Mercedes-AMG GLB

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 – Overview

Globally, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 4Matic SUV is so unique that it doesn’t have any direct competitors. The closest would be its own sibiling, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35. The BMW X2 M35i, MINI Clubman JCW and Audi Q3 are considered rivals too, but they do not offer this much of interior space. 

Although a seven-seater with Sport name too, we won’t consider the Land Rover Discovery Sport a rival due to its lower power output and more utilitarian image. In Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 4Matic (5 seater) is a fully-imported model from Mexico and in 2021, is priced at RM363,136.52.  

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 – Exterior

The boxy Mercedes-Benz GLB mimics the styling of the iconic G-Wagon. Based on the AMG Line package, the only visible difference between a Mercedes-Benz GLB and the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 when viewed from the front is the large grille.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 is fitted with the hallmark AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical slats. This is the first time the AMG radiator grille has been used in a 35-series model. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 also gets range-topping Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus while the roof rails continue to be similar with the GLB range, finished in aluminium. 

The high-tech lighting module might look the same as the lesser GLB models, but this Multibeam system has 16 individually controllable segments to perform the regular main beam throw, cornering pattern, city light, rural as well as partial shut-off of LEDs to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles whilst in High beam mode.

Other AMG specific details include the AMG roof spoiler with black spoiler lip, front splitter, the prominent rear apron with two functioning round tailpipe trim elements of 90 mm diameter and a deeper diffuser look. The rather ‘quiet’ side profile needs some identifying too so the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 is fitted with ‘TURBO 4Matic’ emblems on the front fenders like the older 43 and 63 series models.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 also rides on larger 20-inch AMG 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels finished in tantalite grey. The stylish wheels are complemented with AMG high-performance brakes finished in silver brake calipers with black AMG lettering.

If you’re wondering about the difference between this new boxy SUV and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is a larger and more practical version of the smaller GLA plus 10 mm longer in wheelbase than the Mercedes-Benz B-Class that the GLB is based on. 

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 – Interior

Dashboard

Mercedes-Benz calls this an ‘off-road tubular’ element. Carbon structure trim (not carbon fibre) is used quite liberally in the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35, on the front door panels as well as on top of the front passenger ‘grab handle’ trim piece.

As seen in the previous generation Mercedes-Benz interior, plenty of interior pieces in the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 are coated with satin finishing as well as gloss black to portray a high tech and exquisite look. The five air vents in the beautiful turbine design from the sexy Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe are truly the highlight of the dashboard and are lit in coordination with the ambient lighting.

The steering wheel features the multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, galvanized shift paddles and two touch-sensitive panels on the steering spokes to operate the updated MBUX-powered infotainment and driver’s instrument cluster.

Instrument cluster

Space and practicality

Perhaps one can strongly persuade or request the company to special order with the additional third row, as the UK offers that option. The large storage space with two cupholders and room for smartphones see no changes from the regular GLB-Class. The armrest in the rear seat also has two swing-out cupholders. 

We love how large the front door pockets are, with sizeable depth to keep perhaps a tablet! The rear doors meanwhile feature a storage space for a water bottle and that is about it, tiny in comparison to the front door pockets. Under the rear air ventilation nozzles is a slot to place smartphones, there are two USB-C charging ports tucked away. Rear passengers also get a pair of a rather rudimentary seatback storage using nets rather than the upholstery sleeve design.

Although called sport seats, the rear seats are comfortable and practical via the 40-20-40 split-folding seatbacks. The seatbacks also have a few angles of recline. The seat bench is, however, fixed in the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 without any sliding function.

When it comes to boot space, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 SUV is listed at 570 litres when the rear seats are at the normal position and up to 1,805 litres with the seats folded down! Thanks to its boxy roofline, tall items can easily be placed too thanks to a segment-leading load height of 950 mm.  

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 – Features

Safety features

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 4Matic also comes with the Mercedes me connected service as standard fit. This makes the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 Coupe connected to a dedicated service provider and some key features can be accessed from the smartphone app. A dedicated SOS button is located at the overhead switch panel.

Comfort features

Other standard features include dual-zone air conditioning with rear vents, front sport seats with memory function, 4-way power lumbar adjustment, ambient lighting up to 64 colours, remote engine starter, floor mats and illuminated door sills with AMG lettering and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Infotainment

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 gets the stunning MBUX system that features the large fully digital 10.25-inch driver’s instrument cluster and 10.25-inch central infotainment display. Control input can be done via touching the screen, the new large touchpad or capacitive touch-sensitive pad on the steering wheel as well as the famous “Hey Mercedes” voice command. The new MBUX interface is so much easier to use than the old commander dial system. 

USB-C charging ports are placed inside the front armrest console box, while the rear occupants have access to two charging ports. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity is provided with the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 45 with MBUX system. There is also a hard disk-based navigation system with live traffic information thanks to the LTE communications module. 

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 45 – Powertrain

Engine

This powertrain is also found in the Mercedes-Benz AMG A-Class A35 sedan and hatchback variants. Mercedes-Benz AMG says they have specifically tuned the ignition process during upshifts to produce the fierce exhaust noises that the brand is famous for.

Transmission

Chassis

Drivetrain

A multi-disc clutch with AMG-specific tuning allows a variable torque split that can instantly change, with up to 50:50 distribution between the front and rear wheels. This increases stability out of corners as well as confidence on winding roads. A 3-stage ESP also regulates the amount of rear-wheel torque. A brake-based limited-slip effect is also produced when starting from slippery surfaces.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 – Driving Performance

Engine performance

There is however some low-end turbocharger ‘lag’ but the transmission is intelligent enough to accommodate the gear selection in town or urban commute speeds. Similar to the A 35 hatchback and sedan variants, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 also plays motorsports-derived exhaust pops and crackles during downshifting that is amplified in Sport and Sport+ settings.

Transmission performance

To improve fuel efficiency, the transmission in the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 can also coast or decouple itself from the engine. Overall, the high customization of the AMG Dynamic Select system allows the transmission to perform very naturally and intuitively to the selected drive mode for an unnoticed slow-moving crawl or performance driving and sensation at the closed circuit.

Steering and handling

Compared to larger SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 handles and grips with a surefootedness that masks its size very well. The steering response and intangible feel to the driver are not as precise as the smaller sedan and hatchback though. This could be attributed to the long wheelbase of the Mercedes-Benz GLB. The large brakes also slow the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 with great confidence.  

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 – Ride Comfort

Soundproofing

Passenger comfort

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 – Fuel Economy

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 – Conclusion

However, we do not see many of these on the road could be due to the more traditional buying logic of wanting proper Mercedes-Benz sized models, such as the GLC or even the GLC Coupe. The GLB is after all targeted at the younger audience and they certainly can be satisfied with the faster A35 hatchback or the cheaper A35 sedan models.