With the GLB already unveiled, Mercedes has now
decided to slowly remove most of the camo from the hotter AMG 45 version,
giving us a better look at the upcoming 415hp compact SUV. As you might already know, the
range-topping version of the new GLB will share the same oily bits with the
soon-to-be-unveiled A45.
That means that the AMG GLB 45 will be powered by
the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, putting out 382 hp in standard form and 415 hp in S guise. And with this kind of firepower
hiding under its boxy body, it’s no wonder why it is expected to easily crack
the five-second barrier for the 0-100 km/h sprint.
The engine, which revs up to 7,200 rpm, will be
paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-new all-wheel
drive 4Matic system. We already know that the A45 hot hatch is going to feature
a special “drift” mode, though it’s unknown whether it will be available in the
GLB as well.
The slightly camouflaged test car might not wear the
quad exhaust pipes we’ve seen before, trying to pass as the less powerful AMG
35, but the beefy brakes up front reveal its true nature. As expected, the
fastest version of the compact SUV will get a model-specific body kit that
includes the usual bumpers, side sills and Panamericana front grille, among
other enhancements.
The interior will be similarly spiced up with
body-hugging seats, different trim materials, as well as model-specific screens
for the digital instrument cluster. We still don’t know if Mercedes will offer
a seven-seat option with the GLB 45, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they
eventually decide not to.
