2026 Mercedes GLB Premiere Review: Electric vs Combustion
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB has now been revealed in both combustion engine and fully electric versions. This new generation brings major changes in design, technology and practicality. Below is a simple, well-organised breakdown of everything you need to know, including real-world usable details.
Mercedes-Benz GLB Versions Explained
You can buy the new GLB in two main powertrain options:
Combustion engine version
Petrol mild-hybrid engines
Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
All-electric version
Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Two battery choices
Both versions are available with:
Progressive Line
AMG Line
Exterior Design Differences
AMG Line Exterior Highlights
Sportier lower bumper
More black accents
Painted wheel arches
Special AMG wheels up to 20-inch
Spider-style wheel design on AMG Line Plus
Progressive Line Exterior Highlights
More chrome accents
Less black trim
Cleaner, premium look
Key EV vs Combustion Visual Differences
| Feature | Electric GLB | Combustion GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Front Grille | Closed grille | Open grille with cooling vents |
| Lighting | Illuminated Mercedes stars | Chrome stars in grille |
| Cooling Requirement | Not needed | Active cooling required |
Dimensions and Platform
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 4.73 metres (186 inches) |
| Platform | Same as Mercedes CLA |
| Wheel Options | 18 to 20 inches |
Despite similar length to the GLC, the GLB offers more cabin space due to its upright SUV shape.
Electric Mercedes GLB Technical Details
Battery Options
48 kWh battery
85 kWh battery
Electric Variants
| Variant | Drivetrain | 0-100 km/h |
|---|---|---|
| GLB 250+ | Rear-wheel drive | 7.4 seconds |
| GLB 350 | All-wheel drive | 5.5 seconds |
Charging Performance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| DC Fast Charging (Big Battery) | Up to 320 kW |
| DC Fast Charging (Small Battery) | Up to 200 kW |
| 10% to 80% Charging Time | 20 to 22 minutes |
| AC Charging | 11 kW standard, 20 kW optional |
| Architecture | 800V system with optional 400V compatibility |
Real-World Range (Expected)
| Driving Condition | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Official WLTP | 631 km |
| Realistic highway range | Around 400 km (250 miles) |
Combustion Engine GLB Details
Engine Specifications
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L 4-cylinder mild hybrid |
| Power Output | Up to 211 hp |
| Expected 0-100 km/h | Under 8 seconds |
Drive Options
Standard front-wheel drive
Optional all-wheel drive
Suspension and Ride Comfort
Important comfort detail for buyers:
Adaptive suspension is exclusive to the GLB
Only available with 20-inch wheels
Not offered with 18 or 19-inch wheels
Base steel suspension is already well-balanced
This makes the 20-inch wheel variants more comfortable than expected due to adaptive damping.
Interior Overview
Dashboard and Screens
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Digital instrument cluster | Standard |
| Central touchscreen | Standard |
| Passenger display | Optional |
Seating Options
| Seat Type | Material |
|---|---|
| Base seats | Fabric + leatherette |
| Progressive seats | Artico artificial leather |
| Sport seats (AMG Line) | Microfiber + leatherette |
| Optional | Real animal leather |
Comfort Observations
More upright seating than CLA
Better lower back comfort
More legroom than sedan-style models
Headroom remains good even for tall adults
Infotainment and Controls
Key technology points:
Physical roller and rocker switches on steering
Voice and touch climate control
Apple Maps, Waze and Google Maps support
Head-up display option
Charging and Power:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| USB-C ports | 2 front + 2 rear |
| Max charging power | 100W single / 120W total |
| Wireless charging | Cooled inductive pad |
Rear Seat Space
Five-Seater Version
Highlights:
Sliding rear bench optional
Adjustable backrest angles
Flat floor for EV and combustion models
Legroom for tall adults remains comfortable.
Boot Space and Practicality
Boot Capacity
| Configuration | Boot Volume |
|---|---|
| 5-seater | 480 litres |
| 7-seater | 480 litres with third row up |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 2 tonnes |
Boot Dimensions
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Width | 1 metre (40 inches) |
| Length | 95 cm (37 inches) |
| Height | 73 cm (29 inches) |
| Max load length | 180 cm (71 inches) |
Seven-Seater Version Explained
Key points:
Suitable mainly for children
ISOFIX available in third row
Easier entry thanks to improved sliding mechanism
Not ideal for tall adults in last row
Frunk Comparison
| Model | Under-Bonnet Storage |
|---|---|
| Electric GLB | Large usable frunk (fits cabin trolley or skis) |
| Petrol GLB | Traditional engine compartment |
Pricing Overview
Starting Prices (Europe)
| Version | Approx Price |
|---|---|
| Electric GLB | From €59,000 |
| Fully loaded EV | Near €80,000 |
| Combustion GLB | €4,000 to €8,000 cheaper than EV |
Pricing varies by country due to tax policies. In some markets, EV versions can be cheaper in real-world ownership due to incentives.
Real-World Verdict
What works well:
Upright SUV seating improves comfort compared to CLA
Very spacious cabin for its size
Excellent tech features
Large frunk in EV version
Better third-row access than before
What could be better:
Seating depth could be improved
Some infotainment menus feel complicated
Adaptive suspension limited only to 20-inch wheels
Final Thoughts
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB stands out as a practical family SUV that blends electric and combustion options well. It feels more usable inside than the GLC despite similar size and offers better everyday comfort than the CLA thanks to its upright seating.
It is well suited for:
Families needing space
Buyers wanting both EV and petrol choices
Users who want seven seats mainly for children
Design-wise, the front split lighting works better on the GLB than on the CLA due to its boxier stance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mercedes-Benz GLB
What versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLB are available?
The GLB is available in both a combustion engine version and an all-electric version. You can choose between Progressive and AMG line trims for either version, with options for 5-seater or 7-seater layouts.
What are the main exterior differences between the AMG line and Progressive line?
The AMG line features sportier black accents, a unique grille, and larger 20-inch wheels in spider-style design. The Progressive line emphasizes chrome accents and a slightly more understated look. Both trims have multi-beam LED headlight options.
What are the performance specifications of the electric GLB?
The electric GLB offers a rear-wheel drive GLB 250+ with 7.4 seconds to 100 km/h and an all-wheel drive GLB 350 with 5.5 seconds acceleration. Battery options include 48 kWh and 85 kWh, with fast charging from 10% to 80% in about 22 minutes using 320 kW peak power for the large battery.
What are the performance specifications of the combustion engine GLB?
The GLB 220 with AMG line comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid engine producing 211 horsepower. It can accelerate to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds and offers front-wheel drive or on-demand all-wheel drive options.
How practical is the interior space of the GLB?
The GLB offers an upright seating position for enhanced comfort, especially compared to the CLA sedan. The five-seater version has 540 liters of boot space, while the seven-seater offers 480 liters. Rear seats are adjustable with sliding benches, and the third row is suitable for children.
What are the interior features and options?
The GLB interior shares elements with the CLA, including central and optional passenger screens, turbine-style air vents with ambient lighting, and a multi-functional steering wheel. Optional features include panoramic glass roof, digital shades with star patterns, adaptive suspension, and Burmester sound system.
What is the towing capacity of the GLB?
The GLB can tow up to 2 tons, and an optional drawbar allows carrying items like electric bikes. The boot is well designed for cargo with practical height, width, and side entry access.
What is the starting price of the GLB?
The all-electric version starts at around 59,000 euros, reaching close to 80,000 euros with full options and 20-inch wheels. The combustion engine model is typically 4,000 to 8,000 euros less depending on the market and taxation rules.
Which version is more comfortable, electric or combustion?
Both versions share similar seating and interior comfort. The upright seating position in the GLB offers more legroom and reduces pressure on the seat bone compared to the CLA, making it a practical family car for either choice.
