Lil’ Boxy Benz Gets Hybrid and EV Power

The GLB hybrid will arrive sometime after the GLB EV. The final details are still TBD, but it’s safe to assume it’ll use the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the CLA hybrid that’s paired with a 1.3-kWh battery pack that powers an electric motor integrated in the transmission. With front-wheel drive, the CLA hybrid makes 208 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque; the GLB hybrid is very likely to make similar power.

Spacious … mostly

Compared to its predecessor, the new GLB is 3.9 inches longer, riding on a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Front and rear legroom increase by 0.3 and 2.7 inches, respectively, and there’s still a good amount of cargo space — assuming you aren’t using the optional third-row seats, of course. Fold the second-row seats flat and the GLB’s boxy shape gives it as much as 60.6 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s more than you’ll get in most other small SUVs.

A panoramic roof comes standard on all GLB models, and it thankfully has dimming capabilities, so you can keep the cabin dark and cool. There’s a nifty starlight pattern that displays on the glass when set to its most opaque setting, mimicking the stars found on the GLB’s grille, headlights and rear running lights.