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THE GLB name is all-new for Mercedes-Benz. Unveiled in 2019 and arriving in Malaysia later this year, this was an all-new model from this German premium car brand. It sits between the popular GLA crossover and best selling GLC SUV.
Right now, this is the smallest Mercedes-Benz that can carry up to seven passengers (GLB 200 and GLB 250 only). Yes, the base model GLBs come with three rows of seats and with the GLB 350 AMG, the third row has been removed to provide a lifestyle ready large luggage area at the rear of the sexy boxy family vehicle.
The model was developed on the MFA2 (Modular Front-wheel-drive Architecture) platform, meaning that it shares most of its parts with cars like the A-Class, B-Class, GLA, CLA and all their different versions on sale.
GLB looks
This GLB 35 comes equipped with an AMG-specific radiator grille which is used for the first time in a 35-series model and confirms its membership of the AMG family. The front splitter, the prominent rear apron with two round, single tailpipe trim elements and the AMG roof spoiler in the vehicle colour with a black spoiler lip gives it an aggressive look.
The front of this Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is running on 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in tantalite grey with a high-sheen finish. The AMG high-performance braking system with silver brake callipers and black AMG lettering at the front provide further visual highlights.
GLB 35 cabin features
Like with all new Mercedes-Benz models in the last year, this GLB comes with a full suite of MBUX features. With the three AMG-specific display styles 'Classic', 'Sporty' or 'Supersport', the vehicle functions are directly visualised on the instrument cluster on the left side and the touchscreen display on the right.
Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit. It is a visual delight but can be a little irritating under the sunlight when it reflects too much light.
The sporty nature of this crossover is enhanced in the interior by the sports seats upholstered in black Artico man-made leather/Dinamica microfibre and design red seat belts. Also standard in the GLB 35 is the Light and Sights package which provides added interior value appeal and optimum visibility in the vehicle.
GLB 35 space
Despite its compact platform, the GLB is almost as large as the GLC, while offering a lot more interior space. The car's wheelbase is 10cm longer than the latest B-Class, for example, which enables the crossover to offer a luggage capacity of 560 to 1,755 litres in the five-seat configuration, making it the most spacious vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz compact car lineup.
This GLB 35 provides an impressive 24 cubic feet of space behind the second row. After folding down the second row, it opens to 64 cubic feet. The immediate rival, BMW X1 slightly outclasses the GLB with 27.1 cubic feet behind the second row but falls short of total cargo capacity with only 58.7 cubic feet total. Thanks to those boxy proportions, the GLB offers storage space on-par with a larger SUV.
GLB 35 drive impressions
Like any other AMG tuned Benz, this crossover ignites with a low rumble and accelerates very quickly. The standstill to 100km/h time is a hot hatchback rivalling time of 5.2 seconds.
For an upright, boxy, 4-wheel drive vehicle, this is pretty quick and even when you want to take a long sweeping corner, its large 20-inch wheels with slim run-flat tires keep this Benz on its intended course. Yes, you should not get silly with this tall vehicle and corners should be dealt with some reservations.
GLB 35 final word
This segment is getting crowded, with competition from the Volvo XC40 T5 which retails for RM255k, the Lexus NX 300 F Sport which is selling for about RM339k and the BMW X3 M Sport which carries a RM324k price tag and all of them do not have the acceleration, top speed and handling to match this GLB 35. Add to the appeal is its boxy exterior which mimics the RM1.5 Million Mercedes G-Wagon.
If this GLB 35 AMG look strikes your fancy, then take it for a test drive and see if its performance is enough to get you to book a unit. – The Vibes, February 26, 2021
Mercedes-Benz GLB 35 4-MATIC Specifications
Engine: Inline 4, turbocharged
Capacity: 1991cc
Gearbox: AMG DCT 8G Dual Clutch
Max power: 306bhp @ 5800-6100rpm
Max torque: 400Nm @3000-4000Nm
Top Speed: 250km/h
0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
Selling Price: RM363,136.
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