Mercedes-Benz is approaching the December 8th appointment with a highly anticipated model, the new fully electric GLB, destined to take the place of the EQB which is now being withdrawn from the catalogue. A strategic debut for the German company, which is aiming for the first deliveries in 2026 and is preparing a new generation SUV based on the MMA platform, the same one already adopted by the CLA.
Dimensions and positioning: an SUV that lives between two categories
The new GLB continues to sit in an intermediate area: too large to be called compact, but not big enough to enter the mid-size SUV segment. A precise choice, which aims to offer versatility without sacrificing manageability. It will be offered with a five or seven seat configuration, and the long wheelbase variant will integrate a sliding rear seat as standard to optimize space.
Extreme tests and new heat pump: warmer interior in half the time
Much of the attention was paid to the climate tests, during which Mercedes showed some previews of the bodywork, still hidden by camouflage, but above all the potential of the new thermal management system. The technicians photographed the car in the air-conditioned room, surrounded by ice, while it carried out heating and defrosting cycles. The car was tested in temperatures from -40°C to +60°C.
The first results are very positive: the passenger compartment of the new GLB heats up in half the time needed for the current EQB and does so while consuming approximately half the energy. Not only that: the windscreen completely frozen at –20°C is defrosted in just 15 minutes. Thanks to the high-performance heat pump developed starting from the know-how gained with the Vision EQXX prototype. This component recovers heat from the outside, from the powertrain and from the battery, reducing consumption and improving autonomy, which in optimal conditions can reach 700 km.
Interior: debut of the new MBUX and panoramic Superscreen
The interiors have already been revealed and reflect the layout of the new CLA. The optional Mbux Superscreen stands out, a system made up of three displays placed side by side along the entire dashboard, designed to offer a more immersive and graphic interface. There is also a newly designed panoramic roof, with variable transparency surfaces and integrated LED lighting that reproduces the Mercedes logo, an aesthetic detail that underlines the stylistic evolution of the range.
The now floating center console improves ergonomics, while legroom in the second row is more generous than in the outgoing model. The internal images released by Mercedes confirm a refined, technological environment oriented towards on-board comfort.
Engines and versions expected: electric immediately, mild hybrid coming soon
At launch the GLB will be offered exclusively in an electric version, under the name GLB with EQ technology. Only later will a 48 V mild hybrid variant with internal combustion engine arrive, which will join the zero-emission options.
For the electric range, Mercedes has already anticipated some configurations:
The 800V architecture allows for fast DC charging at up to 320kW: according to Mercedes, the 85kWh battery can go from 10 to 80% in just 22 minutes.
Towards the official presentation
Although the interior has been revealed, the exterior will remain covered until the December 8 event, when the new GLB will finally be shown without camouflage. Until then, tests in extreme conditions will continue to provide indications on the behavior of the model, which aims to position itself as one of the most efficient and technological electric SUVs in the European premium panorama.
