Mercedes-AMG will bring the heat to the premium subcompact SUV class first with the GLB 35 and then with the GLB 45, which will sit at the top of the range.
The former is allegedly one month away, at least according to Autocar, which claims it will premiere at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show with more oomph and a more aggressive design compared to the rest of the range.
The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four that premiered in the A35 will be one of the defining features of the GLB 35. Its 306 PS (302 hp / kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque will be channeled to both axles via a 7-speed DCT transmission. In the hot hatch, this allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint of 4.7 seconds and a 250 km/h (155 mph) top speed, so we expect similar numbers from the SUV (OK, probably the acceleration will be a few tenths off due to the size and weight).
Also Watch: Can The Mercedes-AMG A35 Finally Push The VW Golf R Off Its Throne?
Other technical upgrades over lesser variants will include larger brakes for improved stopping power, a new exhaust and a sportier – and lower – suspension.
Its official launch will happen later this year, and in 2020 it will be joined by GLB 45 and 45 S. The top dogs at the GLB’s range will add the Panamericana grille with vertical slats and a few other nips and tucks in the visual department, as well as a sportier makeover inside.
Just like in the recently introduced A45 and CLA45, the 2.0-liter, four-pot will produce 387 PS (382 hp / 285 kW) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) in standard guise and 421 PS (415 hp / 310 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) in the S.
Note: Mercedes-AMG GLB 45 prototype pictured
