Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 2024 Review

Nowadays, the competition in the compact luxury SUV market is becoming increasingly fierce. Family users and young consumers not only want the refined feel brought by the brand but also expect sufficient space practicality and driving pleasure. Mercedes-Benz launched the 2024 AMG GLB 35 4MATIC on July 4th, aiming at this niche market. It takes the 302-horsepower hybrid engine and optional 7-seat layout as its core selling points, attempting to strike a balance between luxury, performance, and practicality. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether it can truly meet the needs of users who want to "let loose" occasionally but also require a daily vehicle for commuting with their kids.

From the exterior, the 2024 AMG GLB 35 4MATIC continues the boxy and rugged outline of the GLB series but incorporates more sporty details. The AMG-specific vertical bar grille on the front combined with the large lower air intake gives it a high degree of recognition; the straight beltline on the side of the body, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels paired with 255/40 R20 wide tires enhance its visual strength; the rear dual round exhausts and a small-sized spoiler hint at its performance attributes. The lighting system features full-LED lights throughout the range, with the daytime running lights maintaining consistency with the Mercedes-Benz family style. Automatic headlights and rear fog lamps are standard, adding practicality.

Inside the car, the feeling of luxury is mainly reflected in the detailed materials. The dashboard and inner door panels are covered with soft leather, complemented with metallic trim, meeting Mercedes-Benz's high-end positioning. The 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and the 10.25-inch MBUX central control touch screen are seamlessly integrated. The operation is smooth and supports voice control and CarPlay connectivity. The multi-function steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters, and the manual adjustment range is sufficient for daily use. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory functions, and the leather-wrapped seats provide great support without feeling fatigued even during long drives. The rear seats support a 40:20:40 split-folding feature, which increases the trunk space from 570L to 1805L when folded down, easily accommodating a stroller or camping gear. The second row is also equipped with independent air-conditioning vents and USB ports, catering to the needs of rear passengers.

In terms of power, this vehicle is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine + 48V mild hybrid system, with a combined maximum horsepower of 302PS and a peak torque of 400N·m, paired with an 8-speed DCT gearbox and full-time four-wheel drive. In standard mode, it has a smooth start, and a light press on the accelerator delivers decent power response. After switching to sport mode, the throttle becomes more responsive, achieving maximum torque at 3,000 rpm. During overtaking, pressing the accelerator makes the gearbox shift down quickly, offering a clear push-back sensation. Its official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds ranks among the top in the compact SUV category. The steering is precise with little play, providing a steady hand feel at high speeds. The suspension adopts a front MacPherson + rear multi-link independent setup, tuned to be sporty while maintaining a certain level of comfort—most bumps are absorbed while crossing speed bumps without an overly harsh impact. On mountain roads, the suspension offers sufficient support for the body, controlling body roll well. With the help of the four-wheel-drive system, the stability during cornering inspires confidence.

In terms of fuel consumption, we drove 100km each on urban congested roads and highways, with an overall fuel consumption of approximately 8.5L/100km. Considering its performance, this result is reasonable. The braking system features front and rear ventilated perforated discs, providing a quick braking response. During emergency braking, the car's body remains stable without obvious nosedive. Noise control is well executed, and at 120km/h on highways, both wind noise and tire noise are within an acceptable range. The sound quality of the Burmester audio system is clear, easily covering up external noise.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2024 AMG GLB 35 4MATIC are evident: it combines the luxury brand appeal of Mercedes-Benz with AMG-tuned performance while retaining the practicality of the GLB series. Compared to the BMW X1 M35i in the same class, its interior feels more luxurious, and the rear seats are more spacious. Compared to the Audi SQ3, its trunk offers better expandability and it even has an optional 7-seater configuration. This car is very suitable for those who pursue brand prestige, need a vehicle for daily use, and occasionally wish to enjoy driving pleasure – for instance, families aged 30-40 or young couples who appreciate luxury. If you're looking for a compact luxury SUV that can handle commuting, carrying kids, and weekend getaways, the AMG GLB 35 4MATIC is worth considering.