AMG GLB35 revealed as yet another performance SUV in Mercedes’ range

The inevitable AMG-badged version of Mercedes’ new SUV has been confirmed, with the Affalterbach brand revealing the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLB35 to fill the mid-small-sized or small-mid-sized gap in its range.

Larger than the GLA, but smaller than the GLC, the GLB badge is expected to rival the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ3. Here, in AMG ‘35’ guise, it’ll pack a punch rivalling the likes of BMW’s newish X2 M35i, with 225kW matching like for like with the Bavarian.

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Borrowing its powertrain from the AMG A35, a turbo 2.0-litre four and AMG’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive, the GLB35 hits 100km/h in 5.2 seconds according to AMG. Its 400Nm helps in this department.

But it’s the seating arrangement inside which provides its biggest point of difference from its smaller GLA sibling – the GLB will be a seven-seater, the first of its kind on its platform.

AMG boss Tobias Moers says the seven-seat aspect of the GLB, combined with its style, is its strongest selling point.

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"With the new GLB35 4MATIC we are extending our product portfolio by adding a highly attractive model for an active target group that attaches special importance to versatility,” says Moers.

“This also includes the optional seven-seater capability of our new compact SUV, though without having to sacrifice the genes typical of an AMG.

“Because in its segment, our GLB 35 likewise fulfils our brand promise of Driving Performance.”

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Mercedes-Benz Australia says the GLB35 is confirmed for local availability, though its pricing and specification is yet to be announced, with details expected closer to its launch sometime before mid-2020.