Mercedes-Benz GLB: seven seats, 800V tech, and more room for your life

Mercedes-Benz took its newest family of electric cars to the sunny island of Mallorca to show off what they can do. The stars of the show were the new GLB models, specifically the electric versions known as the 200, 250+, and the powerful 350 4MATIC. According to Mercedes, the new SUV is built to be a "hero" for people who have busy lives, lots of kids, or a ton of gear to move around. It sure looks like a capable off-roader but it behaves like a smart, helpful assistant on the road.

The lineup starts with the GLB 200. This entry-level model has 165 kW of power, and if you want to get the most out of a single charge, the GLB 250+ is the one to watch. It packs 200 kW of power and can travel up to 392 miles before needing to plug in. That is a decent distance for a compact SUV. For drivers who want more speed and extra grip, the GLB 350 4MATIC offers 260 kW and all-wheel drive. Both the 250+ and the 350 versions have a battery with 85 kWh of usable energy.

One of the most impressive things about these new EVs is how fast they charge. Mercedes is using an 800V system that lets the car gulp down electricity. If you find a charger fast enough, you can add 162 miles of range in only ten minutes. The car can handle charging speeds up to 320 kW, which is much faster than many electric cars on the road today.

Inside, the Mercedes GLB looks futuristic thanks to the main attraction: the MBUX Superscreen. This is a giant piece of glass that covers three different screens: a main display for the driver and two bigger displays - a center screen and one for the front passenger. The car's "brain" gets to use artificial intelligence from both Google and Microsoft, and you can talk to the car and even ask it to explain a "black hole" in a way kids can understand. It even has a little "avatar" on the screen that changes colors based on its "mood."

Space is where this SUV really wins. You can get it with five or seven seats. Mercedes jokes that you could fit an entire tennis team inside. The middle row of seats can slide back and forth by 14 cm. This lets you choose between more legroom for tall friends or more space for your groceries. If you get the seven-seater, the back row fits people up to 5.61 ft tall. Even the doors are smart; they cover the bottom of the car so you don't get dirt on your pants when you step out.

If you like to bring a lot of stuff, you will like the "frunk" - it holds 4.48 ft³ of cargo, which is plenty of room for a crate of sodas or three soccer balls. The main trunk in the back, with all the seats folded down, offers up to 60.6 ft³ of space. That is enough to fit a small mountain of camping gear or a few flat-pack boxes from the furniture store.

Winter driving is also easier since Mercedes added a heat pump that uses heat from the motors and the battery to warm up the cabin. It heats up twice as fast as the old model, even when it is 19°F outside. There is also a clever wiper system called Vision Control. Instead of spraying a big mess of water all over the windshield, the water comes right out of the wiper blades. It's not a new idea, but it's good to see Mercedes revive it.

For drivers who like to go off the beaten path, the 4MATIC versions have a "Terrain Mode." This helps the car drive on gravel or dirt roads without getting stuck. There is even a "Transparent Hood" feature. It uses cameras to show you exactly what is under the front of the car on your screen. It is like having X-ray vision to avoid big rocks or holes. If you need to tow a trailer, the new GLB can pull up to 4,410 lb.

On the safety front, the GLB has eight cameras and five radar sensors watching the road. It can change lanes by itself if you just tap the turn signal. If a crash does happen, there is even a "center airbag" that pops up between the driver and the front passenger to keep them from hitting each other. The car also keeps its battery safe with a strong frame and can shut off the high-voltage system automatically after an accident.

In Germany, the price for the electric GLB 200 starts at $62,622.30. If you prefer to lease, it starts at about $422 a month. While Mercedes is pushing hard for EVs, it also launched hybrid versions that use a 1.5-liter engine and a small electric motor. These start a bit cheaper at $59,039.50. Whether you want a full electric or a hybrid, this SUV is designed to handle pretty much anything a family can throw at it.

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