The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class was designed to bridge a gap in the automaker’s product line and luxury SUV market as a whole. Although the subcompact GLA served as the entry point, its smaller cabin could feel cramped over time for growing families.
Meanwhile, the popular GLC (a Mercedes-Benz bestseller) had historically been defined by its exterior curves and rear-wheel drive proportions. However, those sleeker lines often come at the expense of vertical storage and cargo flexibility.
To solve this, Mercedes looked to its iconic G-Wagon for inspiration, designing the GLB with an upright, boxy profile. By utilizing a space-efficient platform and a squared-off roofline, the GLB provides more maximum cargo volume and more headroom than the larger, more expensive GLC. This design philosophy transforms the all-new 2027 GLB into a multi-tool on wheels: a vehicle that’s easy to park with an optional third row for seven at a lower starting price.
- Base Trim Engine
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1.5-liter Four-cylinder Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed Dual-clutch Transmission
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
Hybrid and electrified powertrains
Formula 1 technology and innovations
The latest GLB utilizes the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). As an “electric-first” platform, it allows the chassis to be configured for either an 800-volt EV battery pack or a hybrid powertrain. The MMA design is also the secret to the GLB’s right-sized proportions, enabling it to house a battery or a hybrid engine while still offering enough cabin length for its signature third-row seating.
For the 2027 model year, there are two versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLB: a hybrid and an all-electric model.
The hybrid variant features a new 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder from the Mercedes-Benz FAME, or Family of Modular Engines lineup. Paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the small turbo engine uses a combustion process based on the Miller cycle to maximize efficiency. By closing the intake valves relatively early, the engine reduces “throttling losses” and allows a higher compression ratio of 12:1. According to Mercedes-Benz, this reduces fuel consumption and emissions, especially under the load demands common in city traffic.
Among the key features of the 1.5-liter engine is something called NANOSLIDE on the cylinder walls.
Originally developed for the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 team, NANOSLIDE replaces the cast-iron cylinder liners with a thinner, iron-carbon coating. Using a twin-wire arc spray process, the coating is melted onto the aluminum cylinder surfaces and then honed to a mirror-like finish. That surface contains microscopic pores that retain oil more effectively, reducing internal friction by up to 50% for increased engine response.
The all-electric GLB models rely on an 800-volt architecture that supports DC fast charging up to 320 kW, adding roughly 160 miles of range in about 10 minutes. Here is how the all-electric GLB model range looks for 2027:
- GLB 250+: Long-range, single-motor model producing 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft. of torque.
- GLB 350 4MATIC: Dual-motor version with all-wheel drive and 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque.
Interior features and cargo space
Longer wheelbase provides more room
The GLB comes standard with seating for five, but an optional third row increases that seating capacity to seven. Taller passengers and grown adults might feel crunched in the third row, but it’s ideal for kids and their friends. Meanwhile, the second-row seats slide up to 5.5 inches to balance between legroom and cargo space as needed.
For the 2027 model, Mercedes has swapped traditional leather for sustainable textiles. Comfort seats feature ARTICO leather with three-dimensional embossing, while the AMG Line uses microfiber made from 65% recycled materials. This interior is further enhanced by the available Burmester 3D audio system with Dolby Atmos and the Sky Control panoramic roof, which features 158 illuminated stars integrated into the glass.
The 2027 GLB is also 3.9 inches longer than its predecessor, with a wheelbase grown by 2.4 inches. Second-row passengers now have up to 39.7 inches of legroom, an improvement of 2.7 inches over the previous GLB. In the front, the driver and passenger have 41.4 inches of legroom.
While the third row is best suited for children or shorter adults, the upright, boxy roofline provides 34.7 inches of headroom in the very back. In terms of cargo space, the 2027 GLB offers:
Cargo Capacity (Seats Up):
- Five-seater: 19.1 cubic feet.
- Seven-seater: 17 cubic feet.
Cargo Capacity (Seats Folded):
- Five-seater: 60.6 cubic feet.
- Seven-seater: 56.7 cubic feet
- What’s Included
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Windshield Mount
- Radar Band Detection
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X, K, Ka
The Uniden R8 is a dual-antenna radar detector with directional arrows, known for its long-range detection and false alert filtering capabilities. Comes preloaded with red light and speed camera locations and supports firmware updates for ongoing performance enhancements.
Next-generation software: MB.OS and AI
YouTube, Disney+, and Sony’s RIDEVU
The 2027 GLB uses the MB.OS system (or the Mercedes-Benz operating system) to power the updated MBUX Virtual Assistant. Using Generative AI, it can now field more complex queries and conversations and remember specific contexts. For example, if you ask for nearby coffee shops and then ask, “Which ones have a drive-thru?” the system knows you are still referring to your original query.
While current GLB models use dual 10.25-inch screens, the 2027 GLB offers an optional MBUX Superscreen, placing three distinct displays behind a single pane of glass spanning the dashboard. Among those displays is a dedicated 14-inch display for the front passenger. On longer trips, the front passenger can use apps like YouTube, Disney+, and Sony’s RIDEVU to access a full library of content from Pixar, Marvel, and more.
Google Maps integration syncs with the GLB’s safety systems to slow the SUV as it approaches turns. The updated safety suite (MB.DRIVE) uses a network of sensors to enable features such as Active Brake Assist and Crosswind Assist. The system also supports an Exit Warning feature that alerts passengers when they are about to open a door into the path of an approaching cyclist or vehicle.
New visibility tools for the GLB include the Transparent Hood feature, which uses surround-view cameras to project a virtual image of the ground beneath the front bumper.
Pricing and availability
The all-electric 2027 GLB models, the GLB 250+ and GLB 350 4MATIC, are expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms in late 2026. While official final pricing has not yet been announced, the 2027 GLB is anticipated to have a starting MSRP of approximately $50,000.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
