We don’t expect any enthusiasts to be buying the GLB 35, but it’s a fun 7-seater nonetheless.
You can now buy the ugly version of the Mercedes GLS in AMG guise, for just £48,655. Of all the cars in the Mercedes portfolio that have received the AMG treatment, this is probably the worst.
The AMG badge carries the reputation of the crazy hot hatch A45, the legendary C63 and the ridiculous-yet-cool AMG G63 on its shoulders, so why tarnish that prestige by adding this MPV/people carrier to the portfolio?
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 shares the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the Mercedes-AMG A35 and produces 306 hp and 400 Nm. The GLB 35 will do 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. So, on paper this car does indeed sound like quite a lot of fun…as long as you don’t look at it.
The 4MATIC AWD system keeps the car fun around corners and the various suspension settings will keep the car comfortable on long journeys. Although, the 20” alloys that the GLB 35 sits on will be a somewhat limiting factor to said comfort.
As with many 7-seaters, you’re often expected to sacrifice style for practicality and the MLB 65 is no exception to that rule. Unlike the Audi SQ7 and Range Rover Sport, the GLB 35 does not look like an SUV but rather, like an MPV. And we all know MPVs cannot be cool.
Whether it can do 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds or not, the GLB 35, unfortunately, has the same elegance and style as a Fiat Doblo, which just isn’t right for a car carrying the AMG badge. This makes us wonder, who exactly is this car for?
If you see it directly from the front, this car’s best angle, you could perhaps mistake it for a GLS. Directly from the rear, the same could be said. However, as soon as you see it from any other angle, the car begins to give away it’s horrendous proportions and starts looking like what it would look like if you asked me to draw a GLS from memory. Unless you work at a retirement home and have £48,665 to spare, this car is not for you.
To buy the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC you’ll have to pay £48,665. As standard, all specifications will have Mercedes’ voice assistant, the larger 10.25-inch digital cockpit and infotainment screens, AR navigation system, DAB radio, wireless phone charging, adaptive Multibeam LED headlights, sunroof, 20-inch alloys, heated front seats, Burmester® surround sound system, ambient interior lighting, adaptive suspension and of course, all-wheel drive. The Driving Assistance package is also included as standard and includes things such as parking assist, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
The only things that aren’t included as standard are various paint options. Metallic paint will cost £595 extra and is available in six colours, The designo Patagonia red metallic paint will cost £795 and for a whopping £1,795 you can have your GLB 35 in designo mountain grey magno, a colour that’s only available for this car.
These souped-up people carriers are available to buy right now and deliveries are expected to take place this summer.
Find out what the UK’s 10 most popular cars of 2019 were, according to Auto Trader, here!
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