Mercedes-AMG’s first GLB35 revealed

FAMILIES in a hurry will be able to travel seven up in Mercedes-AMG’s first GLB35 4Matic if they tick the box for the extra row of seats in the new SUV from the go-fast wizards.

The AMG-enhanced GLB with its 225kW/400Nm four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and other goodies from the AMG playlist will lob in Australia in the middle of 2020, just after the standard GLB is rolled out across the wide brown land.

Compared with the full-blown AMG treatment of Mercedes models such as 310kW A45 and CLA45, the GLB35 represents ‘AMG lite’, following in the wheel tracks of models such as the A35 hatch and sedan that are both due in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year.

The GLB shares an identical powertrain to its A35 siblings, but because the SUV is bigger and heavier, the sprint time from zero to 100km/h is about half a second slower, at 5.2 seconds.

For those who are hanging out for something faster in a mid-size SUV, a more potent GLB45 reportedly is in the pipeline for launch later on.

Pricing and final specification for the GLB35 will not be announced until closer to launch, but expect most of the kit announced in Europe today. This includes sports-oriented 4Matic all-wheel-drive powertrain, 19-inch alloy wheels, hefty 350mm four-pot-calliper front brakes, sports suspension and even a race-start function.

The GLB35 picks up the latest AMG-family vertical-slat grille in place of the standard horizontal Benz affair, along with bigger front air openings, a rear roof spoiler and twin exhaust pipe tips in a revised rear bumper.

Although the base GLB35 has five seats over two rows, buyers will be able to order the optional pair of third-row folding seats that can cater for passengers up to 168cm tall.

This option includes a sliding middle-row seat function, along with an easy flip-forward function for third-row access and accessories such as cupholders, USB ports and extra safety gear.

Although bigger AMG models have offered seven-seat accommodation, the GLB35 represents a first for the brand in the mid-size segment.

Inside, the sports seats are clad in black faux leather and microfibre fabric with red contrast stitching to go with the red seat belts. Two leather interiors are available on the options list.

The widescreen cockpit feature’s AMG-only display styles – Classic, Sport and SuperSport – for the driver to choose. Like all new Mercedes model, the GLB35 comes with the latest MBUX infotainment system, which can be controlled in a number of ways, including ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control and hand gestures.

Options include wheels up to 21 inches in diameter, AMG Ride Control suspension and AMG Night body trim package with gloss-black exterior trim elements and black chrome exhaust tips.