Everything about the new Mercedes GLB 2026, the Premium SUV that reinvents itself to conquer families
The star brand has intensified testing of this second generation of the Mercedes GLB. 2026 is approaching quickly and the German brand is finalizing all production details of this compact SUV that will boast design, versatility, and cutting-edge technology.
Mercedes is more than determined to continue giving a powerful fight in the compact segment. Time has shown that the manufacturer was right to launch a second compact and more family-friendly SUV, despite the significant headwinds it faced with a somewhat controversial design.
Despite this, the Mercedes GLB has proven to be a heavyweight in the category and a worthy candidate for a replacement in the making. A model that has been spotted again in these new spy photos facing the final tests of the summer season before moving on to what will be the last winter trials. The manufacturer keeps the test units of this new Mercedes GLB 2026 very under wraps, although the star already appears inside the front headlights.
Spy photos Mercedes GLB 2026
The symbol of the luxury brand, which is located between two projectors, will not be available in all trims, but only in those that feature the optional MultiBeam LED headlights. The radiator grille will have two designs, with multiple chrome stars in the case of the hybrid, and with a closed panel mimicking the classic horizontal slats, as seen in the newly launched electric Mercedes GLC.
If the front will impress with a more sophisticated style, the rear will stand out even more with a revolutionary design. The boomerang-shaped taillight embraces the entire tailgate, merging into a lit piece that runs below the rear window. The main functions are concentrated at the ends under a vinyl that reproduces the lights of the old smart forfour, and its final design will not be far from that seen in the new Mercedes GLA.
This second installment of the Mercedes GLB will not only boast exterior design but also a comfortable and technological interior. As standard, it will be offered with five seats, although a third row with two optional seats will be available to total seven seats.
The equipment and engines of the new GLB, without diesel or PHEV
Of course, the list of comforts is more than long, both in comfort technologies and connectivity and level 2+ driving assistants, highlighting the impressive dashboard "MBUX Superscreen" or the electrochromic panoramic roof filled with stars.
The arrival of the new Mercedes GLB is planned in two phases. The first versions to arrive will be those with the "EQ" surname, the electric ones, and they will arrive in mid-2026. The range will start with a version of about 230 hp and an LFP battery that will soon debut in the new CLA, and a top-of-the-range model with more than 350 hp, two electric motors, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
A range that will offer a maximum range of up to 750 kilometers on a single charge, and can be recharged in 22 minutes when connected to fast charging points supporting a charging power of up to 320 kW. These options will replace an EQB that has already been removed from the catalog and cannot be ordered.
In 2026, hybrid versions will also arrive, with powers ranging from 136 hp to 190 hp, with all-wheel drive, resulting from a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a 27 hp electric motor integrated into the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
