Mercedes just turned the GLB into the no-compromise 7-seat compact EV

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the all-new 2027 GLB, and it’s more than just an update — it’s a full rethink of what a compact luxury SUV can be in the electric era. For the first time, the GLB arrives with full-electric and hybrid powertrains, pairing real-world versatility with long-distance EV capability, fast-charging tech, and a digital experience that pushes Mercedes firmly into its next chapter.

In short: this is a 7-seat compact SUV that finally doesn’t ask you to compromise — on space, range, performance, or technology.

A compact SUV built for real life — now electric

The GLB has always played a unique role in the Mercedes lineup, sitting between city-friendly dimensions and genuine family (or crew) usability. For 2027, Mercedes leans all the way into that identity.

Available as a five- or seven-seater, the new GLB offers generous interior space, improved second-row comfort, easier access to the third row, and flexible cargo capacity that rivals larger SUVs. The numbers back it up: up to 540 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,715 litres with seats folded — plus a 127-litre frunk, the largest in its model family.

Mercedes has also engineered the cabin for everyday reality, not just spec sheets. The GLB can now accommodate up to four child seats, an almost unheard-of feature in the compact luxury segment, making it as practical for weekday school runs as it is for weekend road trips.

Two electric variants, serious range, and a 10-minute flex

At launch, Mercedes is rolling out two all-electric models:

• GLB 250+ with EQ Technology (268 hp)
• GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology (349 hp)

The headline number? Up to 631 km of WLTP range on the GLB 250+, making it one of the longest-range compact electric SUVs in its class.

Equally important is how fast it charges. Thanks to an 800-volt architecture, the new GLB can add up to 260 km of range in just 10 minutes at compatible DC fast chargers, with peak charging speeds of up to 320 kW. That’s the kind of charging performance that shifts EV ownership from “planned” to genuinely spontaneous.

For drivers not ready to go fully electric, Mercedes has confirmed a 48-volt high-tech hybrid variant will also join the lineup, offering electric-only driving at urban speeds and energy recuperation for improved efficiency.

A luxury interior that finally feels next-gen

Inside, the 2027 GLB marks a major design and technology reset. The cabin adopts a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic, anchored by Mercedes’ most advanced digital system yet.

The optional MBUX Superscreen stretches across the dash with a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger display, all powered by the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). Over-the-air updates ensure the vehicle’s software, driver assistance systems, and digital features continue to evolve long after delivery.

At the centre of it all is the new MBUX Virtual Assistant, powered by AI from Microsoft and Google, capable of natural, multi-turn conversations — whether you’re asking about navigation, charging, or where to take a date nearby. It’s less “voice command” and more intelligent co-pilot.

Add in customizable ambient lighting, premium materials, and optional Burmester 3D surround sound with Dolby Atmos, and the GLB feels far more flagship than its compact footprint suggests.

No doubt, it’s a beauty, but as a long time GL series fan and former GLK owner, there’s something that doesn’t quite look right for me from the exterior, but that’s just me.

Electric, but still adventurous

The GLB 350 4MATIC proves electric doesn’t have to mean delicate. When traction is needed, the front motor engages almost instantly, supported by TERRAIN drive mode for dirt and gravel roads.

Mercedes also brings its clever “transparent hood” technology to the GLB, allowing drivers to virtually see beneath the vehicle using camera feeds — a feature that’s especially useful on uneven terrain or tight trails.

Even cold-weather performance gets a serious upgrade. An advanced heat pump system — adapted from Mercedes’ ultra-efficient VISION EQXX program — heats the cabin faster while using significantly less energy, preserving range in winter conditions.

A bolder look, unmistakably Mercedes

Visually, the new GLB leans into confident SUV proportions: a longer wheelbase, muscular shoulders, short overhangs, and a more upright stance. The standout design feature is the illuminated grille, featuring 94 animated LED star elements and a glowing central Mercedes emblem — a clear signal that this is part of the brand’s electric future.

A standard panoramic roof enhances the sense of space, while the optional SKY CONTROL panoramic roof adds a show-stopping touch, with switchable transparency and an illuminated starry-sky effect overhead.

The big picture

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB doesn’t chase extremes. Instead, it delivers something arguably more important: balance.

It’s electric without anxiety, spacious without excess, tech-forward without losing warmth, and premium without feeling untouchable. In a market crowded with EVs that either feel too small or too compromised, the new GLB lands squarely in the sweet spot.

For Mercedes — and for drivers looking for a luxury EV that actually works in everyday life — this is a big move.