It’s our job to look at BMW like a hawk and analyze its each transfer. Nonetheless, keeping track of the competitors is simply as necessary, particularly when that rival wears a three-pointed star. Mercedes continues to roll out new fashions in speedy succession, debuting the second-generation GLB.
BMW’s nemesis is main with the electrical model, however don’t name it the EQB. The brand new mannequin adopts a revised naming technique by sharing its moniker with the combustion-engine variant. The GLB merely provides the “with EQ Expertise” suffix to tell apart it from the mild-hybrid mannequin. It additionally encompasses a closed-off grille coated in stars. The Mercedes brand even extends into the headlights and taillights, to not point out the glass roof, the place the celebs mild up.
At 4732 millimeters (186.3 inches) lengthy, the brand new GLB is sort of so long as the iX3, though it theoretically competes with the iX1. Nonetheless, neither of BMW’s electrical SUVs affords a seven-seat choice. As earlier than, the boxy crossover from Stuttgart gives an non-compulsory third row, and people particular person seats are designed for adults, too. So long as you’re not taller than 1.71 meters (5′ 7″), you’ll have sufficient room within the again.
The 2026 GLB follows Mercedes’ newest design language, which debuted with the two Sequence Gran Coupe-rivaling CLA earlier this yr. From the sunshine bars to the flush door handles, it ticks a number of containers of present automotive tendencies. It does have a extra commanding presence than its predecessor, however we’re not fully satisfied concerning the sheer variety of logos.
Inside, Mercedes additionally skips most standard buttons however takes a unique method in comparison with BMW. Three upright screens sit aspect by aspect, separated by thick bezels paying homage to early smartphones. It’s a bit overwhelming however hardly stunning, on condition that the brand new CLA makes use of the identical structure. The digital instrument cluster measures 10.3 inches, whereas the 2 touchscreens share a 14-inch diagonal.
On the coronary heart of the electrical GLB is an 85-kWh battery feeding both one or two motors. The entry-level GLB 250+ with EQ Expertise makes 268 hp and 335 Nm (247 lb-ft). The GLB 350 4Matic with EQ Expertise will increase output to a mixed 349 hp and 515 Nm (380 lb-ft). The latter provides a entrance motor for all-wheel drive.
Mercedes estimates that the single-motor RWD model takes 7.3 seconds to succeed in 60 mph. Upgrading to the dual-motor 4Matic mannequin cuts the time to five.4 seconds. No matter configuration, Mercedes caps the highest velocity at 130 mph.
If vary is your main concern, the bottom mannequin is barely extra environment friendly. Mercedes charges it at as much as 392 miles (631 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle, whereas the extra highly effective model manages 382 miles (614 km). EPA figures haven’t been launched but, however they’ll undoubtedly be decrease in each instances.
Just like the iX3, the brand new GLB adopts 800-volt tech. Extremely-fast charging at as much as 320 kW means that you can add 162 miles (260 km) of vary in simply 10 minutes. For comparability, the iX3 can cost at as much as 400 kW and get better 231 miles (372 kilometers) in the identical time.
Early adopters in Germany can already order one. Mercedes asks €59,048 for the GLB 250+ with EQ Expertise, whereas the GLB 350 4Matic begins at €62,178. These costs place the electrical GLB properly above the €48,800 iX1 and never removed from the €68,900 iX3.
If you’d like a three-row electrical SUV from BMW, you’ll doubtless have to attend till 2027 for the iX7. That luxobarge will compete in a number of segments increased, and there’s nonetheless no indication that BMW plans to supply a smaller EV with greater than 5 seats. Mercedes will increase the GLB’s lineup subsequent yr with a less expensive electrical variant and a mild-hybrid gasoline mannequin.
