Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 2021 Review

When the Mercedes-Benz GLB hit Australian roads last year, chatter of downsized proportions and connotations of a ‘people-mover’ personality detracted from, as it turns out, an excellent product offering great value for money – at its circa-$60,000 entry point, at least.

Slap an AMG badge on the rear to create the top-spec model and we’re less convinced with the value equation, particularly as the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC is now priced from $89,300 plus on-road costs – up from the $88,535 plus ORCs announced prior to launch.

If we can reject the old dichotomy that performance models and family wagons cannot be one in the same, then our acceptance of the GLB 35 will be much easier to digest. It’s not the first quandary of its kind, after all.

Enough about the why. What do you get?

Built on the A-Class platform, the dimensionally larger GLB has a character all its own, the headline being space, cabin flexibility and, of course, room for seven occupants in a city-friendly footprint.

The mid-size luxury SUV’s performance edge comes from an AMG-tuned 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 255kW and 400Nm – that’s a healthy 90kW/50Nm on the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250.

The GLB 35 also carries AMG-specific bodywork, AMG Night Package exterior trim, dark-tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar back, black roof rails, electric tailgate with gesture control, and 20-inch AMG alloys.

The cabin is typical Mercedes plush and it’s packed with equipment as standard including dual-zone climate control, remote engine start, an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather with AMG DRIVE UNIT controller, Carbon Structure interior trim, and brushed stainless-steel AMG pedals with rubber studs.

The front occupants are treated to heated, electric-adjust Lungao leather sport seats with three-position memory for the driver.

Beyond the AMG-specific enhancements, Mercedes’ MBUX multimedia system steals the show on the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC.

Dual 10.25-inch digital screens of infotainment and instrumentation blend seamlessly while managing audio, in-car comfort, convenience and information (which, yes, includes AMG-specific performance data).

Safety and driver assist technology is extensive, running to autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, active park assist, adaptive high beam LED lights, traffic sign recognition and a rear-view camera.

Importantly, the AMG GLB 35 includes nine airbags including curtain airbags that protect third-row occupants.

And yet you will want for some costly options such as rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control, which you’ll find in the Driving Assistance Package ($1990).

Other equipment we might have expected to be standard at this level include a 360-degree camera – part of the Vision Package ($1190) – and metallic paint (from $500, up to $1900).

The GLB comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and service intervals are recommended every 12 months or 25,000km.

Just as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class manages the transition to AMG machine – in both GLA 35 and ballistic GLA 45 S guise – the GLB heads down that familiar road too.

Power from the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine unfolds via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (with AMG Dynamic Select driving modes) sending power to all four wheels as needed via the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

AMG high-performance brakes, speed-sensitive power steering and AMG sports suspension with electronically-controlled damping take care of the handling hard work.

It’s fair to say the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC handles like few other mid-size seven-seat SUVs.

The combination of ride, handling and a great engine make for an enthusiastic and enjoyable drive that’ll move from 0-100km/h in 5.2sec without snubbing its core people-carrying duties.

It turns out you can have it all: the badge, the brawn, performance kudos and maximum bums on seats. These are all to be found on the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC.

Five drive modes of Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual alter the car’s character via changes to engine response, transmission, suspension and steering. The exhaust note changes accordingly, but I lament the absence of a button to change this at will.

Nonetheless, the GLB 35 is more fun behind the wheel than any seven-seat SUV should be able to claim.

With family duties at its core, the second row is comfortable and features three top-tether child seat anchors and two ISOFIX points, two air vents, two cup holders, two USB-C outlets, an armrest and seat-back nets.

The third row comfort impresses, too. Typical of a small seven-seater, the access is a little awkward but overall space and ride comfort is very good.

With seven seats at play the boot capacity is just 150 litres, but independently flip and fold any of the five rear seats and volume grows to 700 litres with the third row down, and to 1680 litres with both the second and third rows folded flat.

The question of whether there’s room – need or want – for a performance-oriented, city-friendly seven-seat luxury SUV like the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC is a moot point.

The all-new GLB-Class has deservedly been applauded for being a great all-rounder, with few direct rivals to speak of.

In AMG guise, yes, it’s even better.

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC cost?
Price: $89,300 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 225kW/400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 186g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)

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