Mercedes-Benz GLB Electric Review & Prices

The GLB isn’t just Mercedes’ smallest seven-seater SUV, it’s one of the smallest seven-seater cars you can buy, full stop. Its small-body-many-seats USP and mechanical similarities to the excellent CLA Electric put it in good stead compared to its alternatives, but there might be better options as a dedicated seven-seater.

Consider the GLB as a two-bed apartment with a sofa bed in the living room , if you will. It’s not oversized and it's easier to live with than a big house, but you still have the backup space for when surprise guests come over.

The GLB Electric is up against some cracking choices if you’re on the hunt for a small SUV, though none offer seven seats. The Audi Q3 and BMW iX1 are certainly worth cross-shopping, as they’re just as posh as the chunky little Mercedes, while the fantastic Skoda Elroq and Citroen e-C5 Aircross should be on your radar if you’re averse to badge-snobbery.

Though it’s not quite as good to look at as any of the aforementioned SUVs. While we think the smaller CLA looks rather smart, the design similarities haven’t come together as well on the GLB. The oversized, oval-shaped grille and front lights appear fish-like, and while the rear light bar is actually quite swish, it’s also more generic looking than on other Mercedes models.

Mercedes GLB Electric: electric range, battery and charging data
Range: 349 - 379 miles
Efficiency: 5.3 - 6.3mi/kwh
Battery size: 85kWh
Max charge speed: 320kW
Charge time AC: 13h 45mins, 0-100%, 7kW
Charge time DC: 22mins, 10-80%, 170kW
Charge port location: right side, rear
Power outputs: 268hp (GLB 250+), 349hp (GLB 350)

The interior is nearly identical to that in the CLA, giving the term ‘digital dashboard’ new meaning with the upright, gloss black trim housing a trio of enormous displays (in top-trim versions) called the ‘Superscreen.’ These are flanked by a pair or circular air vents, and you can expect the vast majority of the cabin materials to be plush and premium-feeling based on our time with the smaller CLA.

In addition, all GLBs come with a standard-fit panoramic glass roof, which combined with its boxy silhouette should offer plenty of headroom. The second row of seats slides fore-and-aft, but the optional third-row seating is the real highlight in an SUV of this size. It does, however, rob the boot of space compared to the five-seater model (480 litres vs 540 litres).

There are four ISOFIX anchor points in seven-seater models, too. The 127-litre frunk is mighty impressive, which should help when trying to squeeze in seven people’s worth of luggage.

You’ll be able to choose from two battery and motor combinations in the GLB Electric, starting with the GLB 250+ which offers a claimed 379 miles of range to a charge. The more powerful GLB 350+ can’t quite match that, instead travelling up to 340 miles on a full battery.

Both versions feature an 85kWh battery which can charge at a blistering rate of 320kW on a powerful enough DC fast charger, but in reality you can expect a realistic 10-80% charging time of around 22 minutes from a 170kW source. Efficiency ranges from a claimed 18.6-15.8kWh/100km across both versions.

If, in addition to its design traits and interior, the GLB Electric shares its driving manners with the CLA Electric then it ought to be an excellent car to drive. The CLA’s motor is smooth, the brakes are relatively sharp for an EV and it’s comfortable to drive around town - so we have high hopes for the GLB.

Check out our latest deals on the Mercedes GLB Electric, or browse other new Mercedes deals as well as Mercedes leasing offers, or even the numerous used Mercedes models for sale on Carwow. We can help you sell your car when it’s time to switch, too.

Starting at £46,000, the Mercedes GLB is similarly priced to the Audi Q4 e-tron while offering more range, but it’s around £3,000 more than a BMW iX1. Neither alternatives feature an uber-modern interior like the Mercedes, but the iX1 is lovely inside and looks far less divisive. You can’t opt for either alternative with seven seats, though.

The bottom-run GLB Electric Sport features heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette/fabric upholstery and LED lights at both ends. Prices shoot up as you go up the GLB trim levels, however, and you’ll pay a whopping £10,000 more for a GLB 250+ in AMG Line Premium Plus trim, compared to the Sport. For that you get a sporty body kit, sports seats up front, 20-inch wheels, privacy rear glass, a heated steering wheel and the third interior display for your passenger. The more powerful 350 models start from £55,000, rising up to £61,000.