2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 4MATIC Review

The luxury compact SUV market has always been a fiercely competitive segment in Malaysia, where consumers desire both the sophistication of a premium brand and a balance of practicality and performance. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 4MATIC, as a performance-oriented contender in this category, boasts key highlights such as the AMG-tuned 2.0T engine, flexible 7-seater space, and standard intelligent features throughout the range. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether it can balance everyday practicality with driving pleasure.

In terms of exterior design, the GLB 35 continues the boxy and robust silhouette of the Mercedes-Benz GLB series, further enhanced by AMG's exclusive design elements for greater recognition. The front features a large vertical grille adorned with the AMG emblem and a lower through-type front lip, exuding a strong sense of sportiness; the sharp design of the LED headlights incorporates the classic triple-pointed star daytime running lights, offering high recognizability when lit. The sides feature straight lines, and the 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 255/40 R20 wide tires further accentuate its robust stance. At the rear, the dual exhaust pipes on either side and the spoiler design add a performance-oriented vibe to the boxy design, while the horizontally arranged LED taillights complement the vehicle's width, achieving an overall harmonious visual effect.

Sitting inside, the familiar luxurious ambiance of Mercedes-Benz greets you. The dashboard features dual 10.25-inch connected screens, with the instrument cluster offering an AMG-specific sporty interface. The central screen supports touch operation, with smooth performance and resolution befitting a luxury brand. The interior materials mainly comprise soft-touch leather and metallic trims. The AMG flat-bottom steering wheel provides a solid grip and is equipped with paddle shifters. The HUD (Head-Up Display) system clearly projects speed, navigation, and other information, reducing driver distraction. In terms of configuration, the front seats support electric adjustment with memory functionality and offer decent wrapping comfort. The rear seats adopt a 40:20:40 folding and sliding design, while the third row can fold down 50:50, expanding the trunk capacity to over 1300 liters when fully folded, easily meeting the storage needs for family trips. Additionally, the standard 360-degree panoramic camera, automatic parking, and keyless entry enhance daily convenience significantly.

Space is a strong suit of the GLB series, and the GLB 35 is no exception. The vehicle measures 4634 mm in length, 1834 mm in width, and 1659 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2829 mm, making it relatively large in the compact SUV segment. The front row offers generous space, with a 180 cm tall passenger still having a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The second row provides two fists of legroom at the standard position, which can be extended to three fists when sliding backward. The third row is suitable for children or adults on short rides, though it may feel cramped on longer journeys. In terms of storage, there is ample space in the door pockets and the central armrest storage box, while the front row also features a 220V/230V power outlet for external devices.

In terms of performance, the GLB 35 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 306PS and a peak torque of 400N·m, paired with an 8-speed DCT transmission and a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. According to official specifications, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. In actual driving, the power response during startup is brisk, with virtually no turbo lag, and there is a noticeable push-back effect when the accelerator is pressed hard, providing sufficient confidence while overtaking. When switched to SPORT+ mode, the transmission's shifting logic becomes more aggressive, and the paddle shifters respond faster, delivering an enjoyable driving experience. In contrast, the COMFORT mode ensures smoother power output, suitable for urban commuting. As for fuel consumption, we conducted tests in a mix of urban and highway conditions, recording an actual combined fuel consumption of about 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.5L, but reasonable considering the performance.

The handling and chassis performance align with the characteristics of AMG tuning. The steering wheel is precise with minimal slack, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds; the suspension uses MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, which is overall stiff but provides sufficient support. During cornering, the body roll is well controlled, giving the driver adequate confidence. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most minor vibrations, but there is still noticeable feedback when encountering speed bumps, as it's tuned for performance. The four-wheel-drive system performs stably on slippery roads, distributing power promptly to enhance driving safety.

In terms of ride comfort, the GLB 35's performance is commendable. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are well-controlled and won't interfere with conversations inside the car. The seats strike a good balance between support and comfort, ensuring that long drives are not too tiring. Regarding energy recovery, it offers three adjustable levels, with the lowest level feeling almost like a traditional fuel car when coasting, without any obvious drag, making it easy to adapt to. Additionally, the dual-zone automatic air conditioning and independent rear air conditioning ensure an even cabin temperature, further enhancing the passenger experience.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 4MATIC lies in its "versatility"—offering AMG's performance along with the practicality of 7-seat space, while coming standard with rich smart configurations. Compared to its peers like the BMW X2 M35i or Audi SQ2, the GLB 35 offers more space, better configurations, and a higher cost-performance ratio. Meanwhile, compared to the standard version of the GLB, its power and handling are on another level. This car is suitable for those who value the luxury brand feel, need to cater to family outings, and occasionally want to enjoy the fun of driving, such as 30-40-year-old family users or young entrepreneurs.

In summary, the GLB 35 is a luxury compact SUV without obvious shortcomings. It balances performance, space, and configurations to solve consumers' demand for "having the best of both worlds." If you're looking for a luxury SUV that can be used for daily commuting, fit the whole family, and occasionally "play wild," then the GLB 35 is definitely worth considering.