The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB: 631 km Range and TERRAIN Mode for Calgary's Rocky Mountain Adventures

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB is now available at Mercedes-Benz Country Hills, bringing adventure-ready capability to Calgary drivers who split their time between city streets and mountain getaways. This all-electric compact SUV introduces two features that directly address Alberta's weekend warrior lifestyle: a TERRAIN drive program designed for gravel and dirt roads, and transparent hood technology that lets you see beneath the vehicle—ideal for navigating rocky cottage access roads or unfamiliar trails in Kananaskis Country.

For families who regularly travel between Calgary and Canmore, Banff, or Red Deer, the GLB 250+ with EQ Technology offers up to 631 kilometres of electric range on a single charge (WLTP; NRCan figures may vary). The 800-volt architecture enables ultra-fast charging, adding up to 260 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes at compatible DC fast-charging stations. A quick coffee stop in Canmore can restore enough range to explore the Rockies and return home without range anxiety.

TERRAIN Mode: Built for Alberta's Backcountry

The GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology features a dedicated TERRAIN drive program that automatically adjusts drivetrain, steering, and brake characteristics when you leave paved roads. Navigating a gravel access road to a mountain trailhead or crossing a rutted cottage lane after spring thaw, TERRAIN mode optimizes traction and control for loose surfaces.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system uses a disconnect unit (DCU) that instantly engages the front electric motor when additional traction is needed. Under normal highway cruising, the front motor decouples to maximize efficiency and range. When conditions demand four-wheel grip—climbing a steep, loose incline or accelerating through mud—the system responds in milliseconds.

Transparent Hood: See What's Below

The optional transparent hood function works with MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 to create a virtual view underneath the front of the vehicle. The system combines images from the front camera and exterior mirror cameras, displaying the composite view on the central screen. This feature proves valuable when:

• Positioning the vehicle over large rocks on unmaintained trails
• Avoiding hidden obstacles on narrow forest service roads
• Aligning with low curbs in tight parking situations
• Navigating unfamiliar terrain with uncertain ground clearance

For drivers who frequently venture beyond Calgary's city limits, transparent hood technology removes guesswork and builds confidence on challenging surfaces.

800-Volt Architecture and Fast Charging

The GLB's 800-volt electrical system supports DC fast charging up to 320 kW at compatible stations. The 85-kWh lithium-ion battery can recover up to 260 kilometres of range in 10 minutes, making spontaneous mountain trips more practical. A standard DC converter also enables charging at 400-volt stations, ensuring compatibility across Alberta's growing charging network.

The two-speed transmission on the rear-axle electric drive unit balances efficiency with performance. First gear delivers strong acceleration from standstill and excellent efficiency in city driving. Second gear optimizes power delivery at highway speeds, contributing to the GLB's long-distance range capability.

Key Charging & Range Specifications:

Space for Seven and Gear for the Weekend

The GLB offers seating for up to seven passengers with the optional third row, making it practical for multi-generational trips to the mountains. Second-row passengers benefit from 68 millimetres of additional legroom compared to the previous EQB, and the sliding second-row seat (optional on five-seat models, standard with third row) allows you to prioritize passenger comfort or cargo space.

Cargo capacity reaches 540 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,715 litres when the rear seats fold down. The 127-litre frunk (front trunk) provides additional secure storage for charging cables, recovery gear, or valuables you'd rather not leave in plain sight at trailhead parking lots.

VISION CONTROL: Adaptive Wiper System

The GLB comes standard with VISION CONTROL, an advanced windshield wiper system that sprays washer fluid directly from the wiper blade rather than fixed nozzles. Water is released precisely in front of the rubber blade as needed, eliminating the sudden burst of fluid that can obscure vision on dark highways.

This design allows the blades to cut through frost, slush, and road salt more effectively than conventional systems. For drivers who regularly travel Highway 1 to the mountains in winter, VISION CONTROL reduces the "whiteout" effect when washing the windshield at speed.

MB.OS and Fourth-Generation MBUX

The GLB operates on Mercedes-Benz's new MB.OS platform, which enables regular over-the-air updates for vehicle functions, including driver assistance systems. The optional MBUX Superscreen extends across the full width of the interior, featuring a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch central display, and 14-inch front passenger display behind a single glass surface.

The fourth-generation MBUX integrates artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google. The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses generative AI to enable natural, multi-turn conversations and can access information from Google Maps to answer detailed navigation and points-of-interest questions. Navigation is based on Google Maps, with MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence (optional Digital Extra) planning optimal routes including charging stops based on topography, traffic, temperature, and charging station availability along the route.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The GLB includes standard MB.DRIVE advanced driver assistance systems, with Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC available at launch. The vehicle is equipped with eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance supercomputer designed to support future functions and regular updates.

Optional Digital Extras include:

• MB.DRIVE ASSIST (adds Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist)
• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST (improved parking space identification and automatic exit)
• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 (adds 360-degree camera and enables transparent hood function on 4MATIC models)

Experience the 2027 GLB at Mercedes-Benz Country Hills

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLB brings together long-range electric capability, adventure-ready features, and the space Calgary families need for mountain weekends. Visit our team at Mercedes-Benz Country Hills to explore TERRAIN mode, transparent hood technology, and the GLB's intelligent charging strategy for Alberta driving. Test drive today.