Mercedes is in the midst of renovating its SUV range with the all-new GLC and facelifted GLA, GLE and GLS. The German firm’s performance sub-brand, AMG, has also been busy making sure their range-topping versions are suitably improved – which means even the seven-seat, family-orientated GLB has seen its AMG 35 model tweaked.
Like the facelifted A-Class and its AMG 35 offering that was revealed towards the end of 2022, the GLB and AMG 35 derivative has received a similar spate of amendments for 2023. Chief among which is the introduction of mild-hybrid power to the 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder. It’s the same powertrain that features in the A 35 and the new GLA 35, with the total 302bhp and 400Nm of torque output unchanged from before. The new 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds 13bhp for brief stints and powers the car during coasting.
Performance for the GLB 35 is slightly worse than before with the SUV taking 5.5 seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill, compared to 5.3 seconds for the pre-facelift car. Top speed is the same at 155mph.
There’s no electric-only running and the use of mild-hybrid technology doesn’t improve the GLB 35’s overall efficiency nor does it lower the car’s emissions. The seven-speed automatic gearbox has been removed – there’s now an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power to all four wheels through Mercedes’ variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
As we’ve seen with the facelifted GLA, the exterior changes to the GLB are minimal. The front bumper has been restyled with more of its area painted in body-colour and there’s a new headlight and rear light signature. The wheels come as 19-inch alloys as standard, but it’s possible to option 20-inch rims.
Again, like AMG versions of the A-Class and GLA there’s a new AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG-bespoke switches and functions to operate the infotainment and change the car’s set up. The twin 10.25-inch screens are carried over from the old model, although the latest MBUX software has been included. Additional colour options are available for Mercedes’ man-made leather upholstery and a new wood trim is also optional.
The outgoing GLB 35 starts from £53,295 and while the new car doesn’t offer any additional performance for the money, we expect a hike in costs when Mercedes announces pricing.
Click here for our list of the fastest SUVs in the world….