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The brand new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is present process excessive cold-weather testing forward of its world premiere on December 8, and its Australian launch through the second half of subsequent yr.
In a press launch issued this morning, Mercedes-Benz additionally confirmed the second-generation GLB will proceed to supply as much as seven seats – in contrast to its way more well-liked mid-size luxurious SUV, the GLC – inside a “extra versatile” inside, plus the choice of its MBUX Superscreen infotainment/instrument array.
To show it, the German automaker has launched the primary photographs displaying inside the brand new GLB, which earlier spy pictures from the Nürburgring present shall be as boxy as the unique mannequin first launched in 2019.
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Different official photographs of the brand new GLB present process severe-weather testing verify takeouts from the spy pictures in Might, together with sleeker headlights than the oblong models on the present mannequin, new flagpole-style wing mirrors, and flush-fitting pop-out door handles.
On the rear, there’s a outstanding higher tailgate spoiler, above slimmer tail-lights joined by what seems to be a full-width gentle bar.
No technical data was revealed, however the MkII GLB will share its Mercedes Modular Structure (MMA) with the third-generation CLA sedan launched earlier this yr, offering clues to its mechanical make-up.
Nonetheless, like the brand new CLA, the brand new GLB is predicted to be initially accessible with the selection of two all-electric drivetrains: a single-motor rear-wheel setup producing 200kW of energy and 335Nm of torque, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system providing 260kW and 515Nm.
Within the CLA, each are paired with an 85kWh battery pack providing a WLTP vary of between 672 and 792km. A less expensive variant with a 58kWh battery will launch later this yr.
In contrast to the present GLB, there shall be no battery-powered EQB sister mannequin that includes substantial styling modifications to spotlight its electrical drivetrain.
As a substitute, EV powertrain choices shall be a part of the common GLB vary, and electrical variants will put on the clunky “with EQ Know-how” suffix.
Just like the CLA, the subsequent GLB may even possible be accessible with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission with an built-in 20kW electrical motor fed by a 1.3kWh 48V lithium-ion battery.
Within the CLA, the mild-hybrid system shall be in a position accessible in three states of tune: 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm. Relying on the mannequin, patrons can select between front- or all-wheel drive.
For now, Mercedes-Benz says the brand new GLB’s “fully reimagined” cabin replaces the outgoing mannequin’s sculptural look with a cleaner, high-tech inside outlined by the optionally available MBUX Superscreen, which stretches throughout the dashboard.
There are round air vents with Silver Shadow detailing, a floating centre console, and a extra ergonomic steering wheel. Mercedes-Benz has listened to buyer suggestions and reinstated rocker switches for the speed-limiter and Distronic adaptive cruise management, plus a curler for quantity management.
The GLB is promised to deliver improved headroom, legroom, and flexibility. The second row beneficial properties longer thigh cushions, and a sliding perform shall be normal in seven-seat variations and optionally available for five-seaters.
Mercedes-Benz says the optionally available third-row bench is simpler to entry due to a revised Simple-Entry perform and folds flat into the ground when not wanted.
The panoramic sunroof now options infrared-reflecting glass and a particular coating to handle temperature effectively in each cold and warm situations.
In what’s claimed to be a phase first, the roof’s transparency may be adjusted from clear to darkish in milliseconds, whereas an optionally available illuminated star sample connects with ambient lighting for a personalised ‘starlit’ impact.
Mercedes-Benz’s new MB.OS working system shall be paired with the corporate’s fourth-generation MBUX interface, bringing redesigned animations, a sophisticated Digital Assistant powered by generative AI, navigation by way of Google Maps, and over-the-air software program replace functionality.
The GLB additionally advantages from the German automaker’s MB.DRIVE suite of driver-assistance applied sciences, with {hardware} together with eight cameras, 5 radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
Mercedes-Benz can also be eager to spruik the brand new GLB’s intensive growth program, with engineers on the Mercedes Know-how Centre in Sindelfingen pushing the SUV to its limits inside cutting-edge climatic wind tunnels able to simulating blizzards, desert warmth, and the whole lot in between.
Even in sub-zero situations, Mercedes-Benz says the brand new GLB gives a “welcome house” feeling, due to clear visibility, constant heating efficiency, and occupant consolation in even the harshest situations.
Exposing the SUV to temperatures as little as -40°C and using snow cannons and 200km/h wind speeds to duplicate an alpine blizzard, every wind tunnel options rolling roads pushed by highly effective electrical motors that permit 4Matic all-wheel drive programs to be examined realistically at speeds of as much as 265km/h.
Engineers can exactly management temperature, humidity, and airflow exactly – and repeat the checks at any time of yr – and the identical facility can also be used to check hot-weather efficiency in a warmth chamber producing temperatures of as much as 60°C.
It’s supported by a photo voltaic simulation system utilizing 32 lamps to breed pure daylight as much as 1200W/m² – just like Demise Valley situations.
A ‘Sizzling Street’ system can even warmth the floor beneath the automobile to 70°C, precisely recreating scorching summer season asphalt and permitting Mercedes-Benz to confirm that cabin cooling, supplies, and electronics carry out with out fault.
Mercedes-Benz says the GLB’s heating system remained environment friendly even in freezing trials between -15°C and -20°C, and that the SUV can defrost its windscreen in simply quarter-hour at -15°C utilizing solely the defrost setting.
Inside, a brand new warmth pump derived from the Imaginative and prescient EQXX program attracts heat from three sources – the drive system, the battery, and ambient air – to devour round a 3rd of the power of a standard auxiliary heater.
MORE: All the pieces Mercedes-Benz GLB
