Is This the 400 HP Mercedes-AMG GLB 45, Getting Ready to Take on the RS Q3?
Is This the 400 HP Mercedes-AMG GLB 45, Getting Ready to Take on the RS Q3?
If you think that large SUVs with track packages are ridiculous, know that Mercedes is probably making a 400 horsepower "sports SUV" out of a regular family crossover. We are, of course, talking about the GLB-Class. More specifically, the GLB 45 which we think has been spied here for the first time.
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A couple of days ago, the GLB 35 was believed to be found, looking quite similar to this prototype. But because the grille is different and the location is halfway across Europe, we believe that this is the more hardcore GLB 45.
Before we get into the details that separate the two, let's look at why Mercedes-AMG might be looking to develop either of these models. The SUVsegment has witnessed unprecedented growth that isn't matched by any other type of car. And having pre most premium of the premium brands, Mercedes is ideally situated to make more profit than everybody else.
The GLB 35 is pretty easy. It's got a 2.0-liter turbo making almost the same power and torque as a Golf 7 R, which has been around for five years. On the other hand, 300 HP is not amazing when you consider you can get that from a P300 version of the Jaguar E-Pace.
Even though these vehicles started as family cars, there's a segment above the 300 HP mark where the Audi RS Q3 resides. And even though it's alone right now, we know Mercedes-AMG won't be able to resist making a rival wearing the GLB 45 nameplate.
We believe that's what we have here based on a couple of design elements. First, there's the obvious Panamericana grille, which Mercedes doesn't offer on the GLC 43 (as an example of mild AMG) or with the AMG Line body kit. It's exclusive to the "bad boys."
Also, the prototype seems a little lower, and its exhaust configuration is probably just for the early prototype stages. If this is indeed the GLB 45, it will be powered by a cool new hybrid 2.0-liter system which is expected to produce more than 400 HP in the most hardcore setup. The Evo of crossovers is more than a year away from coming out.
