The anticipation for the new GLB SUV from Mercedes-Benz has been intense verging on hot and bothered in recent months. The model many see as the spiritual successor to the defunct GLK (replaced by the GLC) enters a very hot segment with some pretty appealing styling playing in its favour.
Expect to see a lot of them on our roads.
The base version available to consumers is the GLB 250, which runs on a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine good for 221 hp. Now the company has presented the GLB 35, with output of 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Power is shipped to the four wheels and managed by the automaker’s 4Matic AWD system. The GLB also gets drive assist systems designed to maximize contact with the road during strong accelerations, particularly on slippery surfaces. Getting from 0 to 100 km/h will take the little SUV 5.2 seconds.
The GLB 35 also comes with Sport and Sport+ drive modes, which obviously focus on enhancing performance, with both the transmission and accelerator becoming more aggressively responsive. Plus, the AMG variant gets upgraded suspension and chassis component for better grip and minimized roll on curves.
Esthetically, the GLB 35 gets some distinguishing features, for instance special AMG front grille, spoiler, exhaust tips and diffuser. All of it sits on unique 19-inch wheels fitted with performance brakes decked with silver calipers; buyers can also opt for massive 21-inch wheels.
No pricing has been announced as of yet for the AMG variant of the GLB; we expect that and other details to be revealed as the launch dates approaches.
