It’s our job to observe BMW like a hawk and analyze its each transfer. Nevertheless, keeping track of the competitors is simply as vital, particularly when that rival wears a three-pointed star. Mercedes continues to roll out new fashions in speedy succession, debuting the second-generation GLB.
BMW’s nemesis is main with the electrical model, however don’t name it the EQB. The brand new mannequin adopts a revised naming technique by sharing its moniker with the combustion-engine variant. The GLB merely provides the “with EQ Expertise” suffix to differentiate it from the mild-hybrid mannequin. It additionally includes a closed-off grille lined in stars. The Mercedes brand even extends into the headlights and taillights, to not point out the glass roof, the place the celebrities mild up.
At 4732 millimeters (186.3 inches) lengthy, the brand new GLB is almost so long as the iX3, despite the fact that it theoretically competes with the iX1. Nevertheless, neither of BMW’s electrical SUVs gives a seven-seat possibility. As earlier than, the boxy crossover from Stuttgart supplies an elective third row, and people particular person seats are designed for adults, too. So long as you’re not taller than 1.71 meters (5′ 7″), you’ll have sufficient room within the again.
The 2026 GLB follows Mercedes’ newest design language, which debuted with the two Collection Gran Coupe-rivaling CLA earlier this yr. From the sunshine bars to the flush door handles, it ticks a number of bins of present automotive traits. It does have a extra commanding presence than its predecessor, however we’re not totally satisfied concerning the sheer variety of logos.
Inside, Mercedes additionally skips most typical buttons however takes a unique method in comparison with BMW. Three upright screens sit aspect by aspect, separated by thick bezels harking back to early smartphones. It’s a bit overwhelming however hardly stunning, provided that the brand new CLA makes use of the identical structure. The digital instrument cluster measures 10.3 inches, whereas the 2 touchscreens share a 14-inch diagonal.
On the coronary heart of the electrical GLB is an 85-kWh battery feeding both one or two motors. The entry-level GLB 250+ with EQ Expertise makes 268 hp and 335 Nm (247 lb-ft). The GLB 350 4Matic with EQ Expertise will increase output to a mixed 349 hp and 515 Nm (380 lb-ft). The latter provides a entrance motor for all-wheel drive.
Mercedes estimates that the single-motor RWD model takes 7.3 seconds to succeed in 60 mph. Upgrading to the dual-motor 4Matic mannequin cuts the time to five.4 seconds. No matter configuration, Mercedes caps the highest velocity at 130 mph.
If vary is your main concern, the bottom mannequin is barely extra environment friendly. Mercedes charges it at as much as 392 miles (631 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle, whereas the extra highly effective model manages 382 miles (614 km). EPA figures haven’t been launched but, however they’ll undoubtedly be decrease in each circumstances.
Just like the iX3, the brand new GLB adopts 800-volt tech. Extremely-fast charging at as much as 320 kW lets you add 162 miles (260 km) of vary in simply 10 minutes. For comparability, the iX3 can cost at as much as 400 kW and get well 231 miles (372 kilometers) in the identical time.
Early adopters in Germany can already order one. Mercedes asks €59,048 for the GLB 250+ with EQ Expertise, whereas the GLB 350 4Matic begins at €62,178. These costs place the electrical GLB properly above the €48,800 iX1 and never removed from the €68,900 iX3.
If you’d like a three-row electrical SUV from BMW, you’ll possible have to attend till 2027 for the iX7. That luxobarge will compete in a number of segments increased, and there’s nonetheless no indication that BMW plans to supply a smaller EV with greater than 5 seats. Mercedes will increase the GLB’s lineup subsequent yr with a less expensive electrical variant and a mild-hybrid gasoline mannequin.
