Mercedes-Benz Unveils the 2027 GLB: Advanced Electric and Hybrid Powertrains in a Spacious Package

The compact luxury SUV segment welcomes a fresh chapter with the all-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB. Reimagined from the ground up, this latest generation balances striking design with everyday practicality. Available in both all-electric and advanced hybrid configurations, the new GLB addresses the diverse mobility needs of Canadian families while maintaining the refinement and technological sophistication expected from the three-pointed star.

What sets the 2027 GLB apart is its ability to adapt effortlessly to real-world demands. With seating for up to seven passengers, a radically redesigned interior featuring the optional MBUX Superscreen, and a choice between advanced electric powertrains or an intelligent 48-volt hybrid system, this compact SUV proves that versatility and capability need not compromise luxury or innovation.

Powertrain Options: Electric Performance and Hybrid Intelligence

The 2027 GLB arrives with a dual-powertrain strategy designed to meet varying driver preferences and regional infrastructure realities.

All-Electric Models:

At launch, the electric GLB portfolio features two options. The GLB 250+ with EQ Technology delivers 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, offering an electric range of up to 631 kilometres on a single charge. This rear-wheel-drive configuration prioritizes efficiency while maintaining engaging driving dynamics through its permanently excited synchronous motor positioned on the rear axle for optimal traction.

For drivers seeking enhanced performance and all-weather confidence, the GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology produces 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. This all-wheel-drive variant features a 107-hp front electric motor that engages instantly when additional power or traction is required, thanks to an innovative Disconnect Unit that can decouple the front motor under low-load conditions to maximize efficiency and range.

Both electric models feature an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery with advanced nickel manganese cobalt cell chemistry. The 800-volt architecture enables remarkably fast charging - adding up to 260 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes at compatible DC fast-charging stations, with peak charging capacity reaching 320 kW. A standard DC converter ensures compatibility with conventional 400-volt charging infrastructure as well.

Advanced Hybrid Powertrain:

The GLB will also be available with a sophisticated 48-volt hybrid system featuring a newly developed 1.5 L four-cylinder engine from Mercedes-Benz's Family of Modular Engines (FAME). This state-of-the-art combustion engine utilizes a Miller cycle combustion process with a compression ratio of 12:1, optimizing efficiency particularly during the partial-load conditions common in everyday driving.

The hybrid system integrates an electric motor directly into a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT), creating a highly compact and efficient powertrain. The electric motor provides intelligent support across all driving speeds, enabling pure electric driving at city speeds when less than 27 hp is required for propulsion. Electric gliding is possible up to approximately 100 km/h, while recuperation can recover up to 25 kW of energy across all eight gears.

A newly developed 48-volt lithium-ion battery with up to 1.3 kWh usable capacity powers the system. Initially available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the hybrid GLB delivers smooth transitions between electric and combustion power.

Design Evolution: Striking Presence with Functional Purpose

The 2027 GLB's exterior design balances bold SUV character with refined sophistication.

Exterior Highlights:

Powerful SUV proportions define the new GLB's profile, with an upright front end, steep windshield, and short overhangs creating a commanding stance. The wheelbase has increased by 60 mm to 2,889 mm compared to its predecessor, contributing to both improved interior space and a more confident road presence. Overall length has grown to 4,732 mm, while width expands to 1,861 mm.

The iconic radiator grille features 94 individually animated LED chrome-effect stars surrounding an illuminated central Mercedes-Benz star, creating a distinctive brand signature that welcomes and bids farewell to owners with various lighting animations. Wheel arch surrounds and visual underride guards at the front and rear emphasize the vehicle's rugged capability.

Standard high-performance LED headlights feature the Mercedes-Benz star as a chrome-plated design element and connect via a light band for a modern appearance. The optional MULTIBEAM LED system incorporates daytime running lights shaped as the three-pointed star. At the rear, star-design taillights connect through a fully illuminated element that emphasizes the vehicle's width.

Aerodynamic excellence contributes directly to efficiency. The new GLB achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28 despite a slightly larger frontal area of 2.6 m², actually reducing overall air resistance compared to the previous generation.

Interior Transformation:

The cabin focuses on a few iconic high-tech elements executed with quality. The optional floating MBUX Superscreen extends across the entire dashboard width, integrating a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch central display, and 14-inch front passenger display beneath a glass surface.

Models without the MBUX Superscreen feature round climate control air vents at each end with outer rings finished in Silver Shadow. The center nozzle with flat central vent replaces traditional louvers for a clean aesthetic.

The sporty, floating, high-positioned center console features a large three-dimensional trim element available in various finishes including open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, anodized-look coating, and natural fibre. This element integrates cupholders and a smartphone storage compartment with optional wireless charging.

The redesigned steering wheel prioritizes ergonomics. Responding to customer feedback, Mercedes-Benz has reintroduced a rocker switch for Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC along with a roller for volume control.

Material and colour selections include new Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic paint options, plus a new upholstery fabric with pearl effect in Black/Clean White Pearl.

Space and Versatility: Genuine Seven-Passenger Capability

One of the most notable aspects of the 2027 GLB is its ability to accommodate up to seven passengers within a compact footprint - a rare capability in this segment.

Passenger Accommodation:

The standard configuration seats five, with an optional third row featuring two individual seats designed to comfortably accommodate occupants up to 5'5" tall. Few vehicles in this class can accommodate more than two child seats in the rear, yet the new GLB can fit up to four child seats across the second and third rows.

The extended wheelbase delivers tangible benefits for second-row passengers, who enjoy up to 68 mm of additional legroom compared to the previous generation. Seat comfort has been noticeably improved with longer thigh support, while the redesigned roofline and standard panoramic glass roof contribute to improved headroom. Maximum headroom for the driver and front passenger has increased by 35 mm, while second-row occupants gain 64 mm of additional space.

An optional sliding adjustable second-row seat is available for five-seat models and included with the optional third-row seating. This feature allows the second row to move 140 mm, with backrests that recline in several stages.

Cargo Flexibility:

The trunk offers up to 540 litres of cargo capacity in seven-seat configuration, or 480 litres with the optional third row installed. With rear seats folded down, capacity expands to 1,715 litres (1,605 litres with third-row seating option). The second-row seat backrests fold in a practical 40/20/40 configuration as standard.

The electric GLB also features the largest frunk in the new model family at 127 litres, providing additional secure storage for charging cables, valuables, or everyday items.

Technology and Connectivity: The Future of In-Car Experience

The 2027 GLB operates entirely on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), developed in-house and enhanced with artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google.

Fourth-Generation MBUX:

The fourth-generation MBUX is the first in-car infotainment system to integrate AI agents from multiple sources into a unified experience. The new MBUX Virtual Assistant, powered by generative AI based on ChatGPT4o and Microsoft Bing Search, revolutionizes the relationship between vehicle and driver. It enables complex, multi-turn conversations with short-term memory, functioning more like a knowledgeable companion than a simple command interface.

Thanks to Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent, the virtual assistant excels at navigation-related questions, accessing information from the Google Maps platform to provide detailed, personalized answers about routes and points of interest.

The optional MBUX Superscreen is powered by state-of-the-art high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine. The new control and display concept tailors itself to individual preferences, with the evolved MBUX Zero Layer showing the most relevant information, suggestions, and most recently used apps.

Intelligent Navigation:

The navigation experience is based on Google Maps, developed through the partnership between Google and Mercedes-Benz. Digital Extra: MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route for electric models, including optimal charging stops based on numerous real-time factors.

MBUX Surround Navigation combines the driver assistance view with a 3D representation of the vehicle's surroundings and route guidance in real-time on the driver display.

Over-the-Air Updates:

Every GLB is equipped with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, enabling regular over-the-air updates for the most important vehicle functions including advanced driver assistance systems.

Advanced Driver Assistance: Confidence and Convenience

The all-new GLB features MB.DRIVE advanced driver assistance systems as standard, supported by eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance supercomputer.

Standard Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC helps maintain a preset distance to the vehicle ahead. Available Digital Extras expand capabilities:

• Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE ASSIST - elevates the standard system with Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist
• Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS - builds upon the MB.DRIVE ASSIST package with market-specific advanced assistance functions including Stop Sign and Traffic Light recognition
• Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST - identifies parking spaces more quickly on both sides of the vehicle, handling various parking space types including line slots, curb slots, garages, and more
• Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 - adds a 360-degree camera for improved surround view displays and enables the "transparent hood" function on 4MATIC models

The innovative VISION CONTROL windshield wiper system comes standard, spraying water directly in front of the rubber blade as required rather than obscuring the driver's view with sudden bursts.

Safety: Comprehensive Protection Philosophy

The 2027 GLB has been developed from the ground up with state-of-the-art safety features. The bodyshell offers enhanced protection in side impacts through a compact honeycomb structure built into the side skirts to better absorb energy.

For the first time, the GLB is equipped with a centre airbag as standard. In the event of a severe side impact, this airbag deploys between the driver and front passenger. Another new feature is knee airbags for both the driver and front passenger. Extensive safety features for rear occupants include adjustable headrests and seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters on all outer seats.

Capability for Adventure: 4MATIC and Terrain Features

The GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology demonstrates genuine off-pavement capability through its intelligent all-wheel-drive system and dedicated features.

The Disconnect Unit (DCU) instantly engages the front drive unit when corresponding power or traction is required. For greater efficiency during normal driving, the DCU can decouple the front electric motor under low load, reducing front axle losses by up to 90% and maximizing electric range.

4MATIC models feature the TERRAIN drive program specifically designed for dirt or gravel roads, automatically adjusting the characteristics of the drivetrain, steering, and brakes for optimal performance on loose surfaces. The "transparent hood" function, available in conjunction with optional Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360, provides a virtual view underneath the vehicle by combining images from the front camera and exterior mirror cameras.

The suspension system features a newly developed multi-link rear suspension design used on higher model classes such as the E-Class and S-Class. In combination with optional 20-inch wheels, the GLB comes available with suspension featuring adaptive adjustable damping. Drivers can use DYNAMIC SELECT to change damping characteristics instantly, choosing between Comfort mode with more compliant characteristics or Sport mode for a firmer, more controlled setup.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Experience the Future of Versatile Luxury

The all-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB addresses the real-world needs of Canadian families without compromising the refinement and technological sophistication that define the brand. Whether you're drawn to the electric range and rapid charging capability of the all-electric models, or prefer the flexibility of the advanced 48-volt hybrid powertrain, the GLB delivers genuine seven-passenger capability wrapped in striking design and advanced connectivity.

Visit our team at Mercedes-Benz Rive-Sud to explore how the all-new 2027 GLB can adapt to your lifestyle and mobility needs.