Mercedes-Benz GLB

The GLB returns with a conventional SUV design. From the side, it could be mistaken for a model from any of several automakers. But the front is a pure Mercedes, with a prominent grille and a tri-star logo at its center.

The automaker says both the electric and hybrid versions look similar, and they aren’t kidding. The GLB EQ features 94 animated LED stars in its grille, with an illuminated center logo—a visual treat best seen at night. The hybrid has a different radiator grille with an LED surround and chrome logo. (Hint: The dark GLB in the photos is the electric one.)

There’s a star design in the headlights, as well as in the taillights. An optional LED system is available, which adds welcome and farewell animations.

Other, more useful enhancements abound, like a windshield wiper that dispenses cleaning fluid on the blade now rather than blasting the windshield. There’s also a soaking mode that can be used when parked to saturate the glass and loosen tough bugs and grime, done while the wipers are held in a vertical position.

There’s no turning away from the humbly named “Superscreen” that combines a 10.25-inch instrument panel, 14-inch center display, and 14-inch passenger display to span the dash with a pixel panorama. Behind the glass is the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, which combines artificial intelligence from Google and Microsoft. This customizable system can provide info and entertainment from multiple sources, and it has the ability to add functionality over time. Mercedes says the interface will be familiar to current customers.

There are many detailed upgrades that may not be readily apparent, such as the more rapid heating in the electric version, which cuts the time it takes to warm the cabin in frigid conditions in half. The process begins the minute you enter the vehicle. It will smartly push warm air to the hands and upper body, while also addressing defrosting needs.

Mercedes says that first- and second-row passengers will find more headroom than in the previous GLB, even with the standard panoramic roof. That glass can be upgraded to a Sky Control pano roof with electronic tinting, allowing for instant control to toggle between transparent and opaque glass. Plus, this option includes a star field of 158 lights in the glass for a unique nighttime experience.

The optional third-row seat is designed to accommodate passengers up to 5 feet, 6 inches tall, a 1-inch increase over the previous model. (Dear reader: This is a rather unique explanation, and frankly, refreshingly clear. Most automakers just claim space is amazing without clarifying whether it’s proportioned for children, average-sized adults, or merely hobbits.)

Speaking of wee folk, Mercedes says the GLB can accommodate up to four child seats between the second and third rows. It will be interesting to see how easily a seat can be installed and a child secured in the wayback.

As is common with Mercedes models, a wide array of interior trim and upholstery options will be available.

The electric versions come to market first, starting with the GLB 250+ with EQ Technology. This rear-drive model has 268 hp, which sounds a bit modest for a luxury EV. For more gusto, there’s the GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology, an all-wheel-drive version with 349 hp. Both use an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery and an 800-volt architecture for rapid DC fast charging. And interestingly, they employ a two-speed transmission in the rear axle. (Most EVs have a one-speed direct-drive transmission.) The reason for the gear shifting is to balance performance and efficiency, hinting that the GLB may be quicker than its specs suggest.

Along with AWD comes a Terrain mode, which allows the driver to tailor the motors, steering, and brakes for both road and off-pavement conditions.

Just as the previous GLB shared a platform and engine with the prior CLA sedan, the redesigned GLB maintains a similar relationship to the latest CLA. That means the GLB’s hybrid powertrain is shared with the CLA, and its specs will be similar, according to Mercedes. That translates to a 221-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes says the hybrid will initially be offered with all-wheel drive.

The powertrain uses a 48-volt, lithium-ion battery with 1.3-kWh capacity. It can propel the GLB on electric power at city speeds, and it will smartly disengage the engine during coasting for energy efficiency. The electric motor integrated into the transmission assists the small-displacement engine, adding instant torque to aid acceleration.

The GLB will be loaded with the usual assortment of active safety and driver assistance systems, informed by eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled computer with enough onboard storage for adding future enhancements.

Beyond the basics, the GLB will offer digital upgrades such as MB.Drive Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control, lane centering assistance, and automatic lane-changing to automate driving functions with supervision. MB.Drive Assist Plus layers in the capability to react to stop signs in intersections. MB.Drive Parking Assist can spot parallel, angled, and perpendicular parking spaces, and automate parking, and provide remote departure to pull out of tight spaces. MB.Drive Parking Assist 360 adds a surround-view camera display that includes a “transparent hood” feature on all-wheel-drive vehicles to reveal what’s immediately in front of the vehicle.