Mercedes-Benz GLB 2027: new seven-seat SUV has prices slashed by $3000 in Australia

---

After a three-month wait, Mercedes-Benz has revealed Australian specs for its GLB midsize SUV.

Remarkably, it’s about $3000 less than it was, with the base model, the GLB200, priced at $65,400 before on-roads.

Lacking direct rivals from BMW or Audi, its price is best compared to mainstream cars like the Volkswagen Tayron ($48,950 before on-roads) and Honda CR-V ($54,900 driveaway for a seven-seat version).

Hybrid drivetrains as standard

A pair of petrol and electric variants are coming. Both petrol models pair a 1.5L four-cylinder engine to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 48V mild hybrid system.

Although advertised as a “mild” hybrid, petrol GLBs can run on electric power alone at low speeds, like a normal hybrid.

The front-wheel-drive GLB200 has 120kW and 250Nm, while the all-wheel-drive GLB220 4Matic has 140kW and 300Nm.

EVs join core GLB range

Like the petrols, the electric variants – no longer spun off under the name EQB – have common bones. Both have an 85kWh (usable) nickel-manganese-cobalt battery and an 800-volt electrical system. The GLB can take AC charge at up to 22kW and DC charge at up to 320kW.

In theory, ten minutes of charging will net 260km of range. Speaking of range, Mercedes-Benz unusually – but helpfully – quotes both normal and “peak” WLTP range.

The rear-wheel-drive GLB250+, with 200kW and 335Nm, can travel 570km, or a peak of 626km. The all-wheel-drive GLB350 4Matic can go 554km, or a peak of 609km.

What’s included for the price?

All models bar the GLB200 have adaptive dampers, and the EVs get Dynamic Select, letting drivers tailor the comfort/handling balance to their liking.

Despite a standard-fit panoramic glass roof, headroom grows. The middle row of seats can slide forward and back to increase boot space or leg room as required, and all five back seats fit a baby seat.

With the third row folded, Mercedes-Benz claims 480L of boot space, growing to 1605L if the second row’s folded too.

Impressively for a car that isn’t electric from scratch (it’s built on the same modular platform as the CLA and GLA), electro-GLBs have a front boot with 127L of storage.

The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable as standard. Ahead of them lies a 14-inch central display, a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a head-up display.

Google Maps is inbuilt, as is no less than three AI programs – ChatGPT, Bing and Gemini – enabling the voice control to converse with you.

As part of a $4000 Premium Plus package that also adds a Burmester sound system, fancier ambient lights and a rear light strip, you get the Superscreen, which adds a second 14-inch screen for the front passenger.

The all-new GLB officially goes on sale on Friday 4 September.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• GLB200: $65,400
• GLB220 4Matic: $76,100
• GLB250+ electric: $74,990
• GLB350 4Matic electric: $86,200