Mercedes-AMG will
bring the heat to the premium subcompact SUV class first with the GLB 35 and
then with the GLB 45, which will sit at the top of the range. The former is
allegedly one month away, at least according to Autocar, which claims it will
premiere at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show with more oomph and a more aggressive
design compared to the rest of the range.
The 2.0-liter,
turbocharged four that premiered in the A35 will be one of the defining
features of the GLB 35. Its 306 PS and 400 Nm of
torque will be channeled to both axles via a 7-speed DCT transmission. In the
hot hatch, this allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 4.7 seconds and a
250 km/h top speed, so we expect similar numbers from the SUV (OK,
probably the acceleration will be a few tenths off due to the size and weight).
Other technical
upgrades over lesser variants will include larger brakes for improved stopping
power, a new exhaust and a sportier – and lower – suspension. Its official
launch will happen later this year, and in 2020 it will be joined by GLB 45 and
45 S. The top dogs at the GLB’s range will add the Panamericana grille with
vertical slats and a few other nips and tucks in the visual department, as well
as a sportier makeover inside.
Just like in the
recently introduced A45 and CLA45, the 2.0-liter, four-pot will produce 387 PS and 480 Nm in standard guise and 421 PS and 500 Nm in the S.
