SHERIDAN, WYOMING – December 8, 2025 – Mercedes-Benz is giving fans a first real peek at the all-new GLB ahead of its world premiere on December 8, 2025, and the message is clear: this compact SUV wants to feel like a warm, confident refuge even when winter is at its worst. Before it steps into the spotlight, engineers are pushing the new GLB through intense cold-weather testing at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen, using high-tech climatic wind tunnels that can mimic deep-freeze temperatures and brutal blizzard conditions.
Winter Confidence Starts with Realistic Extremes
Cold weather can expose weaknesses quickly—traction, visibility, cabin comfort, even small things like air inlets and wiper performance. That’s why Mercedes-Benz is running the all-new GLB through controlled tests that simulate conditions as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, plus high-speed snowstorms where flakes can hit the vehicle at up to 124 mph.
These wind tunnels use rolling roads and powerful electric motors to recreate real driving loads, including for 4MATIC models. The idea is not just to test one dramatic moment, but to validate the everyday reliability that winter drivers depend on—consistent grip, stable systems and predictable comfort.
Fast Defrosting, Clear Visibility, Less Hassle
One of the most practical winter wins in the release is the de-icing performance. In frigid conditions between -4 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit, the climate system must quickly clear an icy windshield. The all-new GLB reportedly achieves clear, safe visibility in just 15 minutes at an outside temperature of 5 degrees Fahrenheit, using only the defrost setting and without extra driver intervention.
For real life, that hints at a calmer morning routine: fewer minutes scraping ice, fewer frustrating “is it safe to drive yet?” guesses, and more confidence that the car is doing the heavy lifting.
A New Kind of Warmth for an Electric Future
Mercedes-Benz also positions the new GLB as a meaningful step forward in efficient electric comfort. During a 20-minute drive in 19-degree Fahrenheit conditions, the cabin is said to heat twice as fast as the previous model, while using about half the energy compared to its predecessor—an important detail for anyone worried about winter range.
A key enabler is an innovative multi-source heat pump adapted from the VISION EQXX technology program. It can pull “free” heat from the electric drive, the battery and the ambient air, helping deliver warmth with roughly one third of the electrical energy a comparable auxiliary heater would need.
Even better, the cabin heating starts automatically when someone enters the vehicle, prioritizing upper body and hands first—small design thinking that can make the car feel immediately welcoming on cold days.
A More Flexible, More Premium Daily Space
The GLB’s appeal has always been about practicality with a premium edge, and Mercedes-Benz seems to be leaning into that identity. The all-new model is standard with five seats and offers an optional seven-seat layout, which keeps it attractive for families, active couples and anyone with a “sometimes we need extra space” lifestyle.
An optional sliding and adjustable second row adds real-world versatility, letting drivers fine-tune comfort or cargo room. The third row is also easier to access thanks to a longer Easy-Entry adjustment range, and those seats fold flat when not needed.
Tech and Design That Feel Modern, Not Overwhelming
Inside, the new GLB moves from a sculptural look to a more purist, high-tech concept. A centerpiece is the optional floating MBUX Superscreen stretching across the dashboard, complemented by redesigned circular vents and a sleek floating center console.
The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and fourth-generation MBUX aim to make the GLB feel like a smarter companion, with redesigned welcome animations, enhanced Zero Layer functionality, a wider app range, and an MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by generative AI. The vehicle also brings an extensive suite of driver assistance technologies supported by a robust sensor setup and over-the-air update capability.
Mini FAQ: What Lifestyle Drivers Will Want to Know
Is this GLB still family-friendly?
Yes. The optional seven-seat layout and improved second-row comfort keep the GLB squarely in the practical-family sweet spot.
Will winter driving feel easier?
That’s the goal. The testing focus on traction, defrosting and snow resilience suggests a smoother, more confident cold-season experience.
Is the tech useful day to day?
The emphasis on intuitive MBUX features and a more ergonomic steering wheel hints at smart convenience rather than flashy distraction.
Does this matter if I’m not in extreme climates?
Absolutely. Testing for the harshest conditions often improves comfort and reliability everywhere.
Discover more Mercedes-Benz vehicles and updates at www.mbusa.com.