Test of the Mercedes GLB 200, the 7-seater SUV: family travel

On the winding and beautiful roads of the Basque Country, we took the wheel of the new Mercedes GLB 2026, in its 200 HEV AMG Line version. With this new generation, Mercedes is not just settling for a simple facelift; it offers a new MMA platform: the German manufacturer reaffirms its position in the premium family SUV segment, with an offering that aims to be both spacious, technological, and rational. Available from €52,000, the GLB comes in several engine options, including electric and micro-hybrid gasoline. Unfortunately, diesel engines have been removed from the catalog.

Video: Test of the Mercedes GLB 200 (7-seater configuration)

Design and Architecture: Pragmatism Above All

Aesthetically, the GLB 2026 retains the cubic silhouette that has made it successful. It now rests on the MMA platform, the same as the CLA, allowing for optimized production costs. To the naked eye, the electric model and the hybrid version are almost impossible to differentiate.

With a length of 4.73 meters, the GLB grows by 10 cm, which directly benefits passenger space. It has a width of 1.86 m and a height of 1.68 m. Note that while its rear design may remind some new market entrants like the Smart #5, the GLB remains a pure Mercedes product.

Space: The King of Modularity

This is the GLB's strong point: its interior. The rear bench slides 12 cm to adjust the space between passengers and the trunk.

• Trunk (5-seater configuration): 540 liters.
• Maximum capacity: up to 1715 liters.
• 7-seater version: An option at €1350 that allows for the addition of a third row, offering 480 liters in 7-seater configuration (or 145 liters with the third row alone).

Behind the Wheel of the GLB 200 Hybrid (m52)

For this test, we evaluated the 1.5L 4-cylinder hybrid 48V engine.

• Power: 163 hp + 30 hp electric.
• Torque: 250 Nm.
• Transmission: Front-wheel drive.

The electric motor, integrated between the internal combustion engine and the gearbox, allows for electric starts and provides a noticeable torque boost. The new 8-speed automatic transmission (8F-eDCT) effectively manages the power.

On the road, with a weight of 1840 kg, the GLB 200 is linear and reassuring. Body roll is well controlled, and although a CLA filters road irregularities a bit better, the overall comfort remains at a very good level. We recorded a consumption of 5.4 l/100 km at 110 km/h, allowing for a range of between 800 and 1000 km.

Engine Options and Performance: Mercedes GLB 2026 (Electric and Gasoline)

The Mercedes GLB 2026 offers an extensive range, divided between 100% electric (EQ) technology and hybrid engines. Here are the complete details of the technical specifications:

Technical Data

EQ 200

EQ 250+

EQ 350 4MATIC

Hybrid 200

Hybrid 200 4MATIC

Hybrid 220

Hybrid 220 4MATIC

Power (kW/hp)

165/224

200/272

260/354

120/163

120/163

140/190

140/190

Torque (Nm)

335

335

515

250

250

300

300

Battery (kWh)

58

85

85

–

–

–

–

Transmission

FWD

FWD

AWD

FWD

AWD

FWD

AWD

0-100 km/h (s)

8.2

7.4

5.5

8.7

8.5

7.9

7.5

Max Speed (km/h)

210

210

210

208

204

217

212

Pricing and Range: Mercedes GLB 2026

Mercedes offers a competitive pricing structure for this segment, sometimes positioning itself more advantageously than a Mercedes CLA on certain engines.

The pricing varies according to the chosen engine and trim level. Here is the complete pricing grid for the new Mercedes GLB:

Pricing by Trim

Model (Hybrid)

Progressive Line

AMG Line

GLB 200 HEV

51,400 €

56,200 €

GLB 220 HEV

55,550 €

60,350 €

Recommended Retail Prices (incl. VAT)

EQ 200

EQ 250+

EQ 350 4MATIC

Hybrid 200

Hybrid 200 4M

Hybrid 220

Hybrid 220 4M

Progressive Line

46,950€

55,900€

61,100€

51,400€

53,650€

55,550€

57,800€

AMG Line

52,600€

60,700€

65,900€

56,200€

58,450€

60,350€

62,600€

Business Line

48,950€

57,100€

62,300€

52,600€

54,850€

56,750€

59,000€

Business Exec.

55,600€

63,700€

68,900€

59,200€

61,450€

63,350€

65,600€

(Note: Recommended retail prices in euros, all-inclusive) – June 2026

Verdict: The GLB Proves Surprisingly Accessible for a Premium SUV

Available from €46,950 in electric version, the Mercedes GLB 2026 stands out as a serious alternative against tough competition from models like the Peugeot 5008, Renault Espace, Kia Sorento, Opel Frontera, Volkswagen Tayron, Skoda Kodiaq/Peak, or even the Nissan X-Trail and Volvo XC90 (the latter two being somewhat out of category).

If you are looking for a vehicle capable of covering long distances with family, offering good sound insulation and pleasant steering, the GLB 200 Hybrid is a rational choice. It may not be the sportiest, but it is undoubtedly one of the most versatile in its category.

What I Liked

• Driving pleasure
• Appreciable spaciousness
• Low consumption on long trips
• Range of over 850 km
• Competitive pricing

What I Liked Less

• Cubic design (personal opinion)
• 7 seats as an option for €1350
• Long list of options that increases the bill