Video emerges of 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Electric Vehicle

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New GLB-Class: Electric, Hybrid, and Rear-Wheel Drive Variants

Mercedes-Benz is set to expand its compact family with the introduction of the redesigned GLB-Class, scheduled to debut in 2026. The GLB-Class will ride on the automaker's new Modular Management Architecture (MMA) platform, which is primarily designed for electric vehicles (EVs) but also accommodates hybrid powertrains.

The new GLB-Class will offer both electric and hybrid models, with the electric versions expected to feature the same 85.5-kwh (usable) lithium-ion battery unit that is currently used in the new CLA-Class. The hybrid versions, on the other hand, will be equipped with a 1.3-kwh lithium-ion unit mounted under the driver's seat.

For the hybrid GLB-Class, a newly developed 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine will be paired with a 27-hp electric motor and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive GLB-Class with EQ Technology is expected to have a 107-hp front motor in addition to the 268-hp rear motor.

Mercedes-Benz is increasing its collaboration with Chinese research and development teams and partnerships with Chinese companies to enhance electric mobility and intelligence capabilities. However, the development of the hybrid GLB-Class remains under the company's purview.

The GLB-Class will offer a choice of single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains for MMA-based EVs. The rear-wheel-drive GLB-Class with EQ Technology is expected to be powered by a 268-hp motor at the rear, while the all-wheel-drive variant is expected to boast a combined output of around 500 hp with the aid of axial-flux electric motors.

Moreover, more powerful AMG-tuned variants of the new GLB-Class are planned, featuring the aforementioned axial-flux electric motors and close to 500 hp.

The new GLB-Class prototype, which is for an electric model that will replace the current EQB, features a slightly rounder front end and boomerang-style taillights. The headlights feature a Mercedes star logo for the daytime running lights and turn signals.

The redesigned GLB-Class compact crossover is the second member of Mercedes-Benz's next-generation compact family, following the redesigned GLA-Class compact crossover, which is also in development.

The new GLB-Class is likely to reach the U.S. as 2027 models, marking another step forward in Mercedes-Benz's electrification strategy. The automaker is expected to unveil the new GLB-Class in 2026, and both electric and hybrid versions are anticipated to arrive on the market in the same year.