CHATHAM, Mass. – Understated, with little evidence of the power within, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG® GLB35 4MATIC mild hybrid appears like just another two-box compact sport utility (SUV) until the accelerator is depressed, rocketing the vehicle beyond traffic.
Form following function and minimalist design were pillars of the Bauhaus design concept and Mercedes-AMG sticks with this Germanic tradition in the crafting of the pint-size performance vehicle masquerading as a five-seat, efficient people-and-their-stuff mover. No extraneous frills – beyond the customizable interior lighting accents – adorn this performance wolf in SUV-sheep clothing.
Powertrain at the heart of the machine
Like all its siblings within the AMG family, its heart is its engine, in this case an AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with twin-scroll exhaust gas turbocharger. The powerplant produces 302 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque.
But there is more to motivating the GLB35 thanks to the 48-volt mild hybrid system featuring a second-generation belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). The RSG provides a temporary power boost of 13 hp under certain driving conditions as well as permitting such functions as coasting and recuperation for greater efficiency.
The 48-volt technology also improves comfort by delivering seamless transitions of the start/stop and coasting functions. It worked so well I did not notice (the annoying in other vehicles) start/stop function with the GLB35.
The power flows through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® DCT 8G dual clutch automatic transmission and into the (standard) AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
The result ranges from performance when you want it – Car and Driver matched the Merecedes–AMG estimate of 0-60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds, performance I appreciated when I had to maneuver around a semi while entering I-495 – along with solid everyday efficiency. The power comes on almost instantly, with the RSG eliminating any trace of turbo lag (the brief time it takes for a turbocharger to spin up to speed and deliver its oomph).
My time behind the exciting, technology filled steering wheel (more on this later) resulted in 26.1 miles per gallon which compared very favorably to the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 23 mpg overall (21 urban, 26 highway).
A performance-oriented platform
The components encompassing the AMG GLB35’s fully independent suspension are not unique – MacPherson-type struts, wishbone design up front, multi-link in the rear – with AGM turning for high cornering abilities, low body roll and high comfort on long journeys.
According to Mercedes-AMG, “a complete redesign of all wheel-guiding components such as the steering knuckles and transverse control arms at the front axle, and the model-specific sub frame and wheel carriers at the rear axle, enable a direct response and increase the lateral dynamics. In addition to prioritizing sporty driving characteristics, the suspension developers at Mercedes-AMG also took care to maintain a suitable suspension balance for long-distance comfort.”
The anti-lock (ABS) equipped brake system features 13-inch rotors up front, 12.6 ones in the rear. These operate within (optional $1,350) 20-inch AMG twin five-spoke, matte-black wheels wearing 255/40ZR20 101Y XL Continental Contact Sport 6 tires.
The result of combining these pieces within the platform is a 3,869-pound, 183.1-inch SUV which handles like a much smaller, lighter car. The platform allows the AMG GLB35 to safely, confidently utilize the powertrain’s performance. There was a smile on my face as I blasted through twisting roads in Truro, along the Cape Cod Bay coast and then down from the Atlantic-coast hills in Wellfleet to the middle of the village.
ADAS adds to the reassurance in driving the AMG GLB35
The standard list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) includes blind-spot assist; adaptive high-beam assist; active brake assist, and electronic-stability program.
Optionally added to the review model was the Driver Assistance Package ($1,700) which brought active brake assist with cross-traffic function; active distance assist – DISTRONIC®; active steering assist; active blind-spot assist; active lane-keeping assist; active speed-limit assist; active emergency-stop assist; evasive-steering assist; PRE-SAFE® PLUS; route-based speed adaptation, and extended restart in stop-&-go traffic.
Functional yet comprehensively equipped interior
Inside the Mercedes-AMG GLB35 is a comprehensive array of technology, amenities and conveniences for all of the up to five occupants.
A pair of 10.25-inch screens greets the driver upon sitting on the grippy – to help keep driver and passengers in their spots during spirited driving – black MB-Tex/microfiber sport seats with red stitching. The front buckets feature power adjustment and heating.
The customizable information cluster screen behind the AMG performance steering wheel covered in Nappa leather which controls the cluster contents as well as many of the vehicle settings and functions.
The second screen, a color-LCD touch screen sits at the top, center of the dash providing vehicle controls as well as control of the Android-based infotainment system with navigation. The system also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as SiriusXM satellite radio. Sounds are provided by a Burmester® surround-sound system.
Performance in a small, functional package
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB35 mild hybrid provides the buyer who wants more than a simple, well equipped compact SUV. Here is a unique small crossover which has been thoroughly enhanced by the performance engineers of the AMG group at Mercedes-Benz.
Their magic has worked, transforming the AMG GLB35 into a performance machine with all the attributes – like safety, solid construction, reliability – Mercedes-Benz is known for in this market.
The cost of entry is not insignificant for the attributes discussed above. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB35 starts at $59,050. My review model came with the options described as well as several others bringing the as-tested price to $68,900.
For some, the lack of flamboyant bodywork, paint, wheels and other accoutrements which shout look at me would preclude them from spending this kind of money. But the Mercedes-AMG way, in the best tradition of the Bauhaus School of Design, is form follows function with nothing extraneous. This is the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB35.
