Does the Mercedes GLB move the EV game on?

Mercedes is on a roll with its new models after the recently-launched CLA secured the title of the European Car of the Year award.

Continuing on from that success, the German marque is introducing the latest technology to its EVs to make them easier to live with and to go further on a single charge.

The GLB has become a popular sight on European roads and the new second-generation is here, offering electric power, a new platform and an interior dominated by screens and gadgets.

So, has Mercedes got this new family SUV right, or does the GLB blend into an overcrowded market?

What’s new?

Mercedes has ditched the ‘EQ’ strategy for its electric models and has gone back to basics, offering multiple powertrains across its range of cars and the GLB is the latest to follow suit.

It sits on the same ‘MMA’ platform as the new CLA saloon and can be equipped with a choice of five or seven-seat configurations.

The exterior design has been updated with a new curvaceous look to help reduce drag, while it uses lots of Mercedes’ star emblems in its styling.

The interior has been given lots of upgrades with sustainable materials, further star emblems and the car is available with the firm’s ‘MBUX Superscreen’ to give a more digital experience.

The GLB is available in several trim levels and there are options such as adaptive dampers and Mercedes’ ‘AirMatic’ air suspension all to improve the driving dynamics.

What’s under the bonnet?

For now, the new GLB is only available with electric power and it’s the same setup you’ll find on the CLA.

Our test car is fitted with an 85.5kWh battery pack with an electric motor to produce 264bhp and 335Nm of torque. That means 100 km/h is dispatched in around 7 seconds and the car will go on to a top speed of 209 km/h.

Mercedes claims that its GLBs can travel up to 631 km on a single charge and thanks to its standard 800-volt architecture, 320kW DC rapid-charging is compatible allowing for a 10 to 80 % top-up to be completed in 22 minutes.

What’s it like to drive?

We’re driving a mid-level model that comes without the adaptive dampers, but we are still impressed with how it performs out on the road.

Despite the lack of adjustment in its suspension, the GLB still manages to be one of the most comfortable cars in its class as it glides along without pitching or rolling in the corners.

The handling is nicely tuned and the car turns into corners well, without too much body lean, and the cabin is well insulated from outside noise.

Its boxy proportions also help out when parking as the large glass areas make it much easier to see out of. Plus, the regenerative braking can be adjusted to allow for one-pedal driving, with the driver lifting off the accelerator causing the vehicle to come to a stop without touching the brake.

How does it look?

The latest GLB has put on some pounds too, as the car is much more bulbous than the outgoing model.

It continues Mercedes’ trend of fitting lots of its star emblems around the vehicle, with three-pointed star headlights, a star-studded front grille and star-shaped taillights.

To make the car more aerodynamic, the GLB boasts flush door handles and a more curved body shape, though we think its predecessor looks a more handsome car than this new generation.

What’s it like inside?

The GLB’s cabin is a nice place to be, despite our test car missing out on some technology upgrades.

Higher-spec cars come with Mercedes’ ‘MBUX Superscreen’, consisting of a 14-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 14-inch passenger screen.

Our test car isn’t equipped with the passenger display and is replaced with more Mercedes star emblems, which look cheap to the eye.

The cabin materials feature lots of sustainable trim and there is a soft-touch dashboard and door cards, though lower down, there are lots of hard, scratchy plastics.

Storage is plentiful with large door bins, two cupholders, a hidden cut-out under the floating centre console and an underneath centre armrest compartment; however, the mediocre glovebox is disappointing.

Our car comes with seven seats, which boosts its flexibility when it comes to carrying passengers and the second row of chairs provides plenty of head, leg, shoulder and knee room, while they can also slide forwards to increase space for third-row occupants.

Getting into the two rear seats is difficult, despite the second-row of chairs sliding forwards. Once you’ve climbed into the back, the low-seating position and high floor means the third row of seats are best suited for children.

With all seven seats in place, the GLB provides just 145 litres of space. With the rearmost seats folded, that space swells to 540 litres – that’s 20 litres more than what you’ll find on the five-seat BMW iX3.

Fold all of the seats down and the GLB’s load capacity transforms to 1,715 litres, and thanks to its tall roofline and boxy profile, carrying large items isn’t too much of a strain.

Open the bonnet, and there is a class-leading 127-litre frunk, which adds even more storage to this practical electric SUV.

What’s the spec like?

Mercedes tends to offer a wide selection of different trim levels on its cars and the GLB is no exception.

The range consists of: Sport, Sport Executive, AMG Line executive, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus. Our tested car is the mid-level AMG Line Executive.

There’s no shortage in equipment as there is a 14-inch central infotainment system, heated front seats, a fixed glass panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, interior ambient lighting, AMG bodystyling and keyless entry.

Flagship AMG Line Premium Plus cars gain a Burmester 3D surround sound system, a head-up display, the Mercedes MBUX Superscreen, a 360-degree camera and multibeam LED headlights.

However, Mercedes charges extra for a 400-volt charging adapter to enable the vehicle to be topped up at slower DC rapid chargers. There are several EVs on the market with an 800-volt architecture that come with this feature as standard.

The new GLB is an electric SUV that Mercedes can be proud of as it ticks all of the right boxes.

It drives well, it packs lots of technology, has an impressive electric range, is efficient and can be opted with seven seats – perfect for a growing family.

The looks won’t be to everyone’s taste and some of the interior plastics don’t live up to the car’s premium image, but with prices undercutting cars like the five-seat-only BMW iX3, the GLB represents superb value for money and on an electric Mercedes, we can’t ask for more than that.