Latest SUV gets warmed-up performance with a racy face to match.
Wasn’t that look only reserved for the top ones?
Yes it was, but not anymore. For the first time, Mercedes-AMG has given the Panamericana look to a ‘35’ model of its latest compact car family.
The GLB35, a second-from-top model producing 306hp from the same 2.0-litre petrol-turbo used in the A35 sedan/hatch and CLA35 coupe/estate, gets a front grille with vertical slats from the full-fat ‘45’ ones.
But unlike all other 35s using seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB35 receives a newer eight-speeder. However, the all-wheel drive system is the same which can only shuffle torque between the front and rear axles.
Mercedes-AMG says the GLB35 can go from 0-100kph in 5.2sec. To play along with its racy intentions, the biggest wheel size available is 21in. The interior has a sporty tone thanks to use of brushed alloy and carbonfibre-like trim.
Will the GLB go 45?
Given how Mercedes-AMG is aggressively expanding its compact car portfolio at the moment, there’s a good chance that the GLB should spawn an even more powerful version.
A potential GLB45 should be using the same 421hp unit seen in the A45s and CLA45s. The 0-100kph acceleration time should fall below five seconds.
It can’t be confirmed yet when the GLB35 will be coming to Thai shores. But before that happens, the GLB with more basic engines should arrive first most likely at the year’s end at the earliest.
BMW makes a 306hp model of the X2 called M35i, but it is not being imported to Thailand on an official basis. The 192hp 20i version currently sells for 2.969 million baht.
