Arriving first will be the GLB with EQ Technology, which is the official name for the electric version. The GLB 250+ features an 85kWh battery that offers up to 392 miles of range and a 268bhp electric motor with a two-speed transmission – an uncommon feature for electric cars – which helps boost efficiency and provides punchy acceleration, both around town and on long motorway journeys.
Meanwhile, an 800-volt electrical architecture means the GLB with EQ Technology can charge at up to 320kW – nearly three times the speed the Mercedes EQB this car replaces was capable of – and add more than 160 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
The GLB 350 4Matic uses the same battery but adds an additional e-motor on the front axle for all-wheel drive. This also slashes the seven-seater’s 0-62mph time by nearly two seconds, from 7.4 seconds to 5.5 seconds.
When extra traction isn’t required, the front e-motor is disconnected to increase efficiency, which allows this more potent dual-motor model to still offer up to 381 miles of range.
The electric GLB has a towing capacity of up to two tonnes, so can haul large caravans, or you can use the towbar to carry up to 100kg worth of e-bikes or other outdoor gear.
More variants of the EV will follow, along with hybrids. These will use the new, highly compact 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from the CLA, linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that has an e-motor built in. This means the car can go around town on battery alone, and cruise with the engine off at motorway speeds. Three power outputs will be available, with either front or all-wheel-drive, too.
The new Mercedes GLB is on sale now in Germany, but it won’t be arriving in UK showrooms until early 2026. We expect prices to start from between £40,000 to £45,000 for the hybrid version, while the electric GLB with EQ Technology is likely to cost around £50,000.
Get the latest and best car news and reviews, first! Follow Auto Express on Google today
