Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Strips Camo, Looks Mildly Hot

The base for the project is the same, a new crossover family crossover from Mercedes that's being given a second life as a sports car. However, the GLB 35 and GLB 45 are two different animals. One goes to the gym twice a week while the other practically lives there.

For now, the main way to tell them apart is the exhaust, as all "35" AMG models have this Golf GTI-like double-pipe setup. Meanwhile, the 45 sports twice as many tips, though it's not clear if all of them are real. But to save a little bit of money, the bumper remains largely the same at the back.

Further differences are supposed to happen at the other end, where only the 45 is supposed to get the Panamericana grille that sticks out. But as you can see, the GLB refuses to play by the rules. We expect that underneath all that camo, the nose of the car will be basically the same as the AMG-Line package, again as a way to save money.

But don't think Mercedes is trying to compete with Hyundais and other budget brands. No, the GLB 35 should cost at least €45,000 in Germany. Of course, most hot hatchbacks have gone up in cost recently, and this does a better family car impersonation. But don't expect Civic Type R levels of chuckability.

We almost forgot to mention the engine, though you guys probably already know what it is. Just like the Cupra Ateca or MINI Countryman JCW, the GLB 35 gets its grunt from a 2-liter turbo. It's rated at 306 HP and 400 Nm of torque, which should be enough to get you from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in about 5.5 seconds. Focus ST, Civic Type R, Megane RS Trophy - they will all have trouble keeping up with your AWD sprints.