CarteaNewsAutomotive WorldNew 2026 Mercedes GLB: A compact seven‑seat SUV raising the luxury bar for families in the Gulf.

New 2026 Mercedes GLB: A compact seven‑seat SUV raising the luxury bar for families in the Gulf.

Tamara Chalak
Tamara Chalak
Published: 2025-12-08
Updated: 2026-01-23
contents

Mercedes‑Benz GLB 2026 continues to play the role of a multi‑talented compact SUV within the Mercedes range, blending a practical footprint with the option of seven seats and upscale technology that comes very close to what the brand offers in its higher, more expensive segments. Thanks to a four‑cylinder turbo engine with mild‑hybrid support and well‑balanced performance and fuel‑economy figures, the 2026 GLB 250 looks set to be a top choice for Gulf families seeking the three‑pointed star in a relatively compact package.​

Boxy elegance with strong presence

Mercedes has given the GLB 2026 its latest design language, with:

  • A sharper front end, a wide grille with the central star, and standard LED headlights with distinctive daytime running lights.

  • Approximate dimensions of 182.4 inches in length, 79.5 inches in width including mirrors, and about 66.7 inches in height, on a wheelbase of around 111.4 inches, giving it a strong stance and generous space for a “subcompact/compact SUV”.​

At the rear, the:

  • Almost upright tailgate gives the GLB a more practical character than the GLA and GLC.

  • Most trims get an electric tailgate, a subtle rear spoiler, and chrome or gloss‑black details depending on package.

  • Standard alloy wheels are offered with several sizes (roughly 18–20 inches), and buyers can opt for a panoramic roof and silver or black lower cladding to underline its genuine SUV look.​

Cabin and tech: full Mercedes experience in a compact SUV

Inside, the GLB 2026 delivers a cabin that:

  • Offers five seats as standard, with an optional third row lifting capacity to seven passengers—one of its key differentiators in this class.

  • Uses a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen, running the latest MBUX interface with Bluetooth, smartphone integration, voice control, optional ambient lighting, and upgraded materials.​

Equipment highlights include:

  • Power‑adjustable front seats, optional leather upholstery, and a leather‑wrapped steering wheel with multi‑function controls.

  • Keyless entry and start, remote start, and multi‑zone automatic climate control with vents for rear passengers.

  • Cargo space behind the second row that can reach about 62 cubic feet when the seats are folded, making the GLB surprisingly practical for its size when carrying bags and luggage for weekend trips or inter‑city drives across the Gulf.​

Powertrain and performance: 2.0‑liter turbo with mild‑hybrid assist

Under the hood, the 2026 GLB 250 features:

  • A 2.0‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder engine with mild‑hybrid tech, developing roughly 221 hp and about 258 lb‑ft of torque, paired to an eight‑speed dual‑clutch automatic (8G‑DCT).​

  • 0–60 mph in around 6.9 seconds and a top speed close to 130 mph—more than enough for family and daily use on city streets and highways.​

Driveline and efficiency:

  • Front‑wheel drive is standard in many markets, with 4MATIC all‑wheel drive available on other versions, improving stability at speed and in wet weather and giving extra confidence on light sandy tracks in the region.

  • Fuel consumption is around 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and roughly 28 mpg combined—strong numbers for a seven‑seat‑capable compact SUV, especially with the recommendation to use premium fuel.​

Safety and driver‑assistance systems

For safety, the GLB 2026 is fitted with:

  • Active safety basics such as stability and traction control, tire‑pressure monitoring, emergency brake assist, a full airbag suite, anti‑theft systems, and engine immobilizer.​

  • Available and/or standard driver‑assist tech including blind‑spot monitoring, lane‑keeping assist, lane‑departure warning, driver‑attention monitoring, and forward‑collision warning with automatic braking.​

For ease of driving in tight urban areas, some trims add:

  • A 360‑degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and active park assist, making it much easier to maneuver in mall car parks and narrow city streets across Gulf cities.​
    These features together position the GLB as a strong option for families who rate safety highly, especially those who frequently travel long distances between emirates or Saudi cities.​

Key highlights in brief

  • Compact SUV footprint with the rare option of seven seats in this segment.

  • 2.0‑liter turbo mild‑hybrid engine making around 221 hp, combining lively performance with strong fuel economy.​

  • Spacious cabin with modern connectivity and infotainment and up to about 62 cu ft of cargo space with seats folded.​

  • Advanced safety and driver‑assist systems, including blind‑spot monitoring, collision warning with auto braking, and lane‑keeping assist.​

  • Well‑suited to Gulf markets in size, comfort, and spec, with all‑wheel drive available on selected trims.​

2026 GLB 250 – quick spec snapshot

Item

2026 Mercedes‑Benz GLB 250

Vehicle type

Compact SUV (5–7 seats).​

Engine

2.0‑liter turbo, 4‑cyl, mild‑hybrid.​

Power & torque

~221 hp / ~258 lb‑ft.​

Transmission

8‑speed dual‑clutch automatic (8G‑DCT).​

Drivetrain

FWD, with AWD available on some versions.​

0–60 mph

Around 6.9 seconds.​

Fuel economy (city/highway/combined)

~25 / 33 / 28 mpg.​

Dimensions (L × W × H)

~182.4 × 79.5 × 66.7 in.​

Max cargo capacity

Up to about 62 cu ft.​

The GLB 2026 offers an attractive package for families in markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia: compact exterior dimensions that suit busy cities, an optional third row that allows seating for up to seven, and technology and safety equipment that embody Mercedes‑Benz’s premium image. With its energetic yet efficient powertrain, the all‑new GLB 250 is well placed to serve as a “one‑car solution” that can handle daily commutes and long‑distance road trips, without forcing buyers into larger and more expensive models in the Mercedes lineup

Also Read:

Tamara ChalakTamara Chalak
Chief editor information:

Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses. 

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