For years, compact premium cars have always felt a little under designed in small ways. A little less technology, less comfort, less luxury — almost feeling like buyers looking at smaller cars were being encouraged to spend more and move up the range. Mercedes was often just as guilty of this as anyone, and their first-generation EQ products arguably made matters worse, combining compromised platforms with styling that never truly reflected “The Best or Nothing.”
But we didn’t accept that, and we killed EQ with the sheer power of protest. Now things have changed, and this new generation of Mercedes compact cars feels like a complete rethink. The CLA just won car of the year, something Mercedes hasn’t won in decades, and it’s reflective of them not holding back with their compact cars now. And this all-new GLB may well be the clearest example of that yet.
Built on the advanced MMA platform, the new GLB offers both cutting-edge electric and hybrid powertrains, with EV models utilising flagship-grade 800V architecture, large 85kWh battery capacity, advanced rear-mounted permanent magnet motors, silicon carbide inverter technology, and even a two-speed gearbox — technology that places this compact family SUV far closer to the likes of the GLC and Porsche’s EV offerings than you might ever expect.
Then there’s the interior: on par in terms of technology with the new GLE and S Class thanks to the MB.OS and screen layout. Then practicality, with genuine 5 or 7-seat versatility, improved third-row space, a large frunk, bigger dimensions — again second only to a third row GLE. This feels less like an entry-level compromise and more like Mercedes finally delivering a compact SUV without deliberate limitations. And perhaps most surprising of all, on the road it genuinely appears to drive like a proper Mercedes-Benz!
In this full first drive review, we’ll cover:
Full technical breakdown of the new MMA platform
GLB 250+ and GLB 350 4MATIC EV powertrains
New M252 hybrid drivetrain technology
Design, practicality and 7-seat usability
Interior technology and luxury
Driving impressions GLB 350 4Matic
Driving impressions GLB 250+
Suspension, comfort and refinement
Performance comparisons
Pricing and value
Whether this is now the best compact Mercedes SUV ever built
The compact class may finally be growing up. And if Mercedes truly hasn’t held back here, the GLB could represent one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in this segment for years! Enjoy! :)
