2023 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

No automaker is willing to give up even the smallest share of the market if they can avoid it, and the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class was invented purely to fill a gap between smaller and larger models. The range is topped by this SUV, the AMG GLB 35. It uses a turbocharged four-cylinder to make 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for all four wheels, allowing it to sprint to 60 mph in just over five seconds (more than a second and a half quicker than the regular GLB-Class). The compact utility vehicle may be extra punchy, but it tries to be practical, too, with the option of equipping up to seven seats. This makes it a bit of an unusual offering, as proven by its lack of direct competitors. The closest comparison would be the Mini John Works Countryman or the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Is the potent three-row SUV a little too ambitious in trying to be everything to everyone, and does its spread of talents justify the impressive premium asked of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35?

The price of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is set at $51,500, which is quite high for the segment but perfectly on par for a performance-focused Merc. The MSRP for the Merc-AMG GLB 35 does not include extra-cost options, administration fees, or the $1,150 destination charge.

The 2023 AMG GLB 35 comes with all the mechanical magic we have come to expect from Mercedes' performance division, including an independent MacPherson strut suspension up front, and a multi-link arrangement that helps keep the rear end composed. The SUV excels on the highway, where it can really let loose, but it doesn't shy away from corners, where the grippy all-wheel-drive system lets you push the car to its limits. It's not quite as quick or fun as the GLA 35, but it makes up for this in terms of occupancy and comfort. However, the sport-tuned suspension can be firm at times, which is why sticking with the 19-inch wheels is highly advised. The steering is responsive, though it lacks the feedback you'd find in a BMW, but the feeling of the brakes is particularly stable. This helps to inspire confidence when being playful with the vehicle.

There is a lot to like about the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35. It is a powerful SUV with a luxurious, spacious, and well-appointed interior. It looks and feels great, and it definitely has the status that makes a Merc - particularly an AMG derivative - so desirable. However, it is also an extremely specialized vehicle, being a compact SUV that can seat up to seven passengers while still delivering an engaging and pleasurable driving experience. The biggest hurdle to owning one is the price, since not many people shopping for such a small car would be willing to spend over $50k. The regular GLB 250 is far cheaper albeit less powerful, and a smaller Mini is more fun to drive, but neither provides such a compelling combination of these characteristics, and there is no other car in the USA that does, which is enough to warrant giving the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 a proper review before you make a decision.

The AMG variant of the GLB-Class has just a single model, the GLB 35. Since it is a bit of a jack of all trades, we'd suggest ticking a few boxes to shore up the weaknesses. We definitely wouldn't go with a seven-seater setup, as there just isn't enough space to comfortably fit them all in. The panoramic sunroof is a nice addition that makes the cabin feel a bit larger, and heated and ventilated front seats with heated rear seats ensure comfort year-round. The Premium package helps round out some of the missing features you'd normally expect to be standard on such a car, and the Burmester surround sound system is a nice quality-of-life improvement. The Driver Assistance and Parking Assistance packages are pricey additions, but the former adds an impressive list of 12 advanced safety features that make it worth the investment.