New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new-generation GLB globally, but India will get it later, and not anytime soon. The SUV is built on the brand’s new MMA platform, the same one that supports the next-gen CLA. Globally, the GLB will come in both electric (EV) and petrol/diesel versions. However, India will only get the petrol and diesel models, not the EV. This is the opposite of the new CLA, which will be sold here only as an electric car.

Like the older GLB and EQB, the new GLB will reach India as a full CBU import. Mercedes plans to locally assemble the CLA Electric in the future, but there are no such plans for the GLB. The reason seems simple, the company does not expect big sales numbers from this SUV. Mercedes sees the CLA Electric as its main entry-level EV for India, so it is focusing more on that. 

New Mercedes GLB: Design updates

Mercedes GLB body

The earlier GLB stood out from the regular Mercedes design and the new one follows a similar idea. The front has some resemblance to the new CLA, mainly due to the connected headlamps with LED three-pointed star detailing. But the GLB has a taller bonnet and a wider grille, which makes it look bolder. Both the EV and ICE models carry a large Mercedes star in the centre. The petrol/diesel version gets small chrome stars inside the grille, while the EV uses a closed-off plastic panel with illuminated stars.

Mercedes GLB design

The side profile remains different from other Mercedes SUVs. The thick D-pillar stays, but the rear windscreen now wraps around more sharply. The window kink from the old model is gone, replaced with a more regular design. The rear sees the biggest change, it still has an upright tailgate, but now gets an inverted U-shaped connected taillight that looks a bit like what Kia uses. Even so, the LED star detailing in the tail-lamps reminds you it’s a Mercedes.

Interior and seating

Mercedes GLB inside

The GLB’s big selling point continues to be its seven-seat layout in a compact size. The new model is slightly larger in almost every direction, 98mm longer, 27mm wider, 14mm lower, and with a 60mm longer wheelbase. So you can expect better cabin space. The front section looks almost the same as the new CLA, but with a higher driving position. 

Mercedes GLB seating

The dashboard has a triple-screen layout (the passenger screen is optional) and runs on Mercedes’ new MB.OS software. There are a few physical buttons back on the steering wheel and dash, but most settings still sit inside the touchscreen. The second row slides and reclines to access the third row. The electric version also gets a 127-litre frunk for extra storage.

Electric GLB details (global)

Mercedes GLB

Globally, Mercedes will push the EV version first. It uses an 85kWh battery and delivers up to 631 km (GLB 250 plus) or 614 km (GLB 350 4Matic) of WLTP range. Thanks to the 800V architecture, it supports fast charging up to 320kW. The 250 plus variant has a single rear motor with 272hp, while the 350 gets dual motors with a combined 353hp and does 0–100kph in 5.5 seconds.

Mild-hybrid petrol version

There will also be a mild-hybrid petrol model later. It is expected to use a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor inside the 8-speed DCT. Even though it’s a mild hybrid, it can run on electric power for short periods under light load. Below 100 kph, the engine can disconnect and let the electric system drive the car using up to 1.3kWh of battery energy and 20kW (27hp) of power.

India launch timeline

The India launch timeline isn’t confirmed yet, but it won’t happen soon. Meanwhile, many features you see in the new GLB, especially the interiors and MB.OS system will appear first in the new CLA Electric arriving next year.