Name: Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 (2019) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
Rating: 57.0

Summary

The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is a compact performance SUV which sits above the regular GLB range in the Mercedes-Benz line-up.

A four-wheel drive model powered by 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the GLB 35 stands out from the rest of the growing compact performance SUV pack thanks to its standard seven-seat configuration. However, reviewers frequently comment that the extra third row of seats is anything but spacious.

“It’s surprisingly cramped”, says Sean Carson of Auto Express, so it is “best thought of as a five-seat hot SUV with occasional seven-seat capability.”

Several outlets criticise the car’s driver appeal too, explaining that while the GLB 35 is nice to look at and fast off the line, it can be rather subdued on the road.

The Carwow team comments that the SUV’s “high seating position dulls your sense of speed”, while Top Gear instead recommends practical but sporty estate cars like the BMW 330d Touring or Volkswagen Golf R Estate, as they are “much more satisfying to drive”.

As of December 2024, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%. Although its safety score is good, its CO₂ emissions are only average while its running costs are very high. And, for a performance model, its media reviews are surprisingly poor.

More Mercedes-Benz Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

GLB 35 highlights

Stylish exterior styling
Well-built and luxurious cabin
Impressive straight-line pace

GLB 35 lowlights

Rivals are more fun to drive
Rear seating is rather cramped
Alternatives have more boot space

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price: From £53,295 on-road

Launched: Winter 2019/20
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic GLB 35 4MATIC
Score: 7 / 10
“Despite some obvious compromises when it comes to space, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is surprisingly satisfying to drive, and offers performance that fits with its AMG badge. However, it’s surprisingly cramped so best thought of as a five-seat hot SUV with occasional seven-seat capability.” (Sean Carson)
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
” The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 takes the small-yet-practical GLB and adds much more power and four-wheel drive. Just don’t go thinking passengers in the back will enjoy any full-bore starts.” (Mat Watson)
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The premium performance SUV – a car designed to hit all the notes, a do-everything no-compromise machine for those whose lifestyle no longer supports exclusive use of a sports car.” (Jordan Katsianis)
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range review
“The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is an entertaining SUV oddity.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“There are few cars that can cover ground quite so quickly while carrying seven people, and none for this price. That is the GLB 35’s biggest selling point, and if what you really want is a performance car that’ll turn into a practical family hauler for days out, then it ticks that box very nicely indeed.” (Alex Robbins)
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: GLB 35 4MATIC Premium Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“By any objective standard, actually buying one of these would be an act of supreme madness. But this GLB 35 is a celebration of madness, it’s obscene and ridiculous and fun. A monument to the fact that Mercedes can’t walk past even the tiniest niche without trying to fill it.” (Sam Burnett)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Think Mercedes-AMG A35, only bigger and with space for seven.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 88%
Vulnerable road users: 78%
Safety assist: 74%

The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 has not specifically been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety rating with the overall GLB range that scored five stars when it was tested in 2019.

Available as standard on the GLB 35 are automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention monitoring and a rear-view parking camera.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of December 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the GLB 35, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	31 mpg	E	31 – 33 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	207 g/km	D	197 – 207 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	41	D	41 – 50	D – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£377	C
Year 2	£903	C
Year 3	£1,622	D
Year 4	£1,893	D
Year 5	£2,473	D
Overall	£7,268	D

The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is an expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Its fuel consumption is very poor, while servicing and insurance costs are also high.