New 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 on sale now

The new Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is available to order now, with prices starting from £48,665. It adds another “35” badged model to Mercedes’s line-up (alongside the existing AMG A 35 and CLA 35 ranges) and acts as a more premium-edged rival for the Cupra Ateca. First deliveries are due to arrive by summer this year.

As standard, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 features a set of matte black 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and adaptive LED headlamps. Naturally, Mercedes has also given the GLB 35 an exterior makeover with an aggressive AMG body-kit, a new radiator grille, a pair of matte aluminium roof rails and a spoiler for the tailgate.

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Inside, buyers get a pair of electrically adjustable and heated sports seats, a sports steering wheel, a premium Burmester stereo system, a customisable 64-colour ambient lighting setup and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Mercedes’s ubiquitous MBUX infotainment system is also standard, featuring a dash-mounted touchscreen and a digital instrument binnacle – each measuring 10.25-inches across.

Mercedes has added its range of connected services as standard, too, giving buyers access to a vehicle tracker, a remote locking/unlocking system and a parked vehicle locator – all of which can be controlled using the driver’s smartphone. As part of the deal, Mercedes also includes a complimentary 12-month subscription to the music streaming service, TIDAL.

The SUV is powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the AMG A 35 hatchback, which develops 302bhp and 400Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, which Mercedes claims is enough for a 5.2-second sprint from 0–62mph and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Chassis-wise, the GLB 35 comes with a set of uprated disc brakes, four-piston fixed calipers and passive dampers, although AMG Ride Control suspension can be specced as an optional extra, adding electronically controlled adaptive dampers. Base-models also only come as standard with five seats – the third seating row is also optional.

Metallic paint is another optional extra, priced at £595, and is available in a choice of six colours. Buyers can also choose from a pair of exclusive paint finishes – Patagonia Red Metallic is priced at £795, while Mountain Grey Magno is listed for £1,795.

Like in all current Mercedes-AMG products, the driver can select from a range of driving modes via the AMG Dynamic Select switch mounted on the dash, which affects the GLB 35’s throttle response, gearbox behaviour, steering weight and suspension settings. Among the usual Comfort, Sport and Sport+ selections, there’s also a new “Slippery” programme for use on low-grip roads and surfaces.

Mercedes has also included its usual suite of safety technology, with buyers getting active lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitoring system, active brake assist, rear cross-traffic monitoring, evasive steering assist and parking assistance.

What do you make of the new Mercedes-AMG GLB 35? Let us know in the comments section below…