By: Mpho Mahlangu
THE Mercedes-Benz GLB was introduced to the local market towards the end of 2020, with only two models on offer. A sportier Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic has now been quietly added to the manufacturer’s website locally.
Although launched to the market in November 2020, Mercedes-Benz South Africa only held a media launch of the vehicle in April 2022. Two models, a GLB 250 4Matic and GLB 220d 4Matic were launched however former Vice President for Marketing and Sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars, Selvin Govender, announced that 2022 would see the introduction of the GLB with AMG treatment, albeit in very limited numbers.
Thanks to delays of an entire year, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic has finally arrived to local shores, however only 35 units have been shipped. The units will only be available through Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s online store.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is known for its practicality and this AMG version retains that, with a sporty twist. Up front is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which is capable of 225kW and 400Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via the AMG Performance 4Matic all wheel drive system, with cogs being handled by an AMG Speedshift DCT 8G transmission. The 0-100km/h acceleration is completed in a claimed 5.3 seconds.
Based on the photos used on the Online Store, we can tell that Mercedes-Benz South Africa has shipped pre-facelift models of the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic. Interestingly, thirty of the units brought in are all priced at R1 425 722.
The bulk of these units are finished in a Mountain Grey metallic exterior hue, with only a few Digital White metallic units. Optional equipment fitted to these thirty units includes Multibeam LED headlamps, Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, MBUX Interior Assistant, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, AMG Ride Control suspension, AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG steering wheel buttons, AMG Night Package, MBUX Navigation Plus, and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels to mention a few.
Three of the thirty-three units are priced at R1,443,022.81 and we couldn’t tell any differences in specification apart from the Manufaktur Patagonia Red metallic hue, resulting in the price difference.
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