Brabus beefs up Mercedes-Benz GLB

German tuning house Brabus has developed an upgrade kit for the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, bringing a striking aero package, bigger wheels, an upgraded interior and improvements to both engine outputs and suspension.

The high-performance German aftermarket tuner has offered plenty of modified Mercs in recent times, including go-faster versions of the Mercedes-AMG A 35, the soon-to-disappear X-Class ute and the new-generation G-Class off-roader.

Available only for mid-spec Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 variants to begin with, the Brabus upgrade includes a retuned ECU that increases the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine’s outputs by 34kW/80Nm.

Building on the GLB 250’s current outputs of 165kW/350Nm, the Brabus version is good for 199kW of power and 430Nm of torque – enough to send the seven-seater to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 240km/h.

That makes it almost as quick and powerful as the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC, which employs the same powertrain to deliver 225kW of power but less torque at 400Nm.

But it’s the chunky body kit that really sets the Brabus-fettled GLB-Class apart. There’s a roof rack with two LED light bars connected to the vehicle’s high beams, as well as a new two-piece front spoiler (for vehicles equipped with an AMG-Line package) and fascia inserts for the side air intakes.

At the rear is a Brabus tailgate spoiler that gives the GLB a “more exciting rear appearance”, while a set of four black-chromed exhaust tips outlets can be added – again if your vehicle is fitted with an AMG-Line package.

Inside, Brabus has added anodized aluminium scuff plates, 64-colour ambient lighting and matte-anodized aluminium pedals. A boot mat and floor mats are adorned with the Brabus logo and customers can also opt for a number of upholstery colour options.

Brabus has designed tailor-made tyre and wheel combinations in 18-, 19- and 20-inch size options, the largest of which are a 10-spoke black Brabus Monoblock Z design that’s said to be lightweight with maximum strength.

Sportier handling for the Brabus GLB is promised too, thanks to the addition of the firmer springs that lower the ride height by 30mm.

Customers preferring to venture off-road can opt for longer springs that raise the vehicle’s standard height by around 35mm.

Brabus says it is working on upgrade kits for other GLB variants, so we can’t wait for the Mercedes-AMG 45 version…