Overview
Mercedes has combined its smallest box, the GLB250, with its mighty turbocharged four-cylinder to produce an AMG-tuned lunch pail. Stuffed inside its Ziploc bag is 302 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Affalterbach also sharpened the handling, which does to Mercedes’ subcompact crossover what cinnamon did to applesauce; the extra spice is very tasty. While we prefer the looks of the also-sporty GLA35 with which it shares its powertrain and platform, the GLB35’s boxy shape makes it more practical. While the GLB35 has loads of standard features and serves as the most aggressive GLB sold today, those upgrades raise its price tag above the rest in a segment meant for the most affordable luxury crossovers.
What’s New for 2024?
The Mercedes-AMG GLB35 takes on a sharper look for 2024 with an updated front bumper, headlights, taillights, and an AMG crest fitted to its bonnet. Its changes are beyond skin deep, too, with the incorporation of a 48-volt hybrid-assist system in the powertrain. Additionally, there are new 19- and 20-inch wheels and a new steering wheel.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The GLB35 comes well-equipped but we’d likely add the Premium package, which includes power-folding exterior mirrors, a hands-free power liftgate, and passive keyless entry.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The GLB35 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque; an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are both standard. Additionally, this powertrain uses a 48-volt hybrid-assist system in the form of a belt-driven starter-generator for extending stop-start functions. At our test track, a non-hybrid GLB35 snapped off a brisk 4.9-second run to 60 mph. Handling is fairly sharp and playful but the GLB35’s stiff-legged ride is the compromise for its fun-to-drive nature. We expect a higher-powered GLB45 model to become available at some point, powered by the 382-hp version of the same turbocharged 2.0-liter, which is found in the revamped CLA45 sedan.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t rated the 2024 GLB35 yet, but last year’s non-hybrid AMG earned estimates of 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Similar performance SUVs like the BMW X2 M35i and the Mini Cooper Countryman JCW achieve EPA highway ratings of 29 and 30 mpg, respectively, and earned the same 25 mpg combined rating. When we get the chance, we’ll subject the new GLB35 to our 75-mph highway fuel economy test and update this story with the results. For more information about the GLB35’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Believe it or not, Mercedes has squeezed three rows of seating inside the GLB-class’s compact body, although we’d hate to be the unlucky passenger forced to cram themselves into the wayback. The first and second rows are where the adults sit. Differentiating itself from its Benz-branded counterpart, the AMG GLB-class sports a flat-bottomed steering wheel and microfiber-and-leather upholstery.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A reconfigurable digital gauge display blends seamlessly into a large wide-screen infotainment system behind a single glass panel. Mercedes-Benz’s new infotainment software allows for voice recognition as well as touchpad and gesture-controlled interactions with the system. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard; navigation is optional. We’ve found the GLB35’s infotainment software and its various interaction methods to be fussy, which has been our experience with the system in other Mercedes products.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Mercedes-AMG offers several driver-assistance features and LED headlights are standard. For more information about the GLB-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG offers a somewhat basic, no-frills warranty package on its new cars with four years or 50,000 miles of coverage on both the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain policies. BMW sweetens the deal on its vehicles by offering three full years of free maintenance, but AMG buyers aren’t offered the same luxury.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB35 4Matic
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $50,550/$61,485
Options: sunroof, $1500; leather seats, $1450; multimedia package (navigation with augmented reality, speed-limit assist), $1295; Burmester sound system, $850; third-row seat, $850; premium package (keyless entry and start, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors), $800; AMG night package (black trim on grille, beltline, and window surrounds), $750; Denim Blue paint, $720; heated front seats, $500; SiriusXM radio, $460; leather AMG steering wheel, $400; AMG mode switches on steering wheel, $400; wood trim, $325; 19-inch black wheels, $300; wireless charging, $200; logo puddle lamps, $110; USB-C adapter cable, $25
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1991 cm3
Power: 302 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented, cross-drilled disc/13.0-in vented, cross-drilled disc
Tires: Continental ProContact GX SSR
235/50R-19 99V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.4 in
Length: 183.1 in
Width: 72.2 in
Height: 65.4 in
Passenger Volume: 126 ft3
Cargo Volume: 5 ft3
Curb Weight: 4023 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.9 sec
100 mph: 12.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.5 sec @ 102 mph
130 mph: 24.6 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 155 mph
Braking, 100–0 mph: 336 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 23/21/26 mpg
