2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB - Generous Space Seven Seat

The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class has always occupied a unique, boxy niche in the crowded compact luxury SUV segment. It’s the practical, seven-seat-capable outlier that offered a dose of Mercedes pedigree without the footprint or price tag of its larger siblings. For its 2027 redesign, Mercedes has not just refined the formula—it has radically future-proofed it, placing electrification, cutting-edge software, and a new level of digital luxury at the core of its appeal. The result is a compact crossover that punches far above its weight, ready to redefine what an entry-level luxury vehicle can be.

Electrified Power: EV and Hybrid Take Center Stage

The most significant change for the 2027 GLB is the complete overhaul of its powertrain lineup, which now centers on electrification. The former all-electric EQB is officially retired, with its spirit—and more—integrated directly into the GLB nameplate, utilizing the "with EQ Technology" designation for its EV variants.

The All-Electric Leap

Mercedes has launched the electric GLB first, offering two compelling options built on a sophisticated 800-volt architecture, a feature usually reserved for high-end luxury EVs.

GLB 250+ with EQ Technology: This rear-wheel-drive model is the range champion, utilizing a single electric motor to produce 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. With a usable 85-kWh battery pack, European WLTP estimates peg its maximum range at a remarkable 392 miles (likely converting to a high 300-mile EPA figure). Its 800-volt system allows for blazing DC fast-charging speeds up to 320 kW, capable of adding over 160 miles of range in just ten minutes.
GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology: Performance enthusiasts will gravitate toward this dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant. It boosts output to 349 horsepower and a substantial 380 lb-ft of torque, dropping the 0-60 mph sprint time to a quick 5.4 seconds. While range takes a slight hit due to the extra motor and power, it remains competitive, offering a performance option without major range anxiety.

The Hybrid Option

For those not ready to go fully electric, a new hybrid model will follow the EV launch.

GLB 250 4MATIC (Expected): This variant pairs a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an integrated electric motor, delivering an anticipated 228 horsepower and providing brief periods of pure electric driving at low speeds. All-wheel-drive is expected to be standard, offering sure-footed performance. This blend of power and efficiency keeps the GLB highly competitive against its gas-powered rivals.

The Superscreen Era: A Digital-First Interior

The interior is where the 2027 GLB truly stakes its claim as a next-generation vehicle. While the boxy silhouette remains, the cabin has been completely transformed by technology.

The centerpiece is the available MBUX Superscreen—a visual tour-de-force that stretches across the dashboard. This setup combines a standard 10.3-inch driver's display and a 14.0-inch central touchscreen, with the option to add a massive 14.0-inch passenger display, all housed under a single pane of glass.

This system runs on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), powered by the fourth generation of the MBUX interface. This is more than just a cluster of screens; it's an intelligent cockpit.

AI Integration: The new MBUX Virtual Assistant incorporates AI technology from both Google and Microsoft, allowing for more natural, conversational, and context-aware voice commands. The system can learn driver habits and progressively adapt the interface for a personalized experience.
Luxurious Details: Beyond the screens, the interior design is minimalistic and premium. The front seats are supportive, and the signature Mercedes-Benz power seat controls are mounted on the doors. A new, standard panoramic glass roof adds an airy feel, and an optional SKY CONTROL feature allows it to switch from transparent to opaque, even displaying a mesmerizing "starlight" pattern akin to a certain ultra-luxury brand.
Increased Space: Thanks to a wheelbase that has grown by 2.4 inches and an overall length increase of nearly four inches, the cabin is noticeably roomier, especially for second-row passengers, who gain an impressive 2.7 inches of additional legroom.

Design, Practicality, and Safety

The GLB’s success was built on its clever blend of compact dimensions and exceptional utility, and the 2027 model capitalizes on that heritage.

Boxy But Beautiful

The exterior retains the beloved upright, boxy profile, a key differentiator in a sea of swoopy crossovers. However, the design has matured, adopting a subtly more rounded front fascia and a sleek, width-spanning LED light bar at the rear. The electric models are distinguished by a unique, illuminated grille filled with tiny star patterns and a prominent illuminated three-pointed star logo—a visual signature of the new electric era.

Unrivaled Versatility

Crucially, the optional third row of seats remains, cementing the GLB's status as the only seven-seat option in its class. Mercedes has worked to make third-row access easier by widening the rear door openings and increasing the sliding range of the second-row seats. While still best for children, the slight increase in dimensions makes the third row marginally more usable for short trips.

Cargo space is excellent for the segment, with the five-seater offering up to 19.1 cubic feet behind the second row. A major win for the EV model is the addition of a significant 127-liter front trunk (frunk), adding even more practical storage space that was absent in the old EQB.

Advanced Safety and Driving Dynamics

The 2027 GLB features the new MB.DRIVE suite of driver assistance systems, leveraging a comprehensive network of cameras, radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. Standard features include automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, with advanced options like adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and an innovative "Transparent Bonnet" function for off-road maneuvering. An optional adaptive suspension system ensures the driving experience can be tailored for comfort or dynamism, maintaining the composed and refined ride Mercedes is known for.

The Verdict

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB is a compelling second-generation vehicle that successfully navigates the transition to an electrified, digitally-driven future. It maintains the character that made it a segment favorite—boxiness, optional seven-seat utility, and approachable luxury—while making massive strides in the areas that matter most: powertrain efficiency, digital experience, and fast-charging capability.

By seamlessly integrating its EV technology under the beloved GLB name and injecting it with S-Class-level software and screen technology, Mercedes has created a compact SUV that feels anything but entry-level. It’s an intelligent, versatile, and desirable package that is poised to become the new benchmark for the premium compact segment. The GLB is no longer just a small luxury SUV; it’s the compact vanguard of Mercedes-Benz’s electric future.