2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB First Look: Transforming a Compact Sedan into a Seven-Seat SUV

Mercedes’ second-smallest SUV is back for 2027, and while it may look familiar, it’s an all-new model that shares nearly everything with the latest CLA sedan. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB will be offered as both a hybrid and an all-electric vehicle when it goes on sale in the U.S. in late 2026.

New Platform, New Car

The all-new GLB is the second model built on Mercedes’ Modular Architecture (MMA), following the recently redesigned CLA. Essentially, the GLB and CLA share the same underpinnings, but in two distinct body styles. Like the CLA, the GLB will be available with the same hybrid and all-electric powertrains, as well as front-, rear-, or all-wheel-drive configurations depending on the chosen setup.

Just like the CLA, the GLB EV (formerly known as the EQB) will launch first as the rear-wheel-drive GLB250+ with EQ Technology and the all-wheel-drive GLB350 4Matic with EQ Technology. The base rear-drive model produces 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, paired with a two-speed automatic transmission designed for quick off-the-line acceleration and efficient cruising. The all-wheel-drive version adds a 107-hp front motor and slightly reduces the rear motor to 242 hp, giving a combined output of 349 hp and 380 lb-ft. The front motor engages only when extra traction or performance is needed.

Mercedes says the base GLB EV will reach 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model should do it in 5.4 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz estimates the GLB EV will achieve between 323 and 392 miles on a full charge of its 85-kWh battery, though that range is based on the WLTP test cycle, so U.S. figures may be slightly lower. The 800-volt battery can charge at up to 320 kW on compatible chargers, adding 162 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Unlike the CLA, the GLB includes a built-in DC converter, enabling it to charge on older 400-volt chargers without an adapter. The charging port uses the Tesla-designed NACS standard, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers, and a separate adapter ensures compatibility with CCS-type chargers.

Hybrid Comes Later

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB will follow a rollout schedule similar to the CLA, with the hybrid model arriving a few months after the EV reaches dealerships. Mercedes hasn’t released official details yet, but we can make some educated guesses

It’s likely to use the same drivetrain as the CLA Hybrid: a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four running the efficient Miller combustion cycle, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 30-hp electric motor integrated into the gearbox. This setup produces 208 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, getting the smaller sedan to 60 mph in an estimated 7.1 seconds. An additional clutch in the transmission allows the engine to disconnect for coasting or all-electric driving.

Gears can be shifted manually using the column shifter—pushing toward the dash for an upshift and pulling back toward the steering wheel for a downshift.

Mercedes confirms the GLB Hybrid will be offered in both front-wheel drive and 4Matic all-wheel drive. In the all-wheel-drive version, the rear axle can disconnect when extra traction or performance isn’t needed, with up to 40 percent of the power sent to the rear wheels as required.

All Road Ready-ish

All-wheel-drive 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB models will feature a special Terrain driving mode to optimize traction on loose or uneven surfaces. When equipped with the optional 360-degree camera, drivers can also take advantage of the “transparent hood” feature, which uses the center display to show what’s directly beneath the front of the vehicle.

Adaptive dampers are available as an option but require the 20-inch wheel package. Standard wheel sizes include 18- and 19-inch options for those who don’t select the larger wheels.

Similar on the Inside, Too

The GLB and CLA aren’t just mechanically related—they’re also remarkably similar inside. The GLB features the same large, upright dashboard as the CLA, including a standard 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14.0-inch center infotainment display. The optional Mercedes “Super Screen” is also available, adding a 14.0-inch passenger display that automatically turns off if the driver looks at it for more than 1.3 seconds while the vehicle is in motion.

Occupants can now interact with the MBUX Virtual Assistant using natural, conversational language thanks to its AI programming, which includes short-term memory. This allows you to ask it to locate a charger or find a restaurant with specific menu items without navigating a complex command tree. The navigation system integrates Google Maps and handles EV route and charging planning in the cloud.

The boxy GLB also offers significantly more passenger space than the sleek CLA. A 2.4-inch-longer wheelbase boosts legroom in both the first and second rows, while a standard panoramic sunroof adds extra headroom. Opting for the Sky Control version of the sunroof lets you switch the glass from clear to opaque in under a second with the push of a button. At night, 158 three-pointed stars embedded in the glass illuminate, creating a striking effect.

As before, the GLB will offer a third row for those who want a seven-seat configuration instead of five. The second-row seats now slide farther forward, making it easier to access the back row. An average-height adult can technically fit in the third row if they slouch and keep their legs still, but it’s best suited for children.

Cargo space in the GLB EV measures 19.1 cubic feet with five seats and 17 cubic feet when the third row is installed but folded. With the third row up, exact capacity hasn’t been listed, though only a large duffel bag is likely to fit. The EV also features a 4.5-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk), which is larger than the one in a Tesla Model Y. Hybrid cargo space should be similar—minus the frunk—but official specifications have not yet been released.

Pricing to Come

With the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB still over a year away from U.S. release, Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced pricing. Based on the company’s history of relatively consistent pricing, we expect only a modest increase for the new model. This would likely put the GLB EV (formerly the EQB) starting around $55,000, while the GLB Hybrid could begin at approximately $48,000.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Specifications