Mercedes-Benz GLB 35 AMG: A Close Look
Three engine choices for the GLB.
VEHICLE FRONT
The Mercedes GLB is a compact SUV, which is between the smaller GLC, and larger GLA. Its base price starts at about $39K, but the price tends to climb when you visit the dealer’s lot.
Text and photos by Chad Haire and MB USA
AMG EMBLEM
The price is even higher when you get a GLB35 with the AMG emblem tacked on as ours has.
PRICE TAG
As can be seen, the starting fee is $49,500. Like most German luxury rides, we are just getting started. Some options are not needed, others are more useful, but in the end, a whopping $64,000 is the damage on this one.
ENGINE
Part of that extra price can be found under the hood. The base vehicle, called the GLB250, is issued with a 2.0-liter turbo rated 221 horsepower. To pull the vehicle's two-ton mass, AMG supplies a hotter version of the 2.0 cranking a more healthy 302 horses. It's hooked to an 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission and all-wheel drive for best traction. The fuel economy is claimed to be 21/26 mpg. We got 24 on highway trips.
WHEELS
If you like these 20-inch wheels, they will cost you a Grand more.
TIRES
Mercedes wants the GLB35 tire pressures to be set at 42/45 psi. This is unusually high and results in stiffer ride quality. Owners have the option of lowering the pressure, but we are not allowed to do it, so run them as is.
GAUGE CLUSTER
The gauge cluster is well designed, easy to see, and offers a long list of various settings. Paddle shifters are located on the steering wheel for manual gear selection.
SEATS
The seats are well made and comfortable. The cabin quality is very high, with sturdy materials.
CONTROLS
A lot is going on in the hand control area, but the system is easier to use than it looks. A Dynamic switch allows different drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, and Individual.
OFF ROAD
With raised ground clearance, four-wheel traction, and computer drive modes, the GLB35 can be taken off the pavement, but these trips are for light-duty trails only. There is no spare tire offered with the AMG package, so getting a flat in the middle of nowhere could be an issue.
