Mercedes-AMG GLB35 Facelift Review

A tall-riding body, the ability to ferry seven, and a not-exactly-large 2.0-litre engine. These are hardly the traits that come to mind when you think of an AMG, yet they all embody this updated Mercedes-AMG GLB35.

Do you still get an AMG experience even in this 302bhp crossover? Is this the car to get for the perhaps more practically-minded few that still want something that not only delivers decent performance but also sports an appealing three-pointed star at the front?

Let's find out, shall we?

This updated Mercedes-AMG GLB35 comes with redesigned head lights and now sports the AMG Affalterbach logo atop its muscular bonnet

Times square

It has been four years since we last saw the Mercedes-AMG GLB35, and the changes to this performance crossover have been light - no bad thing given how visually appealing the car has always stood.

If you must know, alterations made on the exterior include a redesign of the car's front bumper, the application of the AMG's Affalterbach logo on the bonnet, and the use of new LED High Performance head lights and taillights.

And in the cabin, the displays have also been updated with new graphics, the steering wheel updated, and the centre console has now ditched the clumsy trackpad for a storage tray.

The graphics for the displays of the Mercedes-AMG GLB35 have also been updated, while the centre console has been revised

Square rooms

I'm not sure you'd really want to leave items within this centre console tray, given how shallow it is and the performance of this vehicle, and the rest of the changes equally prove to be a bit of a hit-and-miss.

The new display graphics pair well with the cabin's flamboyant ambient lighting system and the new LED lights on the outside do well to tidy up the overall look of the car.

But undoing all this is the sheer visual clutter that comes with the new steering wheel. And that revised centre console also needs a bit of rethinking. As it is, retrieval of your smartphone is difficult if there are drinks in the cupholders. The BMW X1 does this so much better, and many Chinese cars offer space for two devices.

The 302bhp 2.0-litre engine of the GLB35 is now graced with mild hybrid technology and will propel the car to 100km/h from a standstill in just 5.5 seconds

Let none of these distract from the fact that this GLB35 is still a practical space. The artico/mircrofibre front seats provide decent support for your thighs and waist without compromising seating comfort or ease of ingress/egress. And it's a lovely place to be in, offering an elevated seating position so you have a commanding view out of the car.

Those seated in the second row, meanwhile, will find plenty of knee and leg room, although shoulder room will be lacking if three are pushed here. And at the rear, Mercedes-Benz states that only persons up to 1.68m tall can be safely seated here, and a visual inspection alone of the available space will leave you with little reason to doubt this.

Fold the third row of seats down in the GLB35 and you'll have a useable 570-litres of space for any luggage

Be there, be square

But space for the family is not the only reason why you'd pick this Mercedes-AMG GLB35, and I'm glad to report that it those seeking thrills on the road are sure to walk away pleased.

The 302bhp unit under that shapely bonnet proves capable of delivering a healthy dollop of torque all across its rev range, and while it delivers a somewhat harsh mechanical soundtrack that isn't the most encouraging, this does at least get drowned out by the bass from the exhaust.

You will, however, be able to catch the eight-speed multi-clutch transmission in this GLB35 off guard on occasion: Quick jabs at the throttle pedal feel like they should be met with faster downshifts. Set everything to its most comfortable setting and it will lurch the car forward when shuffling through its lowest gears.

Still, there's a nicely weighted and accurate (if a little mute) steering from which you'll be able to wrestle the car through corners. The adaptive dampers also do a commendable job of arresting unwanted vertical movement and are sufficient at mitigating roll in their sportier settings, while offering enough comfort so you don't feel like you're sacrifice any comfort on your daily commute at its most comfortable.

The Mercedes-AMG GLB35 stands out with its unique combination of power, compact exterior dimensions, and the ability to ferry seven

Square Coins

At $376,888, this Mercedes-AMG GLB35 is asking for a significant premium above the more pedestrian $280,888 Mercedes-Benz GLB180 (all prices as of 22 May 2025).

But of course, this is no regular car. Pairing a high-riding body with the ability to ferry seven in a relatively compact body while offering enough performance to be a rightful introduction to the AMG brand, this GLB35 is still to have found a direct rival. And if your commuting needs are as equally diverse as this car's wide sweep of abilities, there's little reason not to pick one up.

Shopping for something that is both practical and powerful? Here are some other cars you might want to consider:

There's the updated Skoda Octavia RS, which now comes with a new infotainment system and an upgraded engine

Or perhaps this BMW i5 Touring, with its blend of comfort and sportiness, is more what you're after?

But maybe the Volkswagen Golf GTI, with its sleek style and sensible hatchback body, is the car for you