2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 4Matic: A Mini Version Of The Flagship GLS With Spunk

Highlight: The GLB is also available as a 7-seater.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $61,310 (Base Model GLA: $39,100)

Seating Capacity: 5 to 7

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a rearview camera; an automatic dimming mirror; a hill start assist system; electronic stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and 3 years of Mercedes connect safety/concierge service

Standard Equipment (250): front wheel drive; 18-inch wheels; a 7-inch touchscreen; a keyless ignition starter system; heated power side mirrors; pseudo leather seats; power front seats with a position memory setting; rear seats with partially incline; a variety of driving modes; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and a power liftgate

Standard Equipment (AMG 35 4Matic): an all-wheel drive system; an AMG 302-horsepower engine; 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine;  AMG dual-clutch transmission; AMG steering wheel with touch controls; a 10-inch digital instrument cluster; a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with a new generation touchpad; LED headlights and taillamps;

Options:  20-inch AMG wheels; a panoramic sunroof; SiriusXM radio; Burmeister Surround System;  AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather; AMG drive unit steering wheel buttons; mirror logo projector; heated front seats; a wireless charging; USB adapter cable; an active brake assist with cross traffic function; an active steering assist system; an active blind spot assist system; an active lane keep assist system; an active lane change assist system; an active speed limit assist system; an active emergency stop assist system; an evasive steering assist system; a rout based speed adaption system; an extended restart in stop-and-go traffic; a navigation system; augmented reality for navigation system; front splitter, grille trim and louvres in the outer air takes; AMG side panel inserts; beltline and window line trim strips in high gloss black mirror covers; taillight trim in black; a keyless entry system; an automatic dimming rearview mirrors; and side mirrors with power fold-in mirror

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM/HD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine turbo/221-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Towing: N/A

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/31-hwy

What’s New: The entry-level luxury was new to the line up in 2020. This year the AMG GLB 35 is new to the lineup.

Why: 

A micro version of the GLS-Class

New model is wider, taller and offers a longer wheelbase, which translates to a larger cabin

Mercedes-Benz most affordable crossover/SUV

Smooth-shift dual clutch transmission

Driver assistance features available for a self-driving-like vehicle

The 12-inch computer screen like infotainment screen plus 12-inch electronic digital instrument cluster

A heads up display (HUD) system is available

Comfortable seating

Optional seating for up to seven

Additional utility space when rear seats are folded

Plenty of headroom for tall people

Feels and drives like a Mercedes-Benz despite its compact size

Easy to navigate and maneuver

AWD available

AMG performance model available

Peppy base 4-cylinder engine with an AMG option

Pure driving pleasure with the AMG 302-horsepower engine

But: 

Becomes pricey when adding on options

Station wagon-like appearance

Why is a three-position front passenger memory seat needed?

Lacked in-vehicle charger

Must buy an adapter to charge Androids

Verdict:  The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 4Matic is all-new to the line up for the 2021 model year. The zippy compact, with its station wagon-like appearance, is available with an optional third row seat. The AMG GLB35 is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo, which spews out 302-horsepower.

While the front wheel drive GLB 250 has a starting price under $40,000, making it one of the most economical crossovers in the brand’s line up, the AMG GLB 35, which is only available with an all-wheel drive configuration, has a starting price of $50,550 with destination charges. The premium class vehicle offers a variety of options that allows this miniature GLS to have everything from the latest semi self-driving features to optional 21-inch AMG wheels to the AMG driving precision to augmented video for navigation.

So, for those seeking a miniature version of the brand’s flagship crossover, the AMG GLB35 4matic is worthy of considering.

Non AMG Competition: BMW X1; Range Rover Discovery Sport; and VW Tiguan (according to Mercedes-Benz)

AMG Competition: BMW M35i; Jaguar F Pace; and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman