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Mercedes-AMG Unveils the AMG GLB 35

By Drew Dowdell

· 3,713 views

  • ...More power for the GLB Crossover...

Back in June, Mercedes introduced the Mercedes-Benz GLB crossover.  That car came configured with 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 8-speed automatic transmission. Now AMG is getting their hands on the GLB and making some performance improvements. 

First up is the engine, still a 2.0 liter transversely mounted turbo-charge unit, but it now produces 302 horspower and 295 lb-ft from 3,000 - 4,000 rpm. The engine block is made from a lightweight die-cast aluminum to reduce overall weight. AMG also swapped out the standard 8-speed automatic for an 8-speed dual clutch transmission.  During upshifts, partial ignition interruption produces a sporty sound experience, while the double-declutch function during downshifts improves shifting comfort.  If you're racing for pink-slips, it AMG GLB 35 comes with a Race Start function that offers higher RPMs from a standstill and alters shift points to produce maximum possible acceleration. Race Start stays active as long as the accelerator is kept fully engaged. 

AMG tuned the all-wheel drive system as well to allow a variable torque split from completely front-wheel drive to a 50:50 front:rear split. The suspension is an adaptive, electronically controlled damping is adjusted depending on the settings of Comfort, Sport, or Sport+.

AMG put their final touches on the appearance. An AMG specific grille, AMG specific MBUX screens that feature a "super sport" mode, and a flat bottom steering wheel. 

The 2021 AMG GLB 35 will make its official debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show and enter the US market sometime in late 2020. 

 

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    Veteran

    Robert Hall

    Premium Subscriber
    (edited)
    4 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    A FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLAR front wheel drive vehicle? Hell. No. 

    The X1 was RWD...

    Isn't the X1 FWD based now?   The idea of $50k for a 4cyl FWD/transverse based CUV or car is absolute madness....but it also says $50k isn't what it once was... a FWD transverse 4 cyl connotes cheap econobox, not anything premium...

    Edited by Robert Hall

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    Veteran

    ccap41

    New Member
    8 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

    Isn't the X1 FWD based now?   The idea of $50k for a 4cyl FWD/transverse based CUV or car is absolute madness....but it also says $50k isn't what it once was... a FWD transverse 4 cyl connotes cheap econobox, not anything premium...

    Yeah, whenever the 2nd gen came out it was FWD-based. 

    To go with that, FWD isn't as bad as it once was either with computers. 

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    • Grand Master

    G. David Felt

    Members
    3 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    FWD isn't as bad as it once was either with computers. 

    That is the key piece, FWD, RWD, AWD, does not matter as computers have allowed the auto industry to give a smooth fun drive for most auto's regardless of which wheels propel an auto.

    This becomes more true when we move to Torque vectoring of an auto where you gain even better driving dynamics.

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    Robert Hall

    Premium Subscriber
    (edited)
    6 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    Yeah, whenever the 2nd gen came out it was FWD-based. 

    To go with that, FWD isn't as bad as it once was either with computers. 

    I know, I just think FWD/transverse 4cyl is fine for cheap econoboxes or mainstream appliances,  but has no place in at a premium or luxury brand..... 

    Edited by Robert Hall

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    • Veteran

    ccap41

    New Member
    3 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

    I know, I just think FWD/transverse 4cyl is fine for cheap econoboxes or mainstream appliances,  but has no place in at a premium or luxury brand..... 

    I disagree PERMITTING they worked to get the proportions correct and not having super long front overhangs and such.

     

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    • Rising Star

    riviera74

    Members

    It is easy to forget this but the XTS is really the last of the FWD Devilles that came out originally back in the 1980s.  Some people actually like and bought the FWD XTS/DTS/Deville for the better part of 30 years.  Now, the CT6 is a far superior car period.  I doubt that anyone will really miss the XTS once it is out of production. 

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    • Grand Master

    Drew Dowdell

    Editor-in-Chief
    16 hours ago, riviera74 said:

    It is easy to forget this but the XTS is really the last of the FWD Devilles that came out originally back in the 1980s.  Some people actually like and bought the FWD XTS/DTS/Deville for the better part of 30 years.  Now, the CT6 is a far superior car period.  I doubt that anyone will really miss the XTS once it is out of production. 

    The fleets.... and me.

    I like the XTS in V-Sport trim, but I agree the CT6 is a better vehicle all around. 

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