New 7-Seat Mercedes GLB Electric Adds Gemini and ChatGPT for a Smarter Ride in Singapore
- Lawrence Ng
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz GLB introduces a digital experience centred entirely around its advanced MBUX Virtual Assistant. A much needed advancement in vehicle UI intelligence, this system relies on a multi-agent approach that seamlessly integrates generative AI powered by tech giants Microsoft and Google. This transforms driver interaction, allowing the system to handle complex, multi-turn dialogues with short-term memory, meaning users no longer have to repeat context during a conversation. Drivers can activate it simply by saying "Hey Mercedes" or by using the "Just Talk" function when traveling alone.
For knowledge-based questions, the MBUX Virtual Assistant utilises ChatGPT-4o and Microsoft Bing Search as its primary agents. This allows occupants to ask natural, conversational questions, such as inquiring about upcoming long weekends or asking the system to explain complex topics simply enough for children to understand. Meanwhile, navigation and contextual queries are powered by Google Gemini via Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent. This provides highly personalised answers for finding nearby restaurants or planning optimal charging stops. The intelligence is represented on the screen as a dynamic "living" star avatar that changes colours and animations to communicate its responses intuitively, alongside other futuristic avatars like the highly expressive "LittleBenz".
Beyond the intelligent voice assistant, the new GLB is packed with an impressive array of other cutting-edge technologies. For parking, the advanced MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST has been significantly enhanced to accurately recognise parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle, including angled, irregularly marked spots, and even spaces without white lines. It can also recognised driver's intention and effortlessly manoeuvre the vehicle to automatically enter or exit from parking spaces. Under the floor, the electric GLB brings a sophisticated rear-axle drive layout to the compact SUV segment. Its 200-kW Electric Drive Unit places the main drive on the rear axle, which greatly contributes to optimal traction, dynamic performance, and efficient long-distance driving. Looking upward, the vehicle offers the innovative SKY CONTROL Panoramic Roof. This feature allows passengers to adjust the transparency of the glass segment by segment in milliseconds, seamlessly switching between a clear view and a milky, opaque finish for glare protection. At night, the roof can be illuminated to mimic a starry sky using 158 individually lit stars.
Marcel Luis Mustelier Perez, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore, has a deep personal appreciation for the new vehicle, noting that his own family has driven a GLB for the last five years. He is particularly excited about this new generation because it improves upon its versatile, all-rounder nature by adding 9.8 cm in overall length, providing a significantly roomier cabin without compromising range. Most importantly, he loves that the GLB embodies the brand's "Welcome Home" principle. He emphasises that the vehicle's features are not merely technology for the sake of technology; instead, they create an intuitive, effortless, and comfortable environment designed to add genuine value to the lives of all seven passengers.
The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz GLB is now available in Singapore with two main models: the GLB 200 electric PROGRESSIVE, which has an indicative starting price of S$280,888, and the GLB 250+ electric AMG Line Sport, starting from S$310,888.
