Great review as always Tom. I like this GLB. Savagegeese also reviewed it recently and it was positive. I have been locked out of Aus since April and really enjoyed the scenery shots in Vic. Makes me homesick.
Hi there Tom, love your pragmatic content. Comparison to the Macan GTS? I know, odd, but we’re a family of the brand. How we, for $25k US less, we’re drawn to the 3rd row, storable cargo cover, sliding/reclining bench, etc. Basically, it’s practical and cheaper; in your opinion, how much would we be sacrificing dynamically for that added practicality? We don’t care about absolute performance, but more the cohesive driving experience. Thanks so much.
Oh Tom...what have you done! I'd been thinking of the 250 next year but now I'll have to negotiate all over again with the wife! First AU review of the 35AMG. Cheers for that. Waited a long time.
This Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 SUV is nice and at a price that suits the target demographics. And Tom. It seems a damn good car. Just seems to hit the sweet spot.
Yes, it's actually a very well thought-through product, this. Doesn't sound like much on the surface - two litre, AMG, seven seater box - but it works in practice.
Great review... Was seriously thinking of the 250 but you have reassured me that the AMG 360 is the way to go. Question.???.. How would the comfort level be on a 5 hour road trip. Anyone?
Hi Tom, thanks for the informative review. Any idea what the ‘35’ stands for? My Velar P300 means 300 horsepower (slightly more than this AMG!). Would be good if AMG could match the numbers with something...
35 is code for warmed over Mercedes 2litre 4 cylinder engine, 45 is code for full fat bespoke 2 litre 4 cylinder amg engine, 43 and 53 are code for 3 litre v6 and straight six cylinder respectively and 63 is 4 litre v8, relates more to cylinder size code than power as it used to
Thanks Tom, This really ticks alot of boxes for those like me looking for sporty yet practical. I was keen to get into a Tiguan Allspace 162 but felt it could be better with the Golf R motor, and the Kodiak RS seems a bridge too far price wise. This may also be the case on price, but for me I think it will be worth the extra spend.
When Genesis, Hyundai, Kia and all that bring an N line version of their SUVs it'll be far better value than this. I can't get over the interior of the GV70. It looks amazing. Not 7 seats but if it was out now I'd go and buy one now. Standard cooling seats too. MB option list is ridiculous.
Lol another jealous person🤣 comparing Hyundai and Kia to a Mercedes lol...........aahhahah..... this is AMG and that will be Hyundai your dreaming to justify your little Kia To a Merc AMG. Badge value matters big time in this range.
@@bobogettingstrangled8289 what am I jealous of? I've owned about 5 MBs over my lifetime. Very average cars except for pre 90s build (from then on they stopped investing in quality). Bought a Focus RS over an A45 because I preferred it. Nothing to do with price. Have you even seen the GV70 interiors? The 6cyl turbo is way quicker than this pretend AMG anyway By all means please give overpriced companies your money. I prefer not to. Nothing to do with jealousy. I do think the option list is ridiculous though. No MB has cooled seats standard. Even a Ford Endura has them! I'm also guessing you haven't driven an i30N. One of the best hot hatches on sale today. I'd buy that over an A35 any day.
I recently looked at the poverty-pack base GLB and was bitterly disappointed 😞, underdone and plain as dishwater. I also test drove the GLA amg 200. Wow, 😳 it was also very disappointing ........ it was the shortest test drive I’ve ever done... very underwhelming experience indeed.
Why would you trade your 450 for a 2lt engine? I was patiently waiting for GLB35 but I got 250 as a loaner for a day and drove it around, I couldn’t stand the engine noise. You can feel and hear the car struggle. I hate that every manufacturer is pushing these 2lt shit engines in such big SUVs. The interior is very nice but it is cheap. After waiting for months I just ended up getting a Velar P380.
@@odoylerulz3476 Well long story short I like a smaller vehicle. Always had GLC's...Had a GLB loaner and liked it. Figured the AMG will make up for the power situation. Pretty much a to each is own kind of thing. I'd never trade the GLE450 for a British car :-)
Midsize seven-seaters make sense to me. Very occasional third row use, without the enormous, garage-filling dimensions. As for whether you want one with an AMG badge and a fettled turbo four-cylinder - that's up to you. But the package is actually very cohesive when you drive it, and if the biturbo Kodiaq RS isn't your thing, this might be.
Did consider this but bought the Tiguan Allspace 162 R line after seeing your review - $25k cheaper but plenty of go, and exactly your reason - occasional 7 seats, no wider than the standard Tiguan and doesn’t feel like a bus. Kodiaq also considered (as was Santa Fe, CX9 and Sorrento) - but didn’t want a diesel and the Kodiaq only has the 132. Great reviews Tom 👍🏻
@@chasingcars I drove my daughter's 250 most weekends with grandkids before the pandemic & it's the only issue I have with that car It's kind the loud unlikely Merc
Looks a bit oddball. Low beltline and high roof are odd. Looks swollen like a puffy allergic reaction 122 kW/t is ok but for $100K and an AMG badge I would expect a bit more go go and at 1.9 tonnes empty once loaded with people it ain't going to be light on it's toes. Better than most gutless wobbly SUVs sure but it's still a boat, just a nicer boat. Holden Acadia has the same power to weight and less than half the price. Good review Tom. Thanks :) 👍
What the Acadia didn't have is this car's superb ride/handling balance - and I am not a Benz guy as a rule! The way it gets down a country road is terrific. You're right that won't be the case with seven up, but that's a once-in-a-blue-moon use for a car like this. Just when your kids both want a friend to tag along on a trip to the movies … in which case you probably won't be testing the limits of the chassis!
@@chasingcars True, an AMG should be better than a GMC but is it really sixty thousand dollars better? Say it out loud. That is a lot of coin. I would want handling and a built in espresso machine for that sort of upgrade. Can still get the Arcadia new. Subjectively even looks better.
Value is definitely distorted once you slap a luxury badge on, you'll get no argument from me. What is probably more important is that I found it a bit more cohesive to drive than the Kodiaq RS, which is $72k driveaway. That said, the right Kodiaq is a 132TSI Sportline, which can be had for 50-60k DA. That's where I'd probably go, if it were my money.
@@CathodeRayNipplez I disagree. I've been in a CX-9 3rd row and it was an acceptable amount of room for me (a 6 foot tall adult). I do think it's important to know whether it's a practical 7 seater even if it's just occasionally.
Sorry … it was meant to make it into the edit. It's very, very tight in the third row for my six foot frame, but smaller kids would be fine for short trips. It's a convenience thing.
Useful if you have a couple of kids, and they each want to take a friend on an outing. Suddenly a small third row makes sense. Wouldn't be using it all the time, though!
Most of the time it sits right behind where the steering wheel curves down. You'd have to imagine though that in 10 years, that will be one unified display.
Is the Tom and SUV story going to be a pride and prejudice kind of story: hostility at the beginning but in the end they fall in love and drive happily on badly surfaced roads into the sunset?
A great and accurate review mate
Great review as always Tom. I like this GLB. Savagegeese also reviewed it recently and it was positive. I have been locked out of Aus since April and really enjoyed the scenery shots in Vic. Makes me homesick.
Long waited review Tom 🙏🙏
Enjoy!
i dont get why everyone says, that this is a family car. i think this car is perfect as a 5 seater for young people who want a performance suv :)
Good video!
AMG going 4 cylinder is the beginning of the end.
HSV went the same way and what a success that turned out to be.
Hi there Tom, love your pragmatic content.
Comparison to the Macan GTS? I know, odd, but we’re a family of the brand. How we, for $25k US less, we’re drawn to the 3rd row, storable cargo cover, sliding/reclining bench, etc.
Basically, it’s practical and cheaper; in your opinion, how much would we be sacrificing dynamically for that added practicality? We don’t care about absolute performance, but more the cohesive driving experience.
Thanks so much.
Looks good, not too flashy but not too subtle either
I personally like the look though I know some people don’t love the boxy shape!
Oh Tom...what have you done! I'd been thinking of the 250 next year but now I'll have to negotiate all over again with the wife! First AU review of the 35AMG. Cheers for that. Waited a long time.
The 250 is a good thing - but I reckon the 35 makes a good case for itself. $15k more, though…
Thx a lot. It would be great to see direct comparison between Glb and Skida Kodiaq Rs
does it have heads up display as standard on the amg variant?
This Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 SUV is nice and at a price that suits the target demographics. And Tom. It seems a damn good car. Just seems to hit the sweet spot.
Yes, it's actually a very well thought-through product, this. Doesn't sound like much on the surface - two litre, AMG, seven seater box - but it works in practice.
Please, can you do a review on kia sedona 2021
Great review... Was seriously thinking of the 250 but you have reassured me that the AMG 360 is the way to go. Question.???.. How would the comfort level be on a 5 hour road trip. Anyone?
Is this one digitalwhite metallic or silver?
Nice review bro, can i know the color of this car?
Tq
Why didn't you do the acceleration test?
Why isn’t there going to be a GLB 45 version of the AMG GLB like with the GLA 45?
white digital?
Great review. What was the comfort level in the 3rd row Tom?
I’m 5 2’ and it’s pretty tight and the seat is a bit hard. I’d say it’s more for children than anyone else on a long road trip
What colour is this?
Hi Tom, thanks for the informative review. Any idea what the ‘35’ stands for? My Velar P300 means 300 horsepower (slightly more than this AMG!). Would be good if AMG could match the numbers with something...
Not sure it stands for anything in particular, Matthew - AMG's numbers jumped the shark many years ago now! Certainly not 350 hp, though.
35 is code for warmed over Mercedes 2litre 4 cylinder engine, 45 is code for full fat bespoke 2 litre 4 cylinder amg engine, 43 and 53 are code for 3 litre v6 and straight six cylinder respectively and 63 is 4 litre v8, relates more to cylinder size code than power as it used to
GLB35 vs X30i m sport?
Thanks Tom, This really ticks alot of boxes for those like me looking for sporty yet practical. I was keen to get into a Tiguan Allspace 162 but felt it could be better with the Golf R motor, and the Kodiak RS seems a bridge too far price wise. This may also be the case on price, but for me I think it will be worth the extra spend.
Any idea how much the Tiguan R would be? More than the Kodiaq that's for sure. Where do you see the value in spending even more on this??
Is it the first Mexican made AMG?
FYI the driveaway price is almost $97k on the merc website
Big money for a relatively compact SUV, though not big money for an AMG seven seater
Too expensive almost 100k
When Genesis, Hyundai, Kia and all that bring an N line version of their SUVs it'll be far better value than this. I can't get over the interior of the GV70. It looks amazing. Not 7 seats but if it was out now I'd go and buy one now. Standard cooling seats too. MB option list is ridiculous.
Lol another jealous person🤣 comparing Hyundai and Kia to a Mercedes lol...........aahhahah..... this is AMG and that will be Hyundai your dreaming to justify your little Kia To a Merc AMG. Badge value matters big time in this range.
@@bobogettingstrangled8289 what am I jealous of? I've owned about 5 MBs over my lifetime. Very average cars except for pre 90s build (from then on they stopped investing in quality). Bought a Focus RS over an A45 because I preferred it. Nothing to do with price. Have you even seen the GV70 interiors? The 6cyl turbo is way quicker than this pretend AMG anyway By all means please give overpriced companies your money. I prefer not to. Nothing to do with jealousy. I do think the option list is ridiculous though. No MB has cooled seats standard. Even a Ford Endura has them!
I'm also guessing you haven't driven an i30N. One of the best hot hatches on sale today. I'd buy that over an A35 any day.
Jawohl mein herr aus Korea 🇰🇷
@@pastorofmuppets8834 and You drove the GV70? I guess not. So thank You for your worthless opinion.
@@bobogettingstrangled8289 how are things in the 90s nowadays?
I recently looked at the poverty-pack base GLB and was bitterly disappointed 😞, underdone and plain as dishwater. I also test drove the GLA amg 200. Wow, 😳 it was also very disappointing ........ it was the shortest test drive I’ve ever done... very underwhelming experience indeed.
Any chance that instead of saying "heaps of space" perhaps you could say the actual size.
565L.
Mine is do anyday. Traded my 2020 GLE450 for one.
Why would you trade your 450 for a 2lt engine? I was patiently waiting for GLB35 but I got 250 as a loaner for a day and drove it around, I couldn’t stand the engine noise. You can feel and hear the car struggle. I hate that every manufacturer is pushing these 2lt shit engines in such big SUVs. The interior is very nice but it is cheap. After waiting for months I just ended up getting a Velar P380.
@@odoylerulz3476 Well long story short I like a smaller vehicle. Always had GLC's...Had a GLB loaner and liked it. Figured the AMG will make up for the power situation. Pretty much a to each is own kind of thing. I'd never trade the GLE450 for a British car :-)
If this was high 70s low 80s drive away, would have been much better
Black is good Tom look at your shirt and pants
Hey Tom what color is this GLB, silver or metallic white
This one was silver.
@@chasingcars thanks, ordering one tomorrow still confused on what colour I prefer
I can only ask why? Why would someone pay 90 plus for this thing, just can't see the value here.
Midsize seven-seaters make sense to me. Very occasional third row use, without the enormous, garage-filling dimensions. As for whether you want one with an AMG badge and a fettled turbo four-cylinder - that's up to you. But the package is actually very cohesive when you drive it, and if the biturbo Kodiaq RS isn't your thing, this might be.
Did consider this but bought the Tiguan Allspace 162 R line after seeing your review - $25k cheaper but plenty of go, and exactly your reason - occasional 7 seats, no wider than the standard Tiguan and doesn’t feel like a bus. Kodiaq also considered (as was Santa Fe, CX9 and Sorrento) - but didn’t want a diesel and the Kodiaq only has the 132. Great reviews Tom 👍🏻
How's the wind noise inside at highway speed ?
Not too bad. There's some tyre roar though from the aggressive Michelin PS4S tyres.
@@chasingcars I drove my daughter's 250 most weekends with grandkids before the pandemic & it's the only issue I have with that car It's kind the loud unlikely Merc
Looks a bit oddball. Low beltline and high roof are odd. Looks swollen like a puffy allergic reaction
122 kW/t is ok but for $100K and an AMG badge I would expect a bit more go go and at 1.9 tonnes empty once loaded with people it ain't going to be light on it's toes. Better than most gutless wobbly SUVs sure but it's still a boat, just a nicer boat.
Holden Acadia has the same power to weight and less than half the price.
Good review Tom. Thanks :) 👍
What the Acadia didn't have is this car's superb ride/handling balance - and I am not a Benz guy as a rule! The way it gets down a country road is terrific. You're right that won't be the case with seven up, but that's a once-in-a-blue-moon use for a car like this. Just when your kids both want a friend to tag along on a trip to the movies … in which case you probably won't be testing the limits of the chassis!
@@chasingcars True, an AMG should be better than a GMC but is it really sixty thousand dollars better? Say it out loud. That is a lot of coin. I would want handling and a built in espresso machine for that sort of upgrade. Can still get the Arcadia new. Subjectively even looks better.
Value is definitely distorted once you slap a luxury badge on, you'll get no argument from me. What is probably more important is that I found it a bit more cohesive to drive than the Kodiaq RS, which is $72k driveaway. That said, the right Kodiaq is a 132TSI Sportline, which can be had for 50-60k DA. That's where I'd probably go, if it were my money.
All good but you didn't go through 3rd row leg room?
There is no such thing as 3rd row legroom unless its a people mover so not worth talking about I imagine.
@@CathodeRayNipplez I disagree. I've been in a CX-9 3rd row and it was an acceptable amount of room for me (a 6 foot tall adult). I do think it's important to know whether it's a practical 7 seater even if it's just occasionally.
@@TheTouchgaming True that. I think you wont like this one judging by what one can see here. You'll have your knees in your face.
Sorry … it was meant to make it into the edit. It's very, very tight in the third row for my six foot frame, but smaller kids would be fine for short trips. It's a convenience thing.
@@chasingcars thanks! 😊
A nice car, though not sure of the 7-seats...I guess it’s a bit of an unnecessary try-hard!!
Useful if you have a couple of kids, and they each want to take a friend on an outing. Suddenly a small third row makes sense. Wouldn't be using it all the time, though!
Bro that is not carbonfibre on the doors and dash..
Hopefully that thick bezel between the two screens is in the blind spot of the driver because that looks ugly and asymmetrical.
Most of the time it sits right behind where the steering wheel curves down. You'd have to imagine though that in 10 years, that will be one unified display.
good review Ed sheeran
Is the Tom and SUV story going to be a pride and prejudice kind of story: hostility at the beginning but in the end they fall in love and drive happily on badly surfaced roads into the sunset?
Say it ain't so… credit where it's due though on this suspension!
Another poor mans AMG, an AMG has a V8
used to - not anymore. even the new C class AMGs wont have V8 due to new restrictions in europe :/
Biden new green desl gas restrictions no more V8s. :(
Too expensive