MERCEDES-AMG GLB Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Along with the introduction of the facelifted version of the Mercedes-Benz GLB in 2023, Mercedes-AMG also refreshed its designated version, the GLB 35.

Like most other models built by the German automaker, the GLB was also granted an AMG-badged version. This, unlike the rest of the range, aimed at customers who didn't want just a luxurious crossover to crawl through city traffic and park over a curb. Its engine, transmission, suspension, and steering could have been put into sport mode so the one behind the wheel could drift the car on a gravel road. And it could do all of that while still being turned back at the flick of a switch back into comfort mode and do the school runs safely and comfortably.

The car manufacturer upgraded the GLB and installed LED headlights on the entire range. In addition, since it was an AMG version, the car's front fascia featured this brand's specific lower apron that featured a trapezoidal grille flanked by two scoops meant to coll the brakes. In addition, it offered light-alloy wheels of up to 21" in diameter, compared to the maximum 19" ones offered on the rest of the GLB range. Finally, at the back, the AMG GLB 35 featured two round exhausts that flanked a black diffuser placed underneath the bumper.

Inside, it was more than just a regular compact-segment crossover. Besides the option for a seven-seat cabin, like its stablemates, it also provided high-bolstered seats at the front. Its leather-wrapped cabin offered a sense of luxury that was enhanced furthermore by the look of the illuminated turbine-like vents from the dashboard. But the upgrades didn't stop there and went a little bit more with the augmented reality MBAUX infotainment unit that boasted a 10.25" inch display.

For the drivetrain, Mercedes-AMG installed a turbocharged two-liter gasoline powerplant that sent its grunt in all corners via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G (eight-speed, dual-clutch) transmission. In addition, an integrated starter-generator that worked on the 48v architecture added 10 kW (13 hp) to the package.

Right before the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the GLB. It was the car that filled the gap in the German car-maker lineup between the GLA and the GLC.

The A-Class platform was stretched and adapted once again for the seventh product based on it. After various forms of the A-Class sedan long and short wheelbase, CLA, shooting-brake, hatch-back, GLA, and B-Class MPV, the GLB was inserted above them and underneath the GLC, which is based on the C-Class platform.

The front design was similar to the other cross overs and SUVs from its lineup, like the car-maker tried to lose the connection with the A-Class. A sculptured hood, with DRLs, incorporated into the headlights, and the front bumper are completing an aggressive front fascia. The front 3D grille does make a strong look for the car, with chromed elements. From the side, the rear bumper in the rear quarter panel made a good point in hiding the over-extended wheelbase and greenhouse.

The interior was built for seven seats, even if the last two were there just for kids and toddlers. The dashboard featured the same screens as the A-Class, with bigger and smaller screens depending on the options.

Under the hood, the base engine was the 1.33-liter unit from Renault, offered in two power outputs of 136 hp and 163 hp, respectively. For diesel, there are three engine choices and all of them are of 2.0 liters displacement. The GLB 220d featured a small increase in its bore and a twin-turbo feed. The top of the range was the AMG version, with a 2.0-liter, twin-turbo, gasoline unit mated to a 7-speed, dual-clutch, gearbox, and all-wheel-drive.