Update (November 29, 2024): ‘MMA Platform,’ ‘Next-gen motors,’ and ‘Battery & Charging’ sub-sections of ‘Specifications’ updated.
On the eve of IAA 2023, Mercedes unveiled the Concept CLA Class. Coupled with recent developments, it’s evident that Mercedes-Benz plans to phase out the EQ branding in the near future. Indications are that their smallest U.S. EV, the Mercedes EQB, will transition to become the Mercedes GLB Electric when it shifts to the next generation by 2026.
Here’s everything we’ve learned about the all-new Mercedes GLB Electric.
Design
On September 3, 2023, Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius announced that the company’s future compact model line-up includes four EVs, two of which are SUVs. The accompanying teaser image displayed in the background identified what was seemingly the Mercedes GLB Electric.
Building on the relationship between the EQB and EQA, the GLB Electric appears to offer a longer hood, a flatter roofline, and a straighter rear-end compared to the GLA Electric. The boxy shape will help it be more spacious and accommodate the third row of seats. The GLB Electric’s exterior will be bolder and more modern than the EQB, taking inspiration from the Concept CLA Class’s design.
We’re expecting the GLB Electric to feature a new DRL pattern formed by an eye-like star in the headlamps and an eyebrow-like curved horizontal line above it, as well as an A-shape grille with an illuminated and animated star motif and an illuminated Mercedes-Benz star. Unlike the EQB, it should have flush-integrated door handles that contribute to reduced energy consumption and wind noise and add a touch of elegance to the exterior.
Interior
MBUX Superscreen
The Mercedes GLB Electric should feature a clean and digital interior. In the top-end grade, it will likely feature MBUX Superscreen, a panel that covers almost the entire width of the dashboard, integrating three mini-LED displays. The outer air vents, featuring a signature turbine-like design, may flank the outer screens, and the central air vents could be positioned discreetly behind the MBUX Superscreen.
MB.OS
The GLB Electric would have MB.OS, a new, indigenously developed chip-to-cloud architecture. The new vehicle software would give customers an extensive selection of third-party apps, including video streaming services. Only the passenger display would stream videos while the vehicle is traveling, though, and an eye-tracking system would ensure the driver isn’t distracted.
Sustainability
Expect a variety of innovative materials in the cabin. A new type of paper material made from reduced cellulose for the trim, floor mats woven from bamboo fiber, door pockets edged in a biotechnology-based and vegan silk-like fabric, polyester textile upholstery made from recycled PET, etc. are some of the possible eco-friendly measures in the GLB Electric’s interior. Needless to say, along with sustainability and circularity, visual and tactile qualities, durability, and safety would be among the top priorities for the designers and material specialists while finalizing the interior.
Safety & ADAS
Level 2/2+
The new EV’s ADAS sensors suite should include radar, ultrasonic, and LiDAR sensors and allow SAE Level 2 semi-automated driving and parking functions right from launch. It will likely be possible to enhance the SAE Level 2 system with OTA updates.
CPD
The GLB Electric is expected to feature a new Child Presence Detection (CPD) system that can detect the presence of a child in a locked vehicle through their unique breathing pattern, even the most gentle breathing of a newborn baby who is asleep, using sensors, and the presence of an adult using cameras. This system may have multiple escalation stages.
Initially, CPD may keep alerting the driver via the connected smartphone with app notifications and messages. If the driver doesn’t respond, it may start flashing lights and producing an acoustic signal to seek help from bystanders. If nothing works, it should notify the Mercedes-Benz SOS call center and/or alert the emergency services. During this time, it will likely monitor the cabin temperature and keep it at an optimum level.
Specifications
MMA Platform
The Mercedes GLB Electric will be based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), an electric-first platform developed for a family of four compact vehicles: a four-door coupe, a shooting brake, and two SUVs. The operating voltage of the MMA platform-based EVs will be double that of the EVs based on the MFA 2 platform – 800 volts.
Unlike the EQB, the GLB Electric will be a predominantly rear-wheel drive vehicle. A practical car of this type typically doesn’t offer a particularly dynamic driving experience, but the switch from FWD to RWD should improve handling. Additionally, it will have a skateboard chassis, thanks to the platform’s electric-first conception, which should lead to improved space efficiency.
Next-gen motors
The GLB Electric will likely be available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, both with a new-generation electric drive unit called ‘EDU 2.0.’ This compact package of components weighs less than 243 pounds, and it’s extremely energy efficient, too, transferring up to 93% of the energy stored in the battery pack to the wheels.
EDU 2.0 integrates high-performance power electronics equipped with a silicon carbide (SiC) inverter, a two-speed gearbox with an 11:1 ratio for the first gear and a 5:1 ratio for the second gear, and a permanent magnet synchronous motor generating up to 200 kW (268 hp) of power. Mercedes-Benz itself developed the new drive system.
In the AWD configurations, Mercedes-Benz would equip an additional electric drive unit on the front axle, also equipped with a SiC inverter. It would operate only as a “boost” drive, with a Disconnect Unit (DCU) decoupling its motor, when the load is low and saving energy consumption for a longer range. This motor would produce up to 80 kW (107 hp), and along with the 200 kW (268 hp) unit in the back, allow the GLB Electric to achieve a top speed of up to 210 km/h (130 mph).
Battery & Charging
Mercedes-Benz would offer the EQB with 58 kWh LFP and 85 kWh NMC battery packs, with an energy density of 450 Wh/l and 680 Wh/l. The latter will take advantage of ultra-fast chargers, with a peak charging power of 320 kW. On a full charge, it should deliver a WLTP range of around 600 km (373 miles). In the U.S., the EPA-estimated range could be close to 300 miles.
V2L
The GLB Electric would give customers the convenience and utility of bidirectional charging. They’ll be able to use the energy stored in the EV’s battery pack for Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functions. For example, in the event of a power outage during an earthquake or a storm, customers could supply electricity from the GLB Electric to their homes.
Release Date
According to a report JESMB released on August 4, 2024, Mercedes-Benz will end the production of the EQB at the end of 2025. Soon after it pulls the plug, it should unveil the GLB Electric as its successor. In a more recent article on October 23, 2024, JESMB said that the company is expected to conduct winter testing of the next-gen GLB in Lapland, Finland, this year. It’s safe to assume that the first test prototypes of the GLB Electric would also be present in the contingent.
We think the GLB Electric will start arriving at U.S. dealerships in 2026, with prices starting at around $55,000. The Mercedes-Benz Kecskemét plant (Hungary), the same factory that makes the EQB, should manufacture the new model.
Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
