LED lighting is featured on the headlamps and taillamps, and a panorama sunroof is included. My test vehicle featured a sharp Red Metallic paint option, plus 20-inch AMG twin 5-spoke matte black wheels. (Note: 18-inch wheels are standard on the base GLB trim level)

The optional AMG Night Package enhances the design further.

Moving inside the GLB, either two or three rows are offered, but it’s too small for the third row to be useful, so just stick to a two-row option unless you really need the extra seats for small children.

Cargo space is strong for a smaller SUV, coming in at 12.4 cubic feet available behind the third row, 22 feet behind its second row, and 62 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down.

The GLB35 features a classy but sparse interior design, and offers plenty of comfort and high-class touches. AMG performance design features are peppered throughout the interior, and you get choices such as adjustable colors in the ambient lighting.

If you stick to the two-row version, there’s also plenty of room for all five passengers to feel comfortable.

Other interior features include: An AMG Performance steering wheel, power heated front seats with lumbar support, split-folding rear seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Nappa leather steering wheel.

The vehicle is easy to enter and exit for people of all sizes, and all materials used are high-quality throughout the GLB.


HOW’S THE RIDE?

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 4Matic comes equipped with a powerful, AMG-enhanced, 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine featuring Hybrid Assist.

Output numbers clocked in at 302 horsepower, and 295 pound-feet of torque. It offers an automatic 8-speed transmission (with paddle shifters as an alternative option you can employ to control the gears).

The AMG GLB35 model comes standard with all-wheel drive, as does the GLB 250 4Matic. Opting for the base GLB 250 will get you front-wheel drive.

The non-AMG models come with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

In addition to the more powerful engine, the AMG GLB35 adds an adaptive suspension. And a variety of drive modes are offered depending on how fun you want the ride to be. Options include Comfort, Individual, Snow, Sport and Sport+, easily adjustable via a knob on the steering wheel. Choosing the sport options will boost steering response and engine growl.

While the power numbers don’t appear massive, the 2024 AMG GLB35 delivers a tremendous drive quality for its class. It zips off the line, turns on a dime and delivers instant braking. The vehicle proved efficient for merging and passing, and driving enthusiasts will love the experience.

Zero-to-60 speeds came in respectably in the low 5-second range for the AMG model. Base engine will take around 6.5 seconds.

You will want to drive the AMG GLB35 even if you have nowhere to go, though the lesser trims will offer a more pedestrian performance by comparison.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The GLB lineup features Mercedes’ easy-to-master MBUX infotainment setup, which includes menus that are clearly labeled and user-friendly. All commands other than climate are done via touchscreen (or voice commands if you prefer).

The 10.25-inch center screen has a classy look and is configurable to fit each driver’s needs. And the Burmester Surround Sound system delivered exquisite sound, which you can test out with a free trial of satellite radio.

The vehicle offers Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration, and Navigation. Also included are four USB-C ports and a wireless phone charger.

The GLB will even politely remind the driver not to forget their phone in the vehicle’s charger before they exit, and also reminds drivers not to forget the keys inside.

Moving on to safety, the GLB is well-equipped with key features to keep drivers and the vehicle out of harm’s way.

Notable is the GLB’s excellent camera system  — which offered multiple views, including a view from above showing all around the vehicle.

Other key safety features include Blind Spot Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist,  Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist and Evasive Steering Assist.

A driver attention warning will issue an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued.

One odd quirk I noticed: The car can read speed limit signs and make adjustments, but when I was using cruise control, multiple times the GLB35 started to slow down for school zones, even though I wasn’t driving during the hours specified on the sign. The sudden drop in speed seems like it could be problematic, but thankfully you are able to disable the feature.

MPG

Fuel mileage on the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35  is listed at 21 city/26 highway/23 combined. (The base GLB 250 model is the most efficient version at 25/33/28, and the GLB 250 4Matic gets 24/32/27).

In the AMG model, I averaged 21 mpg.

In the grand scheme of vehicles this size, the GLB’s numbers do not stand out as leaders. But it competes well with the numbers on other powerful and sporty SUVs. And when you consider the ride quality it delivers, any deficiency in the area of fuel mileage is a minor concern.
 

PRICE

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 has a starting price around $60K, and my test model went up to near $70K with options. There are two lower trims of the GLB — The GLB 250 and GLB 250 4matic, which start around $46k and $48K respectively, but don’t have the more powerful AMG engine.

The AMG model’s pricing may sound a bit high, but when compared to other performance-focused competitors in its size range (including sporty options from Audi, BMW, Volvo, Porsche and Lexus), the GLB is either on the same level or less expensive than the alternatives.

Warranties on the GLB are decent but not spectacular. They include an overall new vehicle warranty for 4 years/50,000 miles; and a powertrain warranty for 4 years/50,000 miles. Unlike some rivals, complimentary maintenance is not included with the GLB.

BOTTOM LINE

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB features a standout design, roomy interior, advanced tech and safety features, and most importantly the powerful engine on the AMG model.

You’ll enjoy driving this vehicle every day, as it’s got lots of character, and it’s a strong overall competitor in the compact luxury SUV segment.

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