Mercedes-Benz GLB Electric Review: A Practical Seven-Seat SUV for Families

According to The Independent's road test, the new electric Mercedes-Benz GLB arrives in the UK as a seven-seat family SUV built to handle school runs, weekly shops and longer trips alike—and the numbers suggest it's more than up to the job.

For the first time, every electric GLB sold at launch comes with three rows and the same 85kWh battery, with buyers choosing between the rear-drive GLB 250+ and the quicker GLB 350 4MATIC. Pricing opens at £46,100, with the longest-range variant rated for up to 379 miles on a single charge.

What families actually get for the money

The GLB stretches 4,732mm long with a 2,889mm wheelbase—60mm longer than before—and Mercedes has spent that extra distance where families feel it. Rear legroom is up, the sliding middle bench eases access to the third row, and the rear seats fold flat into the floor to free 540 litres of cargo space. A 127-litre front boot handles the charging cables, and a panoramic roof comes standard.

Two powertrains sit on offer. The GLB 250+ uses a single 268bhp rear motor (0–62mph in 7.4 seconds), while the GLB 350 4MATIC adds a front motor for 349bhp total and a 5.5-second sprint. Both share a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, and the front motor can disconnect entirely to save energy when conditions allow. Real-world range lands between 352–379 miles for the 250+ and 342–360 miles for the 350, depending largely on whether buyers tick up to the 20-inch AMG Line wheels or stick with the 18-inch Sport setup for maximum efficiency.

Charging, tech and the trade-offs worth knowing

Mercedes quotes a peak charging rate of 320kW, though the review flags a caveat around what the hardware can actually accept in real conditions—a detail worth confirming at the dealership before you sign. Inside, the latest MBUX system brings AI-assisted voice control and Google-based navigation, with higher trims adding a dedicated front-passenger touchscreen.

For families weighing out-the-door price against daily utility, the calculus is straightforward. The 250+ delivers the headline range and a sub-7.5-second sprint at the entry £46,100 tag, while the 350 4MATIC adds genuine all-weather traction for buyers who regularly tow or face slippery commutes. Either way, the sliding bench, third-row access and 540-litre cargo bay put the GLB squarely in the running for anyone trading up from a compact EV but still needing seven seats without stepping into a full-size luxury SUV.