The chassis tuning leans towards comfort, with standard adaptive damping suspension. Real-world testing showed thorough vibration filtering when driving over speed bumps, and excellent wind noise control at high speeds (only 52 decibels of interior noise at 60km/h). The 4MATIC model also features a TERRAIN mode and a "transparent hood" function, optimizing performance on unpaved roads.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLB EV, with its triple upgrades in "space + intelligence + charging," precisely targets the core needs of family users. The boxy design retains classic elements, while the 7-seat layout addresses the pain points of multi-person travel. The 800V high-voltage platform and dual AI navigation system fill the technological gaps in the electric vehicle era. Compared to emerging brands, it retains Mercedes-Benz's brand premium and luxurious feel; compared to its gasoline-powered competitors, its electric experience aligns better with future trends.
Based on pre-orders in the German market and its product performance, the new car is expected to continue the strong sales momentum of its gasoline-powered counterpart after its launch. For families who value brand, space, and practicality, this vehicle is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated luxury all-electric SUVs of 2026.
