2020 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35: prices, specs and release date

• Features a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 302bhp
• Capable of 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds
• Priced from £48,665, first deliveries start this summer

Mercedes has confirmed a starting price of £48,665 for the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 SUV. The car can be ordered now, with the first customer deliveries starting in summer 2020. The GLB 35 uses the same 302bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine as the A 35 hatchback and A 35 Saloon, and has Mercedes’ 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system.

The fast GLB follows the template set by the Mercedes-AMG A35, as the two cars share a platform. As a result, there’s a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 302bhp controlled by an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and Mercedes’ 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system. The GLB’s larger body and extra weight mean that acceleration isn’t quite as quick as the A 35 hatchback, taking 5.2 seconds instead of 4.7.

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According to Mercedes, the GLB 35 manages up to 32.5mpg, with CO2 emissions of 171g/km putting the car in the highest tax band for company-car drivers.

The GLB 35 has more power and a range of other enhancements over the standard GLB. Larger AMG-spec brakes feature, with adaptive suspension for improved cornering, and the steering is slightly heavier.

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Its sportiness is marked out by a racy AMG bodykit, 20-inch alloy wheels and a much more aggressive AMG-specific front grille, just like the AMG A35. Around the back are bigger exhausts and a new diffuser, while the wheel arches are slightly flared when compared to the standard model.

A total of six metallic paint colours are available, each costing £595. A pair of special optional paint colours are also available, with ‘Patagonia Red’ metallic costing £795 and ‘Mountain Grey Magno’ priced at £1,795.

Marking out the GLB 35 as the range-topper, the interior features a host of aluminum accents and a flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel with gearshift paddles. The electrically adjustable front seats are sportier and more supportive, and they can be trimmed in either black or two-tone leather. A premium Burmester stereo system and ambient interior lighting also feature, the latter offering 64 different colour options.

The GLB 35 comes with two large infotainment screens powered by Mercedes’ MBUX system. It features AMG-specific menus, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with plenty more standard equipment such as a reversing camera, climate control and keyless go.

The range-topping GLB 35 is fitted with Mercedes’ connected services, which include a smartphone app that can unlock and lock the car, and locate where it’s parked. Buyers also get a complimentary 12-month subscription to the TIDAL music streaming service.

Mercedes Driving Assistance package is also standard, featuring active brake assist, active lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring and evasive steering assist to help the driver steer around an unseen obstacle.

While the normal GLB comes with seven seats, the GLB 35 will be a five-seater as standard. You can choose a third row of seats from the options list to turn it back into a seven-seater, alongside a range of extras including electronic adaptive suspension.

Unlike the Mercedes A-Class on which it’s based, there’ll be no super-hot Mercedes-AMG GLB 45; the GLB 35 will remain the fastest model in the range.

For everything you need to know about the Mercedes GLB, read our in-depth review.