Electric Mercedes-Benz GLB: The All-New MMA Platform Explained

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB has officially been launched in Singapore! And with its arrival marks a significant shift in the brand’s electrification strategy. As part of this new approach, Mercedes-Benz is moving away from the “EQ” naming convention for its mainstream electric models, opting instead to integrate electric versions as variants under their primary model nameplates.

This is precisely why there will be no second-generation EQB; instead, the new electric variant is simply branded as the GLB with EQ technology. Prospective buyers will be happy to note that the fundamental formula that made the original GLB and EQB so popular has survived into this new generation virtually unscathed.

If anything, Mercedes-Benz has refined the breed, introducing key enhancements that elevate the vehicle beyond its predecessor.

From MFA2 to MMA: The Electric GLB’s New Architecture

At a glance, the all-new GLB clearly shares its DNA with the model it replaces, retaining the familiar, boxy silhouette and proportions that defined its predecessor. Whilst we will explore its updated design shortly, it is essential to first understand the fundamental engineering shift that underpins this new generation.

The previous generation GLB (codenamed X247) was built on the MFA2 platform, which first debuted as the MFA in 2011. This was well before electrification was even close to mainstream, meaning the platform really wasn’t all that well suited for EVs.

Which makes the re-engineering for the EQB all the more impressive; Mercedes managed to package a 66.5kWh battery pack into the vehicle, with the rangiest variant (EQB 250) able to achieve up to 452 kilometres on a single charge.

This all-new GLB with EQ technology is underpinned by the very latest Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). This is a platform that can be used to construct both ICE and EV cars, but it has been engineered to be EV-first.

What this means is a car that is better packaged, and far less compromised, which then translates to better driving dynamics and more range from a bigger battery pack.

Two All-Electric Variants: Comparing the GLB 200 and GLB 250+

At launch, two GLB models are available. The range starts with the GLB 200, which features a 58.4 kWh LFP battery that feeds its electrons to a 110 kW (150hp) electric motor. This base model will be able to cover 453 kilometres on a single charge, which is already more than its predecessor despite having a smaller battery pack.

If you want a little more power, there’s also the GLB 250+. Battery capacity now increases to a whopping 85.5 kWh, which means you’d be able to cover up to 674 kilometres on a single charge. This is despite the car having about double the output, 200 kW (272 hp) of its GLB 200 sibling.

Both models utilise a rear-wheel-drive layout with a 2-speed gearbox, which strikes a perfect balance high-speed efficiency with responsive city acceleration.

Exterior Design: Rugged Utility Meets Modern EV Styling

As we mentioned above, the new GLB certainly looks like what you’d expect a GLB to look like. The same boxy silhouette has been preserved, though the finer details have been reworked for the electric age.

Upfront, the general shape of the headlights remains recognisable, though the clusters are now connected by a lightbar that spans the width of the front end. Like the new CLA, the grille is now a separate assembly to the headlights, though it sports the same three-pointed star pattern like the facelifted version of its predecessor.

The car’s profile is further polished by a frameless window design and chrome-finished beltlines, finished off with aerodynamic light-alloy wheels. Notably, the vehicle incorporates flush-fitting door handles, balancing sleek aerodynamics with the robust stance expected of a family SUV.

Interior Innovation: Digital Luxury and Enhanced Practicality

Inside, the electric GLB elevates the passenger experience through a high-tech cabin built around the 4th-generation MBUX multimedia system. Central to the dashboard is a 14-inch touchscreen, which in the AMG Line Sport variant, is expanded by the MBUX Superscreen to include a dedicated front passenger display.

The cabin is an intelligent space, featuring a new MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini. Beyond the tech, utility remains a core priority; the vehicle offers a versatile rear boot capacity of 175 L to 1,605 L, alongside a functional 127 L “frunk” for additional storage. And unlike many of its competitors, the GLB has one trump card up its sleeve – a third row, for a total of seven seats.

The All-New, All-Electric Mercedes-Benz GLB – Now Available in Singapore

Interested buyers can now test drive the new cars. The GLB 200 starts at $290,888, and its rangier sibling, the GLB 250+, can be had for about $319,888. Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.