Photo: SB-Medien
For many years, the project we now know as the GLB was discussed as a 'baby G' that would offer more space than the GLA in a rugged off-roader body. Today, we can confirm that it will also have an AMG variant, the GLB 35, with half the cylinders and displacement of a G 63.
The GLB is one of the most car-like SUVs Mercedes will make, based on the same platform as the A-Class. Though nothing was officially revealed about this model, we expect it to be very familiar, from the engine lineup to the way its dashboard looks. And all signs point towards it being made in Mexico for the North American market.
The GLB 35 is not a full-fat AMG model. Its toast is covered in margarine, as it were since the 2.0-liter turbo that resides under its hood should deliver 306 HP (302 bhp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The power will naturally go to all four wheels, just like in the A 35. Adaptive dampers and a drive mode selector will keep things interesting. However, you won't get a mechanical front axle diff.
By comparison, the G63 has twice the cylinders in its 4.0-liter V8 and produces just shy of the 600 mark. However, we think the correlation between the two continues to be unjustified. Mercedes is just looking to expand into a new niche without actually creating a connection to its iconic off-roader.
This is the first sighting of the prototype, which means we're dealing with an early test mule. That means its bumpers aren't the right ones, the wheels aren't the right ones and the exhaust... well, you get the idea. The AMG look should help the GLB 35 stand out from the crowd, not that it has too many rivals.
One obvious competitor we can think of is the 300 horsepower Cupra Ateca, which is probably a little smaller, just like the Audi SQ2. Meanwhile, both the RS Q3 and Tiguan R are going to jump straight to the 2.5 TFSI.
The GLB 35 is not a full-fat AMG model. Its toast is covered in margarine, as it were since the 2.0-liter turbo that resides under its hood should deliver 306 HP (302 bhp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The power will naturally go to all four wheels, just like in the A 35. Adaptive dampers and a drive mode selector will keep things interesting. However, you won't get a mechanical front axle diff.
By comparison, the G63 has twice the cylinders in its 4.0-liter V8 and produces just shy of the 600 mark. However, we think the correlation between the two continues to be unjustified. Mercedes is just looking to expand into a new niche without actually creating a connection to its iconic off-roader.
This is the first sighting of the prototype, which means we're dealing with an early test mule. That means its bumpers aren't the right ones, the wheels aren't the right ones and the exhaust... well, you get the idea. The AMG look should help the GLB 35 stand out from the crowd, not that it has too many rivals.
One obvious competitor we can think of is the 300 horsepower Cupra Ateca, which is probably a little smaller, just like the Audi SQ2. Meanwhile, both the RS Q3 and Tiguan R are going to jump straight to the 2.5 TFSI.
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