It hasn't taken long, but in the wake of Mercedes' recent announcement to bring the seven-seat GLB to market, now we've got our first performance model: the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic.
2.0-litre turbo petrol
It uses the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is employed in a wide variety of 35-badged AMG models - such as the A 35, for example - so that means the GLB 35 has 306hp allied to 400Nm of torque from just 3,000rpm. All this grunt is sent to all four wheels (hence '4Matic') via an AMG Speedshift eight-speed DCT-8G twin-clutch automatic transmission, with 0-100km/h coming up in just 5.2 seconds. That'll be if you use the Race Start function that is fitted as standard... yes, Race Start in a seven-seat compact SUV; this is 2019, you know. Anyway, top speed is electronically limited to the usual 250km/h.
Five driving modes for the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 will include Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, through which the SUV alters its steering/yaw control/throttle response etc and also adjusts the front-rear torque split: up to 50 per cent of power can go to the rear axle, although the GLB 35 will run purely front-wheel drive for large periods of time. AMG-tuned suspension is teamed to speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a high-performance braking system to ensure the GLB 35 has all the tools to excite its driver on the right roads, but for those craving even more precision then the AMG Ride Control adaptive, electronically controlled damping will be on the options list.
Full AMG grille experience
Visually, the GLB 35 should be easy to clock, thanks to the first use of the slatted Panamericana-type 'full' AMG radiator grille on a 35 model. At the back is a prominent apron, surrounding a diffuser and a couple of round tailpipes, while up top an AMG roof spoiler completes the sporty look. Wheels are 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloys as standard, although up to 21-inch items are on the options list. Mercedes-AMG will also offer its Night Package to GLB 35 customers, which clothes the front splitter and rear apron in High-Gloss Black, while black chrome-plated exhaust tips will also be added as part of this bundle.
Inside, the AMG GLB 35 has Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre sports seats with red contrast stitching and red seatbelts. The full MBUX infotainment system is presented on the luscious Mercedes Widescreen Cockpit fascia, while the GLB's multifunction sports steering wheel is trimmed in Nappa leather and features a flat-bottomed section. At the back, the third row of seats will be an option.
'Active target group'
Tobias Moers, the CEO of Mercedes-AMG, said: "With the new GLB 35 4Matic, we are extending our product portfolio by adding a highly attractive model for an active target group that attaches special importance to versatility. This also includes the optional seven-seater capability of our new compact SUV, though without having to sacrifice the genes typical of an AMG. Because in its segment, our GLB 35 likewise fulfils our brand promise of Driving Performance."