2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2025 vs 2024: Key Differences

Meta: Compare the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB with the 2025 and 2024 models. See key differences in features, performance, tech, and design changes

The Mercedes-Benz GLB continues to evolve as one of the most versatile compact luxury SUVs on the market, offering a unique blend of boxy styling, practical space, and premium features. This article examines the key differences between the models to help potential buyers understand how this distinctive SUV has evolved over these model years.

Exterior Design Evolution

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Received a significant refresh with a redesigned front bumper and grille
• Full LED headlights and taillights with improved brightness
• New wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches
• Overall dimensions: 4,634 mm length, 1,834 mm width, 1,658 mm height
• Available in multiple trim levels, including GLB 250 4MATIC
• Optional AMG Line package with sportier styling elements

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Maintained the refreshed design language introduced the previous year 
• Subtle refinements to exterior details
• Expanded colour palette with new premium finishes
• Enhanced LED lighting elements
• New wheel design options
• Chrome diamond-block grille available with AMG Line package

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Introduces further refinements to the front fascia
• Updated headlight and taillight signatures for a more modern appearance
• New alloy wheel designs with improved aerodynamics
• Expanded exterior colour options with exclusive finishes
• Enhanced exterior lighting technology with improved functionality
• More pronounced styling differences between trim levels

The exterior evolution shows the Mercedes-Benz commitment to refining the distinctive boxy appearance while maintaining the practical character that has made it a standout in the luxury compact SUV segment.

Interior Comfort and Technology

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Dual 10.25-inch displays (instrument cluster and central touchscreen)
• Updated MBUX infotainment system with improved processing
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant with natural language understanding
• 64-colour ambient lighting with illuminated vents
• New comfort seats with black ARTICO/MICROCUT upholstery
• Heated steering wheel standard
• Available third-row seating option

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Enhanced MBUX system with improved user interface
• Expanded voice recognition capabilities
• New interior colour schemes and material options
• MBUX Interior Assistant available in premium packages
• Improved wireless charging pad with faster charging
• Enhanced ambient lighting system with additional customization
• Improved seat comfort with additional adjustment options

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Next-generation MBUX system with faster processing
• Advanced voice assistant with expanded capabilities
• New premium interior materials and colour combinations
• Enhanced digital driver display with improved graphics
• Advanced climate control system with air purification
• Further refined cabin acoustics for reduced road and wind noise
• Improved rear seat comfort and amenities

The interior technology represents one of the most significant areas of improvement across these model years, with each update bringing more sophisticated features and improved user interfaces.

Performance and Powertrain

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild hybrid system
• 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque
• Additional 13 hp boost available from the electric starter-generator
• 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (8G-DCT)
• Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive
• 0-100 km/h in approximately 7.1 seconds
• Fuel economy: 9.9 L/100 km city, 7.4 L/100 km highway
• AMG GLB 35 variant with 302 horsepower available

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild hybrid system
• Minor calibration improvements for enhanced efficiency
• Improved fuel economy: 9.8 L/100 km city, 7.2 L/100 km highway
• Refined transmission programming for smoother shifts
• Enhanced suspension tuning for better ride quality
• Improved throttle response
• AMG GLB 35 with performance-oriented tuning continued

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Updated 2.0L turbocharged engine with improved refinement
• Enhanced 48-volt mild hybrid system with improved energy recovery
• Potential modest power increase
• Recalibrated transmission for improved response and efficiency
• New drive modes for different road conditions
• Enhanced suspension system with improved damping
• Further improved fuel economy
• Advanced all-wheel drive system with improved torque distribution

While the basic powertrain remains consistent across all three model years, Mercedes-Benz has made incremental improvements to efficiency, refinement, and performance with each update.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Enhanced Active Steering Assist
• Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection
• Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Attention Assist driver drowsiness detection
• Standard Parking package with rearview camera
• Optional 360-degree camera system
• Available upgraded Driver Assistance package

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Enhanced driver assistance systems
• Improved adaptive cruise control functionality
• Enhanced automatic emergency braking with intersection support
• Advanced lane keeping assistance
• Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed traffic situations
• Improved parking assistance features
• Enhanced night vision capabilities
• Traffic Sign Assist available in premium packages

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Next-generation driver assistance systems
• Enhanced driver monitoring system
• Advanced intersection collision avoidance
• Improved pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Enhanced parking assistance with remote parking capability
• Advanced emergency steering assist
• Expanded driver alert features
• New safety technologies exclusive to the new model year

Safety technology continues to evolve rapidly across all three model years, with each update bringing more sophisticated driver assistance features and expanded availability across the trim lineup.

Connectivity and Convenience

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Updated MBUX system with wireless smartphone connectivity
• Multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin
• Wireless charging pad
• Over-the-air software updates
• “Hey Mercedes” voice activation
• Available Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos
• Remote start via Mercedes me Mobile App
• KEYLESS-GO access system

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Enhanced connectivity features
• Improved voice recognition
• Enhanced over-the-air update capabilities
• Expanded app ecosystem
• Improved wireless charging with faster speeds
• Enhanced remote vehicle monitoring
• Improved integration with smart home devices
• One year of Mercedes me Connect Services standard

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Next-generation connectivity features
• Advanced voice assistant with expanded capabilities
• Enhanced digital services
• New personalization features with cloud synchronization
• Improved smartphone integration
• Advanced remote vehicle control
• Enhanced user profiles with preference memory
• Expanded digital services integration

Connectivity features show significant improvement with each model year, reflecting the increasing importance of digital integration in luxury vehicles.

Space and Versatility

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Standard five-passenger seating with optional third row for seven passengers
• Second-row seats with 40/20/40 split-folding capability
• Sliding and reclining second row for flexible space
• Cargo capacity: 560 litres behind second row
• Maximum cargo capacity: 1,680 litres with rear seats folded
• Power liftgate with foot activation
• Roof rails for additional cargo options

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Maintained the same flexible seating configuration
• Enhanced third-row access with improved seat mechanisms
• Similar cargo dimensions with improved organization
• Improved power liftgate function
• New interior configuration options
• Enhanced storage solutions throughout the cabin
• Improved organization systems for smaller items

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Potential for slight increase in overall passenger comfort
• Enhanced power liftgate with improved functionality
• Improved interior flexibility with new seat folding mechanisms
• Advanced cargo management systems
• New storage solutions throughout the cabin
• Enhanced utility features for various lifestyle needs
• Improved third-row comfort for occasional use

Space and versatility remain key selling points, with each model year bringing refinements that enhance the practicality of this compact SUV.

Trim Levels and Packages

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• GLB 250 4MATIC as the base model
• Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC as the performance variant
• Available AMG Line package with sport styling
• Available Night Package with blacked-out elements
• Premium Package with additional luxury features
• Technology Package with advanced driver assistance systems

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Similar trim structure with enhanced feature content
• Exclusive Trim Package with navigation and premium audio
• Pinnacle Trim Package with 360-degree camera and head-up display
• AMG Line with Night Package option
• 3rd-row Seat Package for seven-passenger capability
• Enhanced premium packages with exclusive technology

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Refined trim structure with clearer differentiation
• New special editions with unique styling elements
• Enhanced premium features across all trim levels
• Expanded customization options
• New premium packages with exclusive technology
• Enhanced AMG models with improved performance features

The trim structure continues to evolve, offering customers more ways to personalize their experience with each model year.

Multimedia and Entertainment

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Dual 10.25-inch displays
• MBUX infotainment system with natural language understanding
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos
• Multiple USB-C ports
• Available augmented reality navigation
• HD Radio receiver
• SiriusXM satellite radio with trial subscription

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Enhanced MBUX system with improved user interface
• Three display modes: “Classic,” “Sporty,” and “Discreet”
• Online Music Streaming capability
• Improved voice control functionality
• Enhanced sound personalization with Dolby Atmos
• Available head-up display
• Improved navigation with live traffic service
• TuneIn Radio integration

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

• Next-generation multimedia system with enhanced graphics
• Expanded entertainment options
• Improved augmented reality features
• Enhanced sound system with improved audio processing
• New rear-seat entertainment options
• Advanced connectivity with expanded streaming services
• Improved navigation with enhanced real-time features
• New user interface with improved customization

Multimedia features continue to advance with each model year, providing increasingly sophisticated entertainment and information options.

Which GLB is the Right Choice for You? 

The evolution of the Mercedes-Benz GLB demonstrates a thoughtful progression that enhances technology, comfort, and performance while maintaining the vehicle’s core identity as a practical yet premium compact SUV. The most significant advances appear in the areas of interior technology, safety features, and connectivity, with each year bringing meaningful improvements.

While exterior design changes remain subtle across these model years, each update adds to the premium appeal without compromising its distinctive boxy character. Performance capabilities continue to improve with refinements to the powertrain and suspension systems, maintaining the GLB position as a vehicle that delivers both comfort and driving enjoyment.

For potential buyers, the choice between these model years will depend largely on which specific features and technologies they prioritize, along with consideration for the incremental improvements in comfort and efficiency that come with each new iteration. What remains consistent across all three years is the blend of luxury, technology, and practicality that makes it a standout option in the compact luxury SUV segment.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*