The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB Grows has always occupied a unique, functional niche in the compact luxury crossover segment. With its signature boxy shape and the segment-exclusive optional third row of seats, it offered practicality that defied its small footprint, appealing to buyers who needed a flexible, premium family vehicle without the size or expense of a GLC or GLE.
For the 2027 model year, the GLB is set to undergo a complete generational redesign. This isn’t just a styling refresh; it’s a strategic transformation built on Mercedes-Benz’s advanced Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). This new platform allows the 2027 GLB to not only keep its highly valued utility but also transition into a vehicle focused squarely on electrification and sophisticated digital technology.
Expected to grow in size, adopt an all-new electrified powertrain lineup (including pure electric and hybrid variants), and feature a radically redesigned, screen-dominant cabin, the second-generation GLB is less an update and more a declaration that Mercedes-Benz’s most functional entry-level SUV is ready for the future.
The Foundation: Built on the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB Grows
The most significant change for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB is the switch to the highly flexible Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). This platform is “electric-first,” meaning it prioritizes the needs of the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) but is capable of supporting advanced hybrid powertrains as well.
Dimensions and Enhanced Utility
The MMA platform brings with it a noticeable increase in size, directly addressing minor space constraints in the current model while maintaining the functional, upright stance that defined the GLB’s identity.
Increased Footprint: The new GLB is reportedly longer, wider, and rides on a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. These dimensional shifts directly translate into greater interior volume.
Improved Passenger Space: This growth is particularly welcome in the second row, where legroom is significantly expanded. This change improves comfort for adult passengers and makes access to the third row easier.
Retained Third Row: Crucially, the optional third row of seats remains available. While still best suited for children, the overall dimensional growth and improved access reinforce the GLB’s unique selling proposition as the only compact luxury crossover offering true seven-passenger flexibility.
AI Overview Insight: The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB compact crossover utilizes the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which is optimized for electrification. The redesign increases the vehicle’s length and wheelbase, resulting in significantly enhanced second-row legroom and the continuation of the optional third-row, seven-passenger seating configuration.
Electrified Power: Hybrid and Pure EV Options
The new architecture dictates a shift away from pure internal combustion toward exclusively electrified powertrains. The 2027 GLB will offer choices that cater to different buyer needs—from all-electric commuters to those seeking the efficiency of a high-tech hybrid.
The All-Electric GLB (Replacing the EQB)
At launch, the all-electric variants of the new GLB are expected to take center stage, effectively replacing the current EQB model. This shift highlights Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to its electric future in the entry-luxury segment.
800-Volt Architecture: Utilizing the MMA platform’s advanced 800-volt system, the GLB EV is poised to offer ultra-rapid DC fast-charging capabilities, significantly reducing charging times when connected to a compatible high-powered station. Charging speeds of up to 320 kW are possible.
Range and Performance: The new GLB EV is expected to use a battery pack around 85 kWh (usable capacity). Performance variants, such as the GLB 350 4MATIC, will feature a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system delivering substantial power (estimated at around 349 horsepower) and quicker acceleration. The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variants will maximize efficiency and range.
High-Tech Hybrid Powertrains
A traditional combustion-only GLB is unlikely. Instead, Mercedes-Benz is developing a sophisticated hybrid variant that will appeal to those not ready for a full EV.
New Hybrid Setup: The hybrid GLB is expected to feature a next-generation powertrain, likely a 48-volt full-hybrid system. This setup pairs a turbocharged engine (possibly a 1.5-liter four-cylinder) with an electric motor integrated into the transmission.
Electric-Only Capability: This advanced hybrid system is designed to allow the GLB to drive short distances at inner-city speeds on electricity alone, greatly boosting urban efficiency and refinement.
Anticipated Output: While specific figures are yet to be confirmed for the GLB, the similar hybrid setup in the new CLA sedan is rated around 208 horsepower combined, suggesting a responsive and efficient performance profile for the GLB hybrid.
The Digital Revolution: A Cab-Forward Technology Masterpiece
If the new platform is the body, the new interior technology is the soul of the 2027 GLB. The cabin is undergoing a radical redesign, adopting the cutting-edge digital architecture seen in Mercedes-Benz’s latest models.
The MBUX Superscreen Experience
The dashboard will feature a level of digitization unprecedented in this vehicle class, putting the GLB at the forefront of in-car technology.
Screen Dominance: The new interior is centered on the MBUX Superscreen—an expansive glass panel that houses multiple high-resolution displays: a large driver gauge display, a central infotainment touchscreen, and, optionally, a large passenger-side screen.
MB.OS Integration: This entire digital ecosystem runs on the new, in-house developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This unified, software-defined architecture allows for deep over-the-air (OTA) updates, rapid processing power, and long-term feature expansion, making the vehicle future-proof.
Conversational AI: The system is expected to integrate advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), moving beyond simple voice commands to enable natural, conversational dialogue with the driver and learn their habits over time.
Refined Design and Ergonomics
Despite the tech influx, the interior retains Mercedes-Benz hallmarks of quality and attention to detail.
Premium Materials: Expect elevated materials throughout the cabin, reinforcing its entry-luxury positioning.
Restored Physical Controls: Based on other recent Mercedes-Benz redesigns, key functions such as adaptive cruise control and volume may feature tactile rocker switches and rollers on the steering wheel, offering a welcome balance to the digital screens.
Improved Access and Visibility: The boxy, upright design is retained, ensuring excellent outward visibility and a commanding driving position, which are key draws for crossover buyers.
Safety and Convenience: Intelligent Driver Assistance
The adoption of the MMA platform and MB.OS is not only about entertainment and efficiency; it also enables a massive leap forward in the vehicle’s safety and driver-assistance systems.
Next-Generation Driver Assistance
The new GLB will offer an array of standard and optional driver-assistance features powered by its advanced computer architecture.
Enhanced DISTRONIC: An updated suite of safety features will include an advanced Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control) with seamless stop-and-go traffic capability.
Advanced Safety Shield: Features like lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, and a more advanced PRESAFE system will likely be standard, ensuring top-tier safety ratings.
Integrated Sensors: The comprehensive safety net is supported by an array of cameras, radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, providing the vehicle with a complete, real-time picture of its surroundings.
Practical Convenience Features
The core appeal of the GLB is its practicality, and the 2027 model enhances this with smart, user-focused additions.
Larger Rear Doors: Wider rear door openings will make loading children and accessing the optional third row significantly easier.
Sliding Second Row: The inclusion of a second row that slides fore and aft offers excellent flexibility, allowing owners to prioritize either second-row legroom or cargo space depending on the moment’s need.
Frunk Storage (EV Models): For the electric GLB, the MMA platform design allows for the inclusion of a front trunk (“frunk”), a small but valuable storage space perfect for charging cables or small bags.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB is growing up in every sense. It sheds its image as a slightly awkward entry model and fully embraces the future of the automotive industry. By combining its signature, segment-leading utility with a future-proof, electric-first platform and hyper-advanced digital technology, the new GLB is perfectly positioned to become a dominant force in the compact luxury SUV market for the next decade.
