2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB: Complete First Look for Brampton Drivers

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB arrives as a thoroughly reimagined compact luxury SUV that directly addresses what families in Brampton need most: flexible seating for up to seven passengers, advanced cold-weather capability, and technology that simplifies daily driving. Expected to arrive in 2026, this next-generation GLB represents Mercedes-Benz's approach to practical luxury that adapts to real Ontario lifestyles.

What makes this redesign particularly relevant for drivers across the Greater Toronto Area is the engineering focus on Canadian conditions. The GLB's cold-weather traction systems and expanded interior dimensions create genuinely usable third-row seating—a rarity in the compact luxury segment. The floating MBUX Superscreen and restored physical steering wheel controls demonstrate Mercedes-Benz's response to customer feedback, balancing cutting-edge digital integration with tactile operation.

Powertrain Options: All-Electric and High-Tech Hybrid

The 2027 GLB launches with two all-electric variants and a forthcoming high-tech hybrid powertrain, giving Brampton families flexibility based on their driving patterns and infrastructure access.

GLB 250+ with EQ Technology

The rear-wheel-drive GLB 250+ delivers 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque through a permanently excited synchronous motor on the rear axle. This configuration provides up to 631 kilometres of electric range (WLTP; note that WLTP is the European standard and official Canadian NRCan figures may be lower), positioning it as the range leader in the compact luxury SUV segment. The 85-kWh usable battery capacity supports 800-volt DC fast charging up to 320 kW, enabling 225–260 kilometres of range recovery in just 10 minutes. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h occurs in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 210 km/h.

GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology

The all-wheel-drive GLB 350 4MATIC increases output to 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque by adding a 107-hp front electric motor. Mercedes-Benz's Disconnect Unit (DCU) instantly engages the front motor when additional power or traction is required, then decouples it under light loads to maximize efficiency by reducing front axle losses up to 90 percent. This variant achieves 521–614 kilometres of electric range (WLTP; Canadian figures may differ) while accelerating from 0–100 km/h in approximately 5.4 seconds. The 4MATIC system includes a dedicated TERRAIN drive program that adjusts drivetrain, steering, and brake characteristics for gravel or dirt roads.

High-Tech Hybrid Powertrain

The GLB hybrid combines a 1.5 L four-cylinder gasoline engine from Mercedes-Benz's FAME (Family of Modular Engines) architecture with an electric motor integrated into a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT). The 48-volt system with 1.3 kWh of usable battery capacity enables pure electric driving in city conditions when less than 27 hp is required, plus electric gliding up to approximately 100 km/h. Recuperation occurs across all eight gears, recovering up to 25 kW of energy. The Miller cycle combustion process with 12:1 compression ratio maximizes partial-load efficiency while reducing NOx emissions. Initial availability will be with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Interior Redesign: Purist Philosophy Meets Practical Functionality

The 2027 GLB's interior represents a complete departure from the previous sculptural design, adopting a minimalist approach centred on high-tech elements and improved ergonomics.

MBUX Superscreen and Restored Physical Controls

The optional floating MBUX Superscreen extends across the full interior width, integrating a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch central display, and 14-inch front passenger display beneath a single glass surface. This setup runs on the fourth-generation MBUX system powered by Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), enabling regular over-the-air updates for infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, and comfort features.

Responding directly to customer feedback, Mercedes-Benz has restored physical controls to the new steering wheel. A rocker switch operates Distance Assist DISTRONIC, while a roller provides tactile volume control. These capacitive switch panels integrate seamlessly with tactile aids for better orientation, allowing drivers to adjust critical functions without diverting attention to touchscreens.

Expanded Dimensions and Genuine Seven-Passenger Capability

The wheelbase has grown 60 mm to 2,889 mm, translating to up to 68 mm of additional second-row legroom compared to the previous EQB. Maximum headroom increases by 35 mm for front occupants, 64 mm for second-row passengers, and 10 mm for the third row. The optional third-row seats now comfortably accommodate occupants up to 5'5" tall—over one inch more than before—with 32 mm of additional Easy Entry adjustment range for easier access.

Second-row seat comfort receives particular attention. The hip angle improves by 9 degrees for greater thigh contact area, while enhanced foam and optimized contouring provide better lateral support. The optional sliding second row adjusts 140 mm, allowing families to prioritize passenger comfort or maximize cargo space by up to 140 litres.

Cargo Versatility and Child Seat Accommodation

Cargo capacity reaches 540 litres with five seats (480 litres with the optional third row), expanding to 1,715 litres (1,605 litres with third row) when rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 configuration. The electric GLB also features the largest frunk in the new model family at 127 litres. The five-seat model includes a height-adjustable load compartment floor that either maximizes load height or creates storage for smaller items.

The GLB accommodates up to four child seats—two iSize models in the second row and two ISOFIX seats in the optional third row—making it one of the few compact luxury SUVs with this capability.

Canadian Winter Engineering: Cold-Weather Validation

Mercedes-Benz subjected the 2027 GLB to extensive testing to validate systems specifically relevant to Ontario drivers.

Cold-Weather Traction and Visibility Systems

The 4MATIC models' TERRAIN drive program adjusts drivetrain, steering, and brake characteristics for challenging surfaces including gravel and dirt roads. The "transparent hood" function, available with Digital Extra MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360, combines images from the front camera and exterior mirror cameras to provide a virtual view beneath the vehicle—useful when navigating uneven terrain or parking.

The innovative VISION CONTROL windshield wiper system sprays washer fluid directly in front of the rubber blade as required, eliminating sudden bursts that obscure the driver's view. The fluid is not deflected from the windshield, ensuring it is used exclusively for cleaning rather than being blown away in winter winds.

The electric refrigerant compressor with 48-volt technology continues operating even when the vehicle is stationary with the engine off (on hybrid models) or during electric driving, ensuring consistent climate control.

Technology Integration: MB.OS and Fourth-Generation MBUX

The 2027 GLB operates entirely on Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), transforming the vehicle into an intelligent companion that evolves through regular over-the-air updates.

AI-Enhanced MBUX Virtual Assistant

The fourth-generation MBUX integrates artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google, combining multiple AI agents in one system for the first time in an automotive application. Based on ChatGPT-4o and Microsoft Bing Search, the MBUX Virtual Assistant enables complex, multi-turn conversations with short-term memory, accessing the collective knowledge of the internet. Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent provides expertise in navigation-related questions, accessing the Google Maps platform for detailed, personalized answers about routes and points of interest.

Intelligent Navigation and MBUX Surround Navigation

The navigation experience utilizes Google Maps with Mercedes-Benz-specific integration. Digital Extra MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route including charging stops based on numerous real-time factors. MBUX Surround Navigation seamlessly integrates the driver assistance view with a 3D representation of the vehicle's surroundings and route guidance on the driver display, showing other road users such as cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians in real-time.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Safety Architecture

The 2027 GLB comes standard with eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance supercomputer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.

Standard and Optional MB.DRIVE Systems

Standard equipment includes Digital Extra Distance Assist DISTRONIC. Optional packages expand capabilities:

• MB.DRIVE ASSIST: Adds Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist to the standard DISTRONIC system
• MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS: Builds upon MB.DRIVE ASSIST with market-specific functions including Stop Sign and Traffic Light recognition for more driving situations
• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST: Identifies parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle more quickly, handling line slots, curb slots, angled parking, garages, and spaces containing other objects. The system can automatically exit parking spaces even after manual parking
• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360: Adds 360-degree camera with improved surround view displays and enables the "transparent hood" function on 4MATIC models

Comprehensive Passive Safety

The bodyshell features enhanced side-impact protection with a compact honeycomb structure built into the side skirts for improved energy absorption. Standard equipment includes a centre airbag that deploys between the driver and front passenger in severe side impacts, plus knee airbags for both front occupants. Window airbags extend from the A-pillars to the D-pillars, covering front and rear side windows, with optional side airbags available for the rear row.

The PRE-SAFE preventative occupant protection system recognizes critical driving situations early, providing warnings and initiating precautionary measures including closing windows, pre-tensioning seat belts with reversible belt tensioners, and moving the front passenger seat to a more upright position. PRE-SAFE Sound preconditions occupants' ears in the event of a detected impending accident.

Design and Aerodynamic Efficiency

The 2027 GLB achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28—an excellent value in the compact luxury SUV segment that translates to approximately 2.5 percent greater range per 0.01 reduction in drag coefficient.

Exterior Styling and Lighting

Powerful SUV proportions feature an upright front end, steep windshield, and short overhangs. The wheelbase increase to 2,889 mm creates a more confident stance, while flush-mounted wheels up to 20 inches, muscular shoulders, and wheel arch surrounds emphasize the rugged character. The iconic radiator grille features 94 individually animated LED chrome-effect stars with an illuminated central Mercedes-Benz star. Standard high-performance LED headlights connect via a light band with an innovative star design, while the optional MULTIBEAM LED includes daytime running lights shaped like the Mercedes-Benz star.

SKY CONTROL Panoramic Roof

The optional SKY CONTROL panoramic roof switches between transparent and opaque (milky) within milliseconds using electrochromic glass technology. At night, 158 illuminated stars create a unique visual experience, particularly for rear passengers. The standard panoramic roof creates an exceptionally spacious and open feeling throughout the cabin.

Key Takeaways

Experience the Future of Compact Luxury at Mercedes-Benz Brampton

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB redefines what families across Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area should expect from a compact luxury SUV. With genuine seven-passenger capability, Canadian-validated cold-weather engineering, and technology that evolves through over-the-air updates, it represents practical luxury designed for real Ontario lifestyles. Visit our team at Mercedes-Benz Brampton to learn more about how the all-new GLB can adapt to your family's needs.