The Mercedes GLB 250 Plus makes a case for what an electric SUV can do. This new model drops the old EQB name; only the rear badge gives away that it runs on electricity. It feels made for daily use, not just for the showroom.
Step inside and the boxy shape pays off. There is plenty of headroom and width for both rows. The rear bench now offers a bit less thigh support than before, something you notice on long trips. You can still order a third row, but the test car did not have one. The boot is big, with 540 to 1,715 litres of space, making it one of the most useful in its class. Independent European tests confirm the flat floor and easy loading height, both helpful for daily chores.
Tech takes center stage in the GLB. Three separate screens stretch across the dash, borrowed from the CLA. You get an AI-powered voice assistant and Google Maps for navigation. The screens are bright but sit a bit lower than ideal. The passenger can watch videos while driving, but if the driver looks over, the system stops playback right away.
The GLB 250 Plus stands out on the road. Power goes to the rear wheels through a two-speed gearbox on the rear axle, with 272 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque. The gearbox shifts at about 120 km/h to save energy, but you barely notice it. Strong energy recovery lets you lead with one pedal all the way to a stop. Auto Zeitung measured 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.4 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. That puts the GLB among the faster electric SUVs in its class.
Charging is another strong point. The GLB 250 Plus can take up to 350 kW DC and charges from 10 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes. These numbers match or even beat what Mercedes claims. The car uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables faster charging and improved efficiency compared with previous Mercedes EVs. Some sources cite a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 320 kW, while others list 350 kW, depending on market and configuration. Auto Zeitung and Autohled report this discrepancy, which matters to buyers comparing charging infrastructure and real-world usability. If you want faster AC charging at home or work, you can upgrade from 11 to 22 kW. In real use, the car averaged 18.9 kWh per 100 km. That is about 20 percent higher than the official figure, but still good for a car this size and power.
On the road, the GLB feels nimble for its size. The front wheels turn sharply, giving the car a tight turning circle. The chassis has two firmness settings. Even the softer one is firmer than you might expect from a Mercedes. Driver aids work well, keeping the car in its lane and reacting quickly in emergencies. But the steering can feel vague when the systems are active.
Not everything hits the mark. The massage function in the front seats, for example, simply moves the lumbar support in a way that feels random rather than relaxing. Still, these small issues do not take away from the impression of a practical, well-made electric SUV.
While carmakers argue over in-car tech, including the recent US House vote to require AM radio in all new cars, as reported earlier, Mercedes has focused on digital features that make driving better without adding too much complexity.
The GLB 250 Plus shows that electric SUVs can be fun and useful. There are no big trade-offs at the charging station or on the highway. Its space and fast charging, paired with smart connectivity, set a new bar for the segment. The price is premium, but for buyers who want a daily driver ready for the future, the value is clear. Mercedes has built an electric SUV that quietly raises the standard for everyone else.
