- The next generation of the Mercedes GLB made its spy debut in Europe.
- The new GLB will share its MMA underpinnings with the CLA and the GLA.
- It will be available with fully electric and mild-hybrid powertrain options.
Mercedes has been spotted testing the next-generation GLB in Europe, with its official debut set for 2026. While the new model retains some of the boxy charm that made its predecessor stand out, it adds more rounded corners to the mix. It will also adopt Mercedes’ new MMA architecture, offering a wider range of mild-hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
The German automaker may be winding down its A-Class and B-Class models at the end of their current lifecycles, but its future compact lineup will remain strong. Alongside the all-new CLA sedan and shooting brake, expect new GLA and GLB SUVs to join the fray.
More: Mercedes Details New CLA’s Two EV And Three Hybrid Powertrains
While we’re quite familiar with the upcoming CLA, the automaker has only shown a single teaser of the mechanically related SUVs, keeping their design under wraps. Thankfully, our spy photographers caught a camouflaged prototype of the GLB outside the automaker’s facilities, giving us a first taste of what’s coming.
The bodywork is entirely covered in camouflage, but the proportions strongly suggest we’re looking at the successor of the three-row GLB rather than the hatchback-style GLA. The SUV appears to have a sleeker design compared to its predecessor, incorporating Mercedes’ new styling language.
The front end features slimmer LEDs flanking a large grille that appears to be mounted lower on the front bumper. The greenhouse has been slightly tweaked, as with the upright tail. The latter has been disguised with fake taillight stickers resembling those of the discontinued Smart Fortwo.
New Underpinnings
Mercedes’ entire future compact lineup will ride on the new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform, which is compatible with ICE and EV powertrains. We already know most of the options for the upcoming CLA, which will likely find their way under the hood of the GLB.
The fully electric models that will eventually replace the EQB could offer the option between a rear-mounted electric motor with 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS), or a dual-motor setup with 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS). The EV will likely be available with 58 kWh and 85 kWh battery packs, although its driving range will be shorter than the 750 km (466 miles) expected from the more aerodynamic CLA.
The ICE-powered lineup will include a mild-hybrid 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a small electric motor inside the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The combustion engine is expected to be offered with different outputs, rated at 134 hp (136 PS), 161 hp (163 PS), and 188 hp (190 PS), with an additional 27 hp (20 kW) from the electric motor.
Like the current GLB, the new model will offer both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. And, of course, an AMG performance version is on the horizon, likely with some form of hybrid assistance for extra power and efficiency.
We expect to get more concrete details about the future GLB, along with its closely related GLA sibling, when Mercedes fully unveils the upcoming CLA next year.
