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By Jonathan Crouch

The Mercedes GLB is significantly improved in this second generation guise. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 44

The second generation Mercedes GLB is a very different proposition from the first. This lower mid-sized SUV is now properly big enough to take its seven-seat format. And there's now a choice of EV or full-Hybrid power. A big step forward's been taken here.

Backgroundword count: 135

Radical revolution is sometimes subtle. Take the car in question here, the second generation Mercedes GLB. It looks much like its X247-era predecessor, launched back in 2019 and facelifted in 2023, two years before this replacement design arrived for the 2026 model year. But almost everything is different here, the MK2 GLB the second Mercedes model (after the MK3 CLA) to use the brand's latest MMA architecture for compact cars. That advanced platform accommodates both Hybrid and pure electric powertrains, both of which now feature in the GLB model range, the latter replacing the previous EQB model. Like the old GLB, this one is a compact but family-sized seven-seater with visual nods to the brand's big G-Class SUV. This time round, it's bigger, more efficient and considerably more advanced inside. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 198

This second generation GLB is mechanically based on the MK3 CLA, so can offer either full-electric or full-Hybrid power, both powertrains new to Mercedes model bandaged 'GLB'. The mainstream electric version (whose official name is the 'GLB with EQ Technology') is the 250+. This has a 268bhp rear-mounted motor paired (unusually for an EV of this size) to a two-speed transmission (for punchier low speed acceleration). That motor is energised by an 85kWh battery offering up to 393 miles of range. There's also a dual motor electric GLB, the 350 4MATIC, which adds an additional e-motor on the front axle for AWD. This improves the 0-62mph time from 7.4s to 5.5s. But range falls to 382 miles. Both electric GLBs can tow up to 2-tonnes. The combustion alternative is also CLA-based, using a compact 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine linked to an eight-speed auto gearbox with a built in 27bhp e-motor energised by a 1.3kWh battery. That motor allows the car to drive at town speeds without using the engine; and cruise with the engine off on the highway. There are two front-driven Hybrid GLB models, offering 134bhp or 161bhp. And an AWD 4MATIC version with 188bhp.

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