Key Points
- The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB is available in Australia with a fully electric powertrain for the first time, alongside two 48-volt hybrid variants.
- The GLB 250+ electric starts at $74,990 MRLP and the GLB 350 4MATIC electric starts at $86,200 MRLP, both excluding on-road costs.
- Electric GLB models use an 800-volt system with DC fast charging up to 320kW and a 127-litre front boot.
Mercedes-Benz has launched the all-new GLB in Australia, and for the first time the medium SUV is available as a fully electric model alongside its existing hybrid line-up. The GLB 250+ electric and GLB 350 4MATIC electric join the 48-volt hybrid GLB 200 and GLB 220 4MATIC.
The electric models bring an 85kWh battery, 800-volt charging architecture and a new MB.OS-based infotainment system to the GLB, which Mercedes-Benz positions as a family SUV with seven seats as standard and up to five child seats across its second and third rows.
At $74,990, the GLB 250+ electric is the most affordable seven-seat electric SUV on sale in Australia, though Mercedes-Benz's emphasises the second and third rows are for child seats, not adult passengers. The outgoing GLB's third row carried a manufacturer height limit of about 169cm.
Electric powertrains: GLB 250+ and GLB 350 4MATIC
The GLB 250+ electric and GLB 350 4MATIC electric are both fitted with a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery with 85kWh of usable capacity.
The GLB 250+ electric is rear-wheel drive, producing 200kW and 335Nm, with a 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds. The GLB 350 4MATIC electric adds a second motor for all-wheel drive, lifting output to 260kW and 515Nm and cutting the 0-100km/h sprint to 5.5 seconds.
Driving range is up to 570km for the GLB 250+ electric and 554km for the GLB 350 4MATIC electric. Both electric variants get the DYNAMIC SELECT system, letting drivers switch between a softer COMFORT setting and a firmer SPORT mode. The GLB 350 4MATIC electric also gains a TERRAIN mode for gravel roads and rough tracks, matching the setting available on the hybrid GLB 220 4MATIC.
The AMG Line package is standard on the GLB 220 4MATIC, GLB 250+ electric and GLB 350 4MATIC electric, adding 20-inch wheels and adaptive damping for greater control over ride and handling.
Charging: 800-volt architecture and 320kW DC
All electric GLB variants run an all new 800-volt electrical architecture, supporting DC fast charging at up to 320kW. The GLB electric can add up to 260km of WLTP range in 10 minutes. AC charging is available at up to 22kW. This is one of the fastest charging Mercedes-Benz vehicles launched.
Hybrid range: GLB 200 and GLB 220 4MATIC
Alongside the electric models, the all-new GLB is available with two 48-volt hybrid petrol powertrains. Both use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine paired with an electric motor integrated into an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing brief electric-only driving and energy recuperation.
The front-wheel-drive GLB 200 produces 120kW and 250Nm from its engine plus 22kW and 200Nm from its 48-volt motor, with a 0-100km/h time of 8.7 seconds. The all-wheel-drive GLB 220 4MATIC steps this up to 140kW and 300Nm from the engine, with the same 22kW/200Nm electric assistance, reaching 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
Design: a new lighting signature and standard panoramic roof
The all-new GLB keeps the squared-off proportions of its predecessor but adds a more upright front end, steeper windscreen and shorter overhangs. Electric variants get a distinct radiator grille with 94 individually animated LED stars, while hybrid models use a more traditional chrome Mercedes-Benz pattern framed by an LED light guide.
A panoramic glass roof is now standard across the range. Maximum headroom increases by 35mm for the driver and front passenger compared with the outgoing GLB, and by 64mm and 10mm for second and third-row passengers respectively. Wheel-arch cladding, underride-style front and rear elements and flush-fitting wheels round out the exterior changes.
More space: seven seats, a sliding second row and a 127-litre frunk
The all-new GLB comes with seven seats as standard. The second-row bench slides longitudinally and gains extra legroom and longer thigh support, and Mercedes-Benz says the cabin can fit up to five child seats across the second and third rows.
Boot space is rated at 480 litres with all seats in use, rising to 1605 litres with the rear seats folded. Electric variants add a separate, sizeable 127-litre front boot, or "frunk".
MB.OS and fourth-generation MBUX
The all-new GLB runs Mercedes-Benz's MB.OS operating system, connecting the car to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud and enabling over-the-air updates, including to driver assistance systems.
A 10.25-inch digital driver display and 14-inch central touchscreen are standard. The optional MBUX Superscreen adds a second 14-inch display for the front passenger, with all three screens sitting under a single glass surface.
Fourth-generation MBUX introduces a customisable Zero Layer that surfaces frequently used functions and context-sensitive suggestions, along with smartphone-style app folders. The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses generative AI, integrating ChatGPT-4o, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini for more conversational interactions. Navigation is based on Google Maps, with electric variants adding real-time journey planning that factors in vehicle and route data.
Mercedes-Benz has also reintroduced some physical controls after customer feedback, including a steering wheel rocker switch for the speed limiter and DISTRONIC, plus a roller for audio volume.
Safety: the MB.DRIVE assistance suite
Driver assistance systems are grouped under MB.DRIVE, supported by eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a water-cooled central computer.
Standard MB.DRIVE features include Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist Plus, Lane Keeping Assist, speed limit warning, an emergency stop function and Evasive Steering assist. MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 adds PARKTRONIC, Parking Assist, a reverse manoeuvring function, a 360-degree camera and rim protection warning.
Options: AMG Line and Premium Plus packages
The optional AMG Line package sharpens the GLB's exterior with AMG bodystyling and animated Mercedes-Benz pattern projections from the surround lighting. Inside, it adds a Nappa leather sports steering wheel, AMG floor mats, light carbon-grain aluminium trim, a sportier sound character, adjustable damping and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels. AMG Line is standard on the GLB 220 4MATIC, GLB 250+ electric and GLB 350 4MATIC electric, and a $3,200 option on the GLB 200.
The Premium Plus Package with Digital Extras adds Adaptive Highbeam Assist, LED High Performance headlamps, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, sound personalisation, ambient lighting with Mercedes-Benz star projection, a rear light strip and the MBUX Superscreen. It's a $4,000 option across all four variants.
GLB options pricing
Package | GLB 200 | GLB 220 4MATIC | GLB 250+ electric | GLB 350 4MATIC electric |
AMG Line | $3,200 MRLP | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Premium Plus Package with Digital Extras | $4,000 MRLP | $4,000 MRLP | $4,000 MRLP | $4,000 MRLP |
Pricing and availability
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB is available at Australian dealerships from 4 September 2026, priced as follows:
Mercedes-Benz GLB pricing (Australia)
Model | Price (MRLP) |
Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 | $65,400 |
Mercedes-Benz GLB 220 4MATIC | $76,100 |
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250+ electric | $74,990 |
Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4MATIC electric | $86,200 |
MRLP includes GST and any applicable luxury car tax on the base specification, but excludes on-road costs such as registration, stamp duty and CTP.
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How the GLB electric compares
The GLB 250+ electric and GLB 350 4MATIC electric compete in a crowded field of mid-size electric SUVs in Australia, including the Tesla Model Y and its six-seat Model Y L sibling, the Zeekr 7X and the Kia EV5. Pricing and specifications for those rivals are current at the time of writing and may change.
Mercedes-Benz GLB electric vs key rivals
Model | Drivetrain | Price (before on-roads) | Battery | WLTP range | Power | 0-100km/h |
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250+ electric | RWD | $74,990 | 85kWh | 570km (Mercedes-Benz release text) / 626km (Mercedes-Benz spec sheet) | 200kW | 7.4s |
Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4MATIC electric | AWD | $86,200 | 85kWh | 554km (release text) / 609km (spec sheet) | 260kW | 5.5s |
Tesla Model Y L | AWD | $74,900 | ~88.2kWh | 681km | 378kW | 5.0s |
Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | AWD | $68,900 | 79kWh | 600km | Not published | 4.3s |
Zeekr 7X Long Range | RWD | $63,900 | 100kWh | 615km | 310kW | 6.0s |
Kia EV5 Air Long Range | FWD | $63,990 | 88.1kWh | 555km | 160kW | 7.7s |
Kia EV5 GT-Line | AWD | $75,990 | 88.1kWh | 470km | 230kW | 6.1s |
On price, the GLB 250+ electric at $74,990 sits almost level with the Tesla Model Y L at $74,900, above the Zeekr 7X Long Range at $63,900 and the Kia EV5 Air Long Range at $63,990, and just under the Kia EV5 GT-Line at $75,990.
Seven seats are still rare among fully electric SUVs in Australia. Other seven-seat EVs on sale include the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro LWB (from $80,990), Mercedes-Benz's own EQB 250+ (from $85,400), the Denza D9 FWD (from $85,990), Kia EV9 Air (from $97,000), LDV MIFA 9 (from $104,000), Zeekr 009 FWD (from $115,900), Hyundai IONIQ 9 (from $119,750) and Volvo EX90 (from $124,990). At $74,990, the GLB 250+ electric undercuts all of them, making it one of only a handful of seven-seat electric SUVs in Australia and, on current pricing, the most affordable one. The six-seat Tesla Model Y L is priced almost identically at $74,900. That seventh seat is better suited to children than adults, though: Mercedes-Benz's specifications reference child seats, not adult passengers.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
