Powertrains
As with the CLA, the electric GLB with EQ Technology will be launched first.
There will be a choice between the 260bhp, rear-driven 250 or range-topping dual-motor 350 4Matic with 349bhp.
An 85kWh (usable) battery is capable of delivering up to 392 miles of range in the most efficient variant, making this one of the longest-range electric crossover of this size.
It can charge at speeds of up to 320kW, so it’s also one of the quickest-charging: Mercedes claims it can take on 162 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes.
The GLB follows the CLA in being compatible exclusively with 800V charging hardware as standard.
Buyers hoping to use the UK’s more common 400V public chargers will need an optional DC converter at a cost of £850.
Bi-directional vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging functionality will arrive later as part of an over-the-air update.
Shortly after launch, Mercedes will add the entry-level GLB 200, which turns the power of the RWD car down to 221bhp and swaps the battery for a smaller 58kWh unit that will net around 280 miles of range – but full details remain to be confirmed.
ICE power will come later next year in the form of a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol four-pot that will be available in three outputs: sending 134bhp or 161bhp to the front wheels or 188bhp to all four in the range-topping 4Matic.
Having a 1.3kWh battery and a 27bhp electric motor in its automatic gearbox, the hybrid will be capable of driving with its engine off at low speeds for short distances.
Mercedes will confirm full technical specs closer to the launch, but the hybrid is expected to be capable of mid-50s to the gallon, based on the technically identical CLA hybrid.
By
