2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB35

The Mercedes-AMG division of Daimler's is at a fascinating crossroads, as they find themselves facing the challenge of combining their customers' expectations of sound, emotion, and performance while adapting to a world that is increasingly more electrified.

Nowhere is this more apparent than with their all-new 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB35 SUV. This particular model presents a unique opportunity for consumers looking for a powerful compact SUV with added luxury details.

But have the latest efforts been successful? Our test subject is one of the latest end results of today’s Mercedes-AMG division.

Has the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB35 been properly worked over by the boffins over at AMG? We’ll take a closer look.

What Performance Enhancements have Mercedes-AMG Brought to the Table?

The good news is that this is not just an AMG appearance package slapped onto a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. Wearing the “Mercedes-AMG” brand name, the changes are more than just on the surface.

First and foremost, let’s start with the powertrain which has been upgraded to a much more powerful and responsive AMG 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged unit that Is shared with various other Mercedes-AMG vehicles such as the Mercedes-AMG A35, the CLA35, GLA35, and many more.

This twin scroll turbocharged engine produces 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from 3,000 to 4,000 rpms, a significant upgrade over the Mercedes-Benz GLB250’s 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The GLB35 shrinks the GLB250’s already fairly brisk 6.1 second 0-100 km/hr time to a quick 5.0 seconds.

The eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission has also received some fettling from the AMG engineers, ripping snappy upshifts along the way.

To compliment the drivetrain, the suspension engineers at Mercedes-AMG completely redesigned the steering knuckles and transverse control arms and the rear subframe and wheel carriers for a more direct response. Obviously, these changes prioritize sporty driving characteristics more than ride comfort.

The GLB35 is easily distinguishable from the pedestrian GLB250 by a variety of AMG model-specific design characteristics. I’m a huge fan of the new AMG-specific Panamericana grille, which is used for the first time in a 35-series model. There is also a new front splitter, AMG-specific rear bumper, roof spoiler, and circular tailpipes.

While 19-inch 5 spoke AMG light-alloy wheels are standard equipment, the optional 21-inch AMG wheels fitted on my GLB35 test vehicle drew a lot of compliments. This wheel-size is typically what you’d find on a larger and higher-end AMG vehicle such as a GLE, GLS, or E-Class, so it comes as a bit of a surprise that Mercedes-AMG even offers this option on the GLB.

Behind those massive wheels you’ll also find an upgraded AMG high-performance braking system with black AMG lettering painted onto the silver brake calipers. The front 4-piston fixed calipers are paired up with large internally ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes measuring 13.8 inches up fore and 13.0 inches aft.

Interior accoutrements

If you didn’t already know, the Mercedes-Benz GLB compact crossover slots between the GLA and the GLC. Since the GLB is boxier than both of its siblings, with a square, upright stance, interior space and outward visibility is comparatively better.

Indeed, with 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row and 62 cubic feet with those seats folded flat, the available space is creeping up upon something mid-sized in class such as the BMW X3! The GLB35’s cargo room is modest but the area is well shaped, without odd protrusions to limit what can be carried.

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the GLB offers also offers an optional, albeit tight, third-row seat. In fact, the GLB is the first compact SUV by Mercedes-AMG to be available with a third row consisting of two additional individual seats. When fitted with this option (not on my test vehicle), the second row includes an easy-entry tumble forward seat and fore-and-aft adjustments of the second row seat.

Like the exterior, the GLB35 receives several interior upgrades to compliment its sportier exterior. My test vehicle was fitted with the optional AMG Performance Nappa leather steering wheel and requisite AMG steering wheel buttons placed inside the rim for convenient and customizable tweaks to specific dynamic functions. I really liked the look and feel of the flat-bottom steering wheel rim with perforated leather in at the grip areas with red contrast topstitching.

The GLB35’s unique sports seats offer more lateral support than those in the GLB250, with grippy DINAMICA microfibre/MB Tex synthetic leather. The comfortable and supportive front seats provide an elevated driving position that gives a commanding view out through the huge, square windows.

There is plenty of legroom in the second row (which can be split 40:60), and the seat can slide fore-aft to adjust space shared between cargo space and passenger legroom. But the seat itself is too low and the bottom cushion is too short to provide adequate under-leg support for long trips.

Extensive safety equipment inside the GLB35 also reinforces its high day-to-day usability. This equipment consists of extendable head restraints, seat belts with tensioners and belt force limiters, a window airbag that also protects the passengers in the third seat row, and there are LATCH/ISOFIX attachments and tether attachments for suitable child seats.

Is there any AMG-specific tech?

Like the Mercedes-Benz GLB250, the Mercedes-AMG GLB35’s dash is dominated by a wide flat panel screen that houses the instrument panel and the excellent MBUX touch-screen infotainment system. Visually, the two displays blend under one shared glass cover into a Widescreen Cockpit. As a central interior element, they also emphasize the interior’s horizontal design orientation.

This latest version of the GLB’s MBUX infotainment system has been updated in the GLB35, with AMG-specific display themes. With three AMG-specific display styles “Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport”, vehicle functions are visualized on the left side of the instrument cluster, as well as the touchscreen display on the right.

Configurable displays such as the particularly striking Supersport mode with a central, round rev counter and bar graph-style driver information display, enhance the interior’s exclusive look.

How does it drive?

The 302 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain feels more responsive than in its A-Class and CLA platform mates, despite the GLB being heavier. Performance is all there, with good mid-range punch and all-out acceleration.

If you’re looking for thrills, rather than efficiency, then Sport+ is an absolute must. The throttle response and adjustability is good, and while there’s no mistaking the exhaust note as being that from a four-cylinder, the Sport+ mode’s blaps and pops are hilariously entertaining.

With so much torque arriving so low down, response is good, although it doesn’t slam you in the back quite as much as its 0-100 km/hr time will lead you to believe. The 8-speed dual clutch gearbox is responsive enough to keep things on the boil, but sometimes it can be caught by surprise on an overtaking maneuver, leaving you waiting for the power to arrive.

The GLB35 feels light on its feet and responsive in corners. Compared to the GLA250, the AMG’s ride is firmer but steady and controlled. Surprisingly, the optional 21” wheels don’t completely trash the ride at all and the cabin remains quiet despite the summer tires.

Much of the credit seems to be thanks to my test vehicle’s optionally available AMG Ride Control suspension.

The adaptive, electronically controlled damping provides a wide range of setups ranging from comfortable to very sporty. The damping is adjusted individually for each wheel and depends on the driving style, road surface and the selected suspension setting.

The best possible operating setting is always selected based on a variety of data, such as acceleration and vehicle speed. Suspension characteristics are modified by simply selecting one of the drive programs: Comfort, Sport or Sport+.

In terms of grip, the performance-orientated various 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system does its stuff impressively. Although there’s a front-wheel-drive bias most of the time, the system can distribute up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle.

Factors for variable torque distribution include things such as driving speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering angle, as well as the difference in rotational speed between the individual wheels and the selected gear.

Overall, the GLB35 feels neutral and utterly planted. Is it capable of AMG-style, tire smoking, tail-out party tricks? Sorry, I’m afraid not.

Final thoughts

The AMG engineers have taken Mercedes’ boxy-looking GLB compact luxury SUV and made it even more appealing. It has been properly worked on by the performance guys and should be on the short list for those who are looking for a practical compact SUV with looks that hark back to the boxy days of the first SUVs.

This design has its paybacks with the GLB35 sharing its GLB250 sibling’s excellent visibility, generous passenger and cargo room, as well as easy of entry and egress.

If you’re looking for a performance compact SUV that won’t break the bank at the dealership or at the pumps while also having rather unique styling, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB35 should definitely be on your short list.