Summary
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is a compact performance SUV which sits above the regular GLB range in the Mercedes-Benz line-up.
A four-wheel drive model powered by 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the GLB 35 stands out from the rest of the growing compact performance SUV pack thanks to its standard seven-seat configuration. However, reviewers frequently comment that the extra third row of seats is anything but spacious.
“It’s surprisingly cramped”, says Sean Carson of Auto Express, so it is “best thought of as a five-seat hot SUV with occasional seven-seat capability.”
Several outlets criticise the car’s driver appeal too, explaining that while the GLB 35 is nice to look at and fast off the line, it can be rather subdued on the road.
The Carwow team comments that the SUV’s “high seating position dulls your sense of speed”, while Top Gear instead recommends practical but sporty estate cars like the BMW 330d Touring or Volkswagen Golf R Estate, as they are “much more satisfying to drive”.
As of January 2024, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. Although its safety score is good, its CO2 emissions are only average while its running costs are very high. And, for a performance model, its media reviews are surprisingly poor.
GLB 35 highlights
- Stylish exterior styling
- Well-built and luxurious cabin
- Impressive straight-line pace
GLB 35 lowlights
- Rivals are more fun to drive
- Rear seating is rather cramped
- Alternatives have more boot space
Key specifications
Body style: Mid-sized SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price: From £53,295 on-road
Launched: Winter 2019/20
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic GLB 35 4MATIC
Score: 7 / 10
“Despite some obvious compromises when it comes to space, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is surprisingly satisfying to drive, and offers performance that fits with its AMG badge. However, it’s surprisingly cramped so best thought of as a five-seat hot SUV with occasional seven-seat capability.” (Sean Carson)
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Premium Plus 2021
Score: 7 / 10
“Given its tall and heavy SUV origins, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is a surprisingly capable cross-country companion.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Versatile and spacious GLB gets the AMG treatment, putting it largely unopposed in the compact seven-seat SUV segment.” (James Disdale)
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Carwow
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
” The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 takes the small-yet-practical GLB and adds much more power and four-wheel drive. Just don’t go thinking passengers in the back will enjoy any full-bore starts.” (Mat Watson)
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The premium performance SUV – a car designed to hit all the notes, a do-everything no-compromise machine for those whose lifestyle no longer supports exclusive use of a sports car.” (Jordan Katsianis)
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review
“The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is an entertaining SUV oddity.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“There are few cars that can cover ground quite so quickly while carrying seven people, and none for this price. That is the GLB 35’s biggest selling point, and if what you really want is a performance car that’ll turn into a practical family hauler for days out, then it ticks that box very nicely indeed.” (Alex Robbins)
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: GLB 35 4MATIC Premium Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“By any objective standard, actually buying one of these would be an act of supreme madness. But this GLB 35 is a celebration of madness, it’s obscene and ridiculous and fun. A monument to the fact that Mercedes can’t walk past even the tiniest niche without trying to fill it.” (Sam Burnett)
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Think Mercedes-AMG A35, only bigger and with space for seven.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: GLB 35 4MATIC Premium Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“Nothing else does precisely what the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 does, so if you want a seven-seat SUV that’s usefully smaller than expensive full-size alternatives like the Audi SQ7, and looks and feels satisfyingly fast and fun, go for it.” (Vicky Parrott)
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 88%
Vulnerable road users: 78%
Safety assist: 74%
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 has not specifically been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety rating with the overall GLB range that scored five stars when it was tested in 2019.
Available as standard on the GLB 35 is automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention monitoring and a rear view parking camera.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2024, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the GLB 35, we’ll publish the results here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 31 mpg | E | 31 – 33 mpg | E – E |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 206 g/km | D | 197 – 206 g/km | D – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 41 | D | 41 – 50 | D – F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £428 | D |
| Year 2 | £981 | D |
| Year 3 | £1,661 | D |
| Year 4 | £1,814 | D |
| Year 5 | £2,489 | D |
| Overall | £7,373 | D |
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is an expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Its fuel consumption is very poor, while it servicing and insurance costs are also high.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Alfa Romeo Tonale | Audi RS Q3 | BMW X2 M35i | Cupra Ateca | Jaguar E-Pace | Mini Countryman John Cooper Works | Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 | Porsche Macan S | Volkswagen T-Roc R | Volkswagen Tiguan R
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-AMG at The Car Expert
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