The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is exactly what Mercedes and the market wants proper now. It’s a cute and eminently helpful little crossover for the precise worth with an opulent three-pointed star on it. So, what does Mercedes do to enhance the system? Let AMG have a go at it, after all.
Mercedes didn’t bust out of the gates, as its first makes an attempt at inexpensive front-drive-based vehicles in America with the unique CLA and GLA had been a bit underdone. The subsequent spherical of “low cost” Mercedes automobiles are much better with an expanded subject of winners. There are some we like greater than others, although, and we will depend this AMG GLB 35 as certainly one of them.
Similar to the GLA- and CLA-Courses, the GLB presents a regular 250 variant. It doesn’t, nevertheless, supply their completely bonkers 382-horsepower AMG 45 variant. As a substitute, their medium spice is the GLB’s high specification, together with a 302-hp 2.0-liter turbo that is nonetheless loads of enjoyable being a hooligan with. All the opposite efficiency goodies added onto the 35 over the usual GLB are nothing to sneeze at both. Its setup is actually the identical because the GLA 35 that Senior Editor James Riswick likened to an extra-tall scorching hatch.
The chassis is labored over with AMG-specific steering knuckles, management arms and rear subframe. It comes with AMG’s electronically-controlled adaptive dampers. An AMG-specific all-wheel drive system is fitted that maxes out at 50:50 torque distribution. A variable-ratio steering rack aids dealing with, and bigger brakes are fitted in any respect 4 corners with the anticipated AMG branding on the calipers. It even has the big selection of AMG drive modes to select from, and you may affordably possibility the handy steering wheel-mounted fast toggle buttons, too.
Principally, don’t underestimate this AMG product simply because it’s a 35 and never a full-fat 45. There was severe effort paid to make this little crossover enjoyable to drive. That focus to element is seen on the outside, too.
The GLB already appeared good in 250 kind, but it surely doubly excels in AMG 35 guise. It provides the massive radiator grille in entrance, a much bigger splitter, roof spoiler, totally different rear bumper, sporty twin exhaust and certainly one of many alternative wheel choices. Our tester had the 19-inch matte black 10-spoke AMG wheels — they’re somewhat unusual with the additional interior rim, however make up your individual thoughts. Their moderately small measurement actually helps the journey consolation versus the elective 21s, but it surely’s exhausting to argue with how good the 21-inch wheels make the GLB 35 seem.
The vital takeaway right here is that the GLB 35 has seems to be to kill. BMW’s X2 M35i does moderately compete from an aesthetic viewpoint, however the GLB’s utility makes it the higher design as a complete (extra on that later). And if boxy is not your factor, the GLA 35 is mendacity in wait.
Driving the GLB 35 is wildly enjoyable, too. Similar to the opposite AMG 35s, this automotive is “on” from the second you pop it into Drive. The snappy and fast eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission cracks off upshifts with a pop that accentuates and underlines each shift. It makes you need to drive round in guide mode the entire time, tapping away on the paddles to listen to all of the crackles on the overrun. Even when the GLB 35 doesn’t have its eyes set on quick lap occasions like some extra targeted AMG merchandise do, the extent of drama and added theater encourages a heavy proper foot.
Acceleration is correctly brisk, as launch management begins have the little crossover hitting 60 mph in simply 5.1 seconds. It’s simply the correct amount of energy so as to add a bit zest to stoplight getaways, however not an excessive amount of that you just’ll land in jail from extreme dashing. That preliminary pull begins to fade shortly above 60 and 70 mph, as a lot of the perkiness round city could be attributed to the extra-short gearing — you hit 60 mph in third gear.
The GLB 35 is an satisfactory instrument to make use of for canyon carving, however as we anticipated after driving the smaller GLA 35, the GLB’s bigger footprint and further tallness lead to it being not practically as agile or darty. That stated, you may nonetheless hustle this little crossover round and have enjoyable pushing it. Our tester’s all-season tires confirmed their lack of grip somewhat shortly, however set the adaptive suspension into Sport, and physique motions are properly managed with the stiffness and sharpness you’d anticipate from an AMG. Sadly, the GLB’s steering is a bit numb, and its weighting isn’t as sharp as different AMG 35s.
The mighty little 2.0-liter has a terrific four-cylinder zing all the best way up the rev vary, and as long as you’re already transferring, throttle response is great. You’re in for an extended wait in the event you stomp on it from a standing begin with out launch management, however Mercedes does a terrific job of protecting the look ahead to enhance brief-to-non-existent whenever you’re on and off the throttle by means of corners. It’s a relentless deal with to work the paddles and the entire rev vary. You’ll be able to even get a slight tail wag in AMG’s sport traction mode in the event you actually need to, however the all-wheel-drive system typically tries to maintain issues impartial.
What finally makes the GLB 35 such a pretty possibility is how good it’s as an all-around car. Being a GLB-Class, it’s formed like a field with the utility of a automotive far greater than it seems to be — Riswick discovered its cargo capability to be about as efficient as a Subaru Outback’s. The second row is excessive on legroom and headroom, and it additionally slides. That is a terrific, uncommon function that will increase cargo versatility, but it surely’s additionally a necessity due to the third-row possibility. Yep, there’s a 3rd row accessible and this was the primary time we have had a chance to check it in a GLB. As anticipated, it is primarily simply adequate sufficient for a really small youngster, however scoot the second row up a bit, and you may stick two adults again there for a brief journey. That kind of flexibility is what makes the GLB 35 such a terrific possibility in the event you’re tight on parking area and reside the one-car life.
Past the efficiency and sheer utility, the GLB nonetheless does a dutiful job of being a luxurious automotive. Among the supplies are less than the requirements of dearer Mercedes merchandise, however they’re higher than most within the class and profit from a flashier design. You sit up tall and gaze out over the attractive twin shows operating the MBUX infotainment system. The steering wheel controls are tactile and wonderful, and inside upholstery choices are aplenty with black, purple, brown and grey leather-based accessible.
The seats themselves are supportive (although they may use extra bolstering) and afford you wonderful visibility across the glass field that the GLB is. There’s a small worth to pay in journey high quality with the AMG versus a regular 250, but it surely’s not so stiff as to really feel brittle over bumps and potholes (according to the AMG GLA 35). Noise ranges are lots acceptable for metropolis driving, but it surely’s no S-Class with regards to freeway driving. Wind and highway noise are elevated, little doubt partially as a result of it is a field.
If there’s one large impediment to hurdle over with the GLB 35, it’s the worth. This little crossover begins at $50,550, and it goes up in a short time with Mercedes’ costly choices checklist. Desirables like heated seats, auto-dimming mirrors, proximity entry, a head-up show and the motive force help suite all add up shortly. Geared up to our satisfaction, a GLB 35 is operating across the $60,000 mark. That’s proper the place the AMG GLC 43 comes into the image. It does not have fairly as a lot tools and really has much less cargo area, but it surely has richer inside supplies and better total refinement.
Worth could also be questionable, then, however wanting past that, the GLB 35 has an inherent allure to each its look and efficiency. It’s a bit crossover with a spunky soul that makes you need to present it off and drive it exhausting. On the identical time, it is extremely practical, well straddling the road between efficiency and value. It is a superb addition to the Mercedes small automotive arsenal.
Associated video: