But Stuttgart isn’t giving up on electric cars for the US market, as evidenced by next year’s arrival of a completely redesigned 2027 GLB compact crossover. It’ll come to the US in the second half of 2026 as an EV, but a hybrid variant will come later.
This confirms Mercedes’ move from using a dedicated platform for the EQE and EQS, which build on the Electric Vehicle Architecture, to the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (introduced with the new CLA), which can accommodate both EVs and hybrid internal combustion powertrains.
800 volt architecture for charging in 10 minutes
The new underpinnings include an 800-volt electrical architecture that Mercedes says can add a range of 160 miles (260 kilometers) to the new GLB in just 10 minutes (based on the WLTP test cycle). Assuming you can find a functional charging station that quickly. A DC converter is supplied as standard for connection to 400 volt DC fast chargers. The estimated range of up to 600 km is also based on WLTP, so the range in the US will be lower.
The GLB is the second smallest crossover in the Mercedes range, larger than the GLA but smaller than the GLC. And here’s a surprise: the current GLB (along with the 2027 model) offers an optional third row of seats, but the larger GLC does not.
Good luck using the 3rd row, parents
Based on the dimensions, the third row will be quite cramped, suitable only for the smallest children, with even less headroom in the third row (34.7 inches) than the current GLB. Still, Mercedes says the 2027 model will fit two child seats in the second row, and two in the third. Good luck to the parents wrestling the chairs into place and strapping the kids in.
But the other important dimensions reflect the growth from the current CAP to the new one. Overall, it’s almost 4 inches longer (to 186.3 inches) and over an inch wider (to 73.3 inches), and the wheelbase has been extended 2.4 inches (to 113.7 inches).
‘Radically redesigned’ cabin, with super screen
Headroom in the first and second rows increases by at least an inch, while legroom in the second row increases nearly 3 inches, which could explain the slight reduction in cargo capacity, especially when the third row is folded. What doesn’t fit behind the seats can be neatly stored in the frunk.
Stuttgart says the 2027 GLB will feature a “radically redesigned” ergonomic interior that is “modern architectural,” with the optional MBUX Superscreen. A panoramic roof is standard, but the Sky Control glass surface is optional and can switch from transparent to milky opaque in milliseconds, with 158 stars illuminated at night.
Mercedes’ updated charging technology could be a big win for its electric vehicles
Mercedes-Benz has struggled to get its electric vehicle game up to speed, but the brand’s latest developments should help it get back on track.
New 85 kWh Li-ion battery pack
The 2027 GLB will use a new 85 kWh (usable capacity) lithium-ion battery pack made of nickel-manganese-cobalt, which can charge up to 320 kW. Two models will be offered, both ‘with EQ technology’, each with a top speed limited to 210 km/h.
The GLB 250+ has a power of 268 hp and a torque of 247 Nm, good for reaching 100 km/h in a leisurely 7.3 seconds. This is the model with an estimated range of up to 630 km based on WLTP. The GLB 350 4Matic variant with all-wheel drive produces 349 hp and 380 Nm of torque (5.4 seconds in the sprint to 100 km/h), and the range is estimated at 600 kilometers based on WLTP.
Hybrid becomes fully electric in the city center
When the ‘high-tech’ hybrid comes to market, it will rely on 48-volt technology and an electric motor in the transmission that will enable all-electric driving at inner-city speeds. Visually, Mercedes says the AWD hybrid will look very similar to the EV.
It’s still too early for pricing on the 2027 GLB EVs, but the current 2026 GLB 250 starts at $45,050, including destination charges. Before the all-electric 2025 EQB left the market, the starting price was $53,050.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
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