Hot on the heels of the unveiling of the GLE 53
Coupe, Mercedes-AMG has taken the wraps off the all-new GLB 35. Set to debut at the Frankfurt
Motor Show next month, the GLB 35 is a high-performance seven-seater that
features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 302 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
The engine is connected to an eight-speed
dual-clutch transmission which sends power to an AMG Performance 4MATIC
all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the crossover to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The performance tweaks don’t stop there as the
crossover has been outfitted with an AMG-tuned suspension that produces less
body roll and allows for higher cornering speeds. The changes sound rather extensive as
Mercedes said the GLB 35 has new “steering knuckles and transverse control arms
at the front axle, as well as the model-specific subframe and the wheel carriers
at the rear axle.”
Elsewhere, engineers installed a speed-sensitive
power steering system with a variable ratio that promises the “best possible
control” at high speeds. The model has
also been equipped with a high-performance braking system that features silver
calipers with black AMG lettering. They
grab on to 13.8-inch (350 mm) cast iron discs up front and 13-inch (330 mm)
discs out back.
In typical fashion, the model has been given a
sporty makeover as part of the AMG conversion.
For starters, the GLB has been outfitted with the AMG Line styling
package and a new Panamericana grille.
The model also sports a metallic front splitter, a prominent diffuser
and a dual exhaust system. Other
highlights include an extended rear spoiler and 19-inch lightweight alloy
wheels.
An assortment of options will be available including
an AMG Night package which features high-gloss black accents and black chrome
trim. Customers can also order an
assortment of wheels ranging in sizes from 19- to 21-inches.
The cabin largely echoes the rest of the 35 lineup
and drivers will find Artico / Dinamica microfiber sports seats with red
contrast stitching. There’s also a
digital instrument cluster, an MBUX infotainment system and a nappa leather
sports steering wheel.
Among the options are a third row seat, an AMG
Performance steering wheel and two leather packages. The latter allow the model
to be equipped with two-tone leather seats in a variety of combinations such as
black and red. Mercedes wasn’t ready to talk pricing, but the company confirmed the
GLB 35 will arrive in the United States by late 2020.
