In the name of aerodynamics and range, all-electric SUVs have started to resemble bars of soap that you left in the bathtub for too long. And just when we thought BMW had scooped up all the cream with the new iX3 Neue Klasse (which was unveiled just a month earlier!), Mercedes threw a brick at the table. But what a brick! The new Mercedes-Benz GLB is square, proud, and looks like a scaled-down GLS that just came out of the gym. It's a car for those who want electric but don't want to look like they're driving a space capsule. And to be honest, with its new platform and crazy specs, it threatens to steal the Bavarians' lunch before they can even unwrap it.
New Mercedes-Benz The GLB has grown. It's a full 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) longer than its predecessor, which may not sound like much, but in the world of packing up the family for a trip to the beach, it's the difference between "everything goes in" and "mother-in-law stays home." The design remains true to its roots - an upright grille, a flat roof and that rugged "don't mess with me" look.
Interesting detail? The front grille is sprinkled with illuminated stars. In the US, even the logo lights up, but in Europe, due to bureaucracy that clearly hates fun, only the edge of the star is illuminated. But let's be honest, if you choose the AMG Line (and please choose it, because in Progressive trim with all that chrome it looks a little too much like a Florida retirement car), you get a really badass machine. The AMG Line does away with those plastic wheel trims that scream "base model" and replaces them with body color. The result? It looks more expensive than it is.
Technology: 800 Volts of pure violence against charging stations – Mercedes-Benz GLB
This is where the GLB stops being “just a box” and becomes a technological storm. It is built on the new MMA platform with 800-volt architecture.
- Battery: Usable capacity 85 kWh.
- Reach: Up to 631 km (392 miles) for the GLB 250+ model.
- Filling: Theoretically up to 320 kW. In practice? From 10 % to 80 % in 21 minutes. Or even more clearly: in 10 minutes you get 260 km (162 miles) of range.
That means you'll barely be able to order that overpriced coffee and go to the bathroom at the charging station, and your car will be ready. And thank goodness Mercedes has installed a 400-volt inverter, which means you'll be charging quickly even at older fast chargers, where some competitors (I'm looking at you, Tesla) sometimes struggle with speed.
There are two main versions available:
- GLB 250+: Rear drive, 200 kW (268 hp). A marathoner.
- GLB 350 4MATIC: Two engines, four-wheel drive, 260 kW (348 hp). For those who are always in a hurry.
Interior: Frunk, Tetris and 7 seats
Here's the new one Mercedes-Benz GLB really shines and may even overtake the BMW iX3. Let's start with the trunk. In the back you have 540 liters (19.1 cu ft) of space (with five seats), which is 20 liters more than the BMW. But the real star is up front. The frunk (front trunk) measures 127 liters (4.5 cu ft)! This is not a glove compartment. This is a bottomless pit. It holds ski boots, a crate of drinks, or all the charging cables you don't want to see in the back.
Family factor: The car offers 7 seats. The third row? Let's be realistic. You won't put your basketball friends there. That's where kids go, or people who were circus acrobats in a previous life. Accessing it requires some gymnastics, but once inside, they're surprisingly quiet. And another killer feature: 4 ISOFIX points. Yes, you read that right. You can fit four child seats in this car. It's a solution for large families who don't want to drive a van.
Criticism? Yes, even Jan Macarol finds fault. Materials. Up top, it's all "fancy-sham" leather and soft materials, while down below in the doors and in certain places on the dashboard we find hard plastic that resembles yogurt containers. Even the slightly cheaper Smart #5 sibling (which shares the same platform) has softer materials in some places. But hey, Mercedes has to save money somewhere, right?
Driving and Technology: MBUX that knows everything
The interior is dominated by the MBUX Superscreen. Three screens that span the entire dashboard. The front passenger can watch Netflix, the driver has navigation based on Google Maps (finally!), and the system is powered by artificial intelligence. You can literally talk to the car. Ask it about a restaurant or the history of the castle down the road - it will answer you.
Important tip for buyers: If you order this car, get the 20-inch wheels. Not for the looks (although they help), but because with this package you get adaptive suspension. This changes the ride from a “hard cage” to a “floating carpet”. Without it, the car can be a bit stiff, especially on bad roads.
Conclusion: BMW or Mercedes?
The BMW iX3 Neue Klasse may be more dynamic and futuristic. But the Mercedes GLB plays the card of brutal practicality wrapped in an attractive package. It offers more space, greater flexibility with seven seats and that huge frunk that you will actually use.
The price? It starts at around €59,000 (approx. 63,500 $) for the 250+ model. Is it cheap? No. Is it worth the money? Considering you're essentially getting an electric Swiss Army knife on wheels that charges faster than you can drink an espresso, I'd say yes.
“The new Mercedes-Benz GLB is not just a car. It's proof that you can have a family, a dog, two bikes and ski equipment and still look cool when you pull up to your hotel.”
If you're torn between this and a BMW: get the BMW if you like to drive alone and fast. Get the Mercedes if you have a life, friends, and kids that you need to give somewhere.
