2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 4MATIC Review

Malaysia's current C-Segment luxury SUV market is becoming increasingly competitive. Consumers seek both the sense of high-end quality brought by brand prestige and practical space and performance. The 2024 AMG GLB 35 4MATIC, launched by Mercedes-Benz in July, is precisely aimed at meeting these "luxurious yet versatile" demands. As an entry-level performance SUV in the AMG family, it not only retains the Mercedes-Benz brand DNA but also integrates core selling points such as a 302PS hybrid powertrain, 7-seating configuration (5-seater version tested this time), and rich smart features. The primary goal of this test drive is to evaluate this car's overall performance in daily commutes, weekend getaways, and occasional spirited driving to see if it can balance 'AMG performance' with 'practical family use.'

In terms of exterior design, the 2024 AMG GLB 35 4MATIC continues the rugged family style while incorporating AMG's exclusive sporty design elements. The front features a large trapezoidal grille with vertical chrome slats inside, the AMG emblem above the grille, and raised contour lines on both sides of the hood, enhancing the aggressive look of a performance car. The LED headlights on both sides are sharply styled, with signature "three-bar" daytime running lights that offer high recognition. The body’s side profile is clean and straight, paired with 20-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels and 255/40R20 tires. The AMG side skirts and the "4MATIC" badge on the fenders further highlight its identity. At the rear, the quad-outlet round exhaust layout is a classic AMG design. The LED taillights feature a smoked treatment, presenting a horizontally extended effect when illuminated, which enhances the overall visual width.

Once inside the car, the first impression is the luxurious feel typical of Mercedes-Benz. The dashboard combines soft-touch materials and metal trims, with most touchpoints covered in soft materials. The 10.25-inch MBUX central control screen and the fully digital instrument cluster are seamlessly connected to form a dual-screen design, boasting top-notch interface responsiveness and resolution in its class. The steering wheel features AMG's exclusive flat-bottom design with a solid grip, clearly laid-out multifunction buttons on both sides, and comes equipped with paddle shifters. Regarding seating, the front seats offer power adjustment with memory functions and provide excellent side bolstering, making long drives comfortable. The rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 split configuration, increasing the trunk space from 570L to 1805L, which easily accommodates strollers or camping gear for daily use.

The powertrain is one of the highlights of this car. It is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine and a 48V mild hybrid system, delivering a combined maximum power of 302PS and maximum torque of 400N·m, paired with an 8-speed DCT gearbox and a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.5 seconds. During the actual test drive, the mild hybrid system provides a brief torque boost during the initial acceleration phase, ensuring quick power response. Deep acceleration triggers the turbo early, resulting in strong mid-range acceleration, effortlessly overtaking vehicles with just a slight push of the throttle. Three driving modes are available: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. In Comfort mode, the transmission shifts smoothly, making it suitable for daily commuting. When switched to Sport mode, the transmission adopts a more aggressive shifting logic, maintaining engine revs above 3000 RPM, ensuring power is always on demand.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers good precision with minimal play. In sports mode, the steering becomes heavier, providing the driver with ample confidence. The suspension system features a front MacPherson + rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for sportiness while retaining a certain level of comfort—when passing over speed bumps, the suspension quickly absorbs most of the vibrations, ensuring there is no significant jolt; when cornering at high speeds, the body’s roll is well-controlled, and the all-wheel-drive system promptly distributes power to ensure tire grip. The braking system performs excellently, with a combination of front ventilated perforated discs and rear ventilated perforated discs, offering quick braking response, linear braking force, and stable body posture during emergency stops.

In terms of fuel consumption, although it is a performance SUV, the addition of a mild-hybrid system efficiently reduces fuel consumption. During daily commuting in comfort mode, the fuel consumption is approximately 8.5L per 100 kilometers; switching to sport mode with frequent acceleration raises fuel consumption to about 10L per 100 kilometers. Overall, its performance meets expectations. Noise control is also commendable; at high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are not pronounced. With the added soundproofing effect of the Burmester audio system, the interior remains relatively quiet.

In terms of safety features, this car is very comprehensive. It comes standard with 7 airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree panoramic camera, etc. Child seat anchors and child safety locks are also equipped, making it suitable for family use. The automatic parking function is highly practical and very user-friendly for beginners.

Compared to competitors like the BMW X1 M35i and Audi Q3 Sportback in the same segment, the 2024 AMG GLB 35 4MATIC has the advantage of higher brand prestige, a more luxurious interior feel, and better fuel economy thanks to its mild-hybrid system. However, its price is slightly higher than the BMW X1 M35i, with each model offering different configurations.

Overall, the 2024 AMG GLB 35 4MATIC is an "all-rounder" luxury performance SUV—it combines AMG's performance genes with Mercedes-Benz's luxury feel, while also offering practicality and well-rounded safety features. It is suitable for those who seek a balance between brand image and performance while needing to accommodate family use, such as professionals aged 30-40. It meets the demand for a status symbol during everyday commutes, while offering ample space and comfort for family outings on weekends.

To sum up, in the C-segment luxury SUV market, the 2024 AMG GLB 35 4MATIC is a model that strikes a balance between performance, luxury, and practicality. If you are looking for a "well-rounded" luxury performance SUV, it is worth considering.