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Mercedes-AMG GLB45 Spotted in Traffic, Gets Closer To Production

The Mercedes-Benz GLB has a lot going for it, from the baby G-Class looks to the seven-seater layout in compact packaging. And now that the civilian versions have made their debut, we're looking forward to the release of the Mercedes-AMG incarnations. As is the case with the new A-Class, the GLB is expected to receive a pair of Affalterbach-massaged models, namely the GLB35 and the GLB45.
Mercedes-AMG GLB45 Spotted in Traffic 22 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
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A prototype of the pumped-up crossover was recently spotted doing its thing in traffic, as you can notice in the gallery above. However, you shouldn't let those econobox-like tailpipes trick up, there's some performance stuff going on here.

Given the heavy camouflage covering the test car we have here, this could be the full-fat "45" model or the "35". Either way, the driver gets to enjoy plenty of power.

Both models are animated by two-liter turbos. However, the entry-level model, if I might call it so, allows the one behind the wheels to control 305 horsepower.

As for the GLA45, this should be offered in two trims, as is the norm among M-AMG range-toppers these days. And if the outputs of the new A45 (the car hasn't been released, but the muscle numbers have been confirmed) are carried over, we'll be able to choose between 389 hp and 422 ponies (this is the "45 S" model).

Of course, power will be sent to both axles, thanks to a dual-clutch transmission. Speaking of which, here's to hoping the torque distribution delivers a lively handling, as the first generation of compact Mercedes-AMG model was no stranger to the little thing we (don't) like to call "understeer".

Cool, so when will we get to see the production models?

Nothing is official yet, but the Mercedes-AMG GLB35 should land later this year. As for its big brother, the GLB45 won't come to the world until 2020.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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