Mercedes-Benz GLB 2026: Benz EQB and GLB to consolidate into a new-generation of Lexus NX and BMW X3-rivalling seven-seat SUV

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Mercedes-Benz will continue to drop ‘EV-centric’ naming conventions from its model range, this time ditching its EQB electric midsize moniker in favour of its once combustion-only GLB namesake.

The decision comes with the announcement of a new-generation, modular-platformed GLB — due to launch into the Australian market in this year’s third quarter — and follows in the footsteps of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and soon-to-launch C-Class, G-Class, and GLC-Class EVs.

The new GLB measures 4732mm long ( +98mm), 1861mm wide (+27mm), 1687mm tall (-14mm), and drives on a 2889mm wheelbase (+60mm). It will offer both hybrid and electric powertrains under the one badge, a strategy used by the likes of Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen and more. 

Hybrid GLB variants will predominantly contend the $71,700 Lexus NX350h, while EV variants face the $84,900 Audi Q4 eTron and forthcoming $109,900 BMW iX3, itself slated to launch in July. All prices shown are before on-road costs.

Unlike its rivals, the GLB offers both five and seven seat configurations in both hybrid and EV guise, a feature often reserved for larger cars like the Volvo EX-90 or soon-to-launch Lexus TZ.

It’s currently unclear how many grades of GLB will debut locally, though Mercedes Australia has confirmed its forthcoming midsizer will mirror the model structure of the recently released CLA sedan – both vehicles are built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform.

That would mean a spread of three 48-volt plugless hybrids and two EVs, with introductory pricing in the realm of $80,000 and $100,000 respectively – Mercedes-Benz has already debuted this model range to other markets, notably Europe and the UK.

A base model ‘180’ will likely introduce the hybrid model range, followed by a mid-spec ‘200’ and range-topping ‘220’, with the two latter grades offering either front- or all-wheel drive. Outputs should be 115kW/280Nm, 135kW/330Nm and 155kW/380Nm if they are to mirror those of the CLA hybrid. 

All three hybrids pair a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an eight-speed dual clutch automatic and 1.3kWh high-voltage battery. An electric motor is integrated into the transmission, supporting EV-only ‘sailing’ at speeds up to 100km/hr. 

If reflected for the GLB electric, the range would open with either a rear-drive 165kW/335Nm ‘200’, with a range of around 500km or 200kW/335Nm ‘250’ with a range of between 542 and 631km, as seen in the European and UK market.

A dual-motor, 260kW/515Nm ‘350’ is likely to round off the GLB electric range. It offers between 521 and 614km of driving range and a 0-100km/hr sprint time of 5.5 seconds. 

All three electric GLBs are built on an 800V platform, underpinned by a 58kWh or 85kWh lithium-ion battery. The latter quotes a 10-80 percent battery charge time of 18 minutes, peaking at 320kW DC. Full-from-empty AC charging should take about nine hours, peaking at 11kW.

Further information regarding Mercedes-Benz’s new GLB should surface closer to the model’s Q3 launch, including pricing, model grade confirmation, and local model range specifications.