Mercedes-Benz has opened European orders for the new GLB with its high-tech hybrid drivetrain. The lineup features a 48-volt mild hybrid system across five variants. Three power levels are available, ranging from 136 to 190 horsepower. German pricing starts at €50,396.50 (approximately $58,200 USD).
Highlights
- New electrified powertrain: A 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo pairs with a 22 kW electric motor integrated into a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT), supported by a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery.
- Three output levels: System power ranges from 156 hp (115 kW) in the GLB 180 to 211 hp (155 kW) in the GLB 220, with front-wheel and 4MATIC all-wheel drive options.
- Multi-mode hybrid operation: The system enables pure electric driving at city speeds, electric coasting up to 100 km/h, and energy recuperation across all eight gears at up to 25 kW.
- Standard ADAS included: DISTRONIC Distance Assist comes standard, with optional MB.DRIVE ASSIST delivering SAE Level 2 capability including lane change assist.
Powertrain Architecture
The GLB’s hybrid system centers on a newly developed electrified 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. An electric motor producing 22 kW and 200 Nm of torque is integrated directly into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
A 48-volt lithium-ion battery with 1.3 kWh capacity supplies the electric motor. The integrated design keeps the system compact and efficient. Mercedes-Benz stated the electric motor can provide an additional boost of 22 kW for up to 20 seconds at 3,000 rpm.
Hybrid Operating Modes
The system supports three distinct operating modes depending on driving conditions. At typical city speeds and with moderate throttle input, the GLB can run on electric power alone. The technical threshold is any driving situation requiring less than 22 kW of power.
On higher-speed roads, the drivetrain decouples for electric coasting at speeds up to approximately 100 km/h. Additionally, the electric motor recuperates energy in all eight transmission gears. Mercedes-Benz said the system can recover up to 25 kW during deceleration.
Model Range and Pricing
The GLB lineup spans five variants across three power tiers:
- GLB 180 — 136 hp system output, front-wheel drive, 0–100 km/h in 9.7 seconds — €50,396.50 (~$58,200 USD)
- GLB 200 — 184 hp system output, front-wheel drive, 0–100 km/h in 8.7 seconds — €52,990.70 (~$61,200 USD)
- GLB 200 4MATIC — 184 hp system output, all-wheel drive, 0–100 km/h in 8.5 seconds — €55,204.10 (~$63,800 USD)
- GLB 220 — 211 hp system output, front-wheel drive, 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds — €54,835.20 (~$63,300 USD)
- GLB 220 4MATIC — 211 hp system output, all-wheel drive, 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds — €57,048.60 (~$65,900 USD)
Combined fuel consumption across the range spans 5.7 to 6.7 liters per 100 km under the WLTP cycle. CO₂ emissions range from 130 to 153 g/km.
Driver Assistance Features
All European GLB models include DISTRONIC Distance Assist as standard. Mercedes-Benz is also offering the optional MB.DRIVE ASSIST package from launch. This system adds steering assist and lane change assist to deliver SAE Level 2 driving automation. Lane changes are initiated with a tap of the indicator lever.
The GLB retains seating for up to seven passengers and offers 540 liters of cargo volume. The vehicle also runs on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which supports over-the-air updates.
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