It could actually be a GLB 35, but it’s still a fast SUV.

Mercedes-Benz debuted its new GLB-Class early June. However, we still have a while before the AMG version arrives. The GLB’s squarish appearance officially made it to the world. However, camouflage has begun to fall from AMG GLB 45. Our spy team was able to get a good look at the prototype as it was being fueled.

The AMG GLB is Coming!

 

Technically, it’s not possible to tell if this is the GLB 45 engine or the GLB 35. Ordinarily, you can tell the difference by looking at the rear. A set of quad exhaust tips would identify this as the 45. This SUV has only two exhaust outlets, but they aren’t the standard GLB 35 tips. We’ve seen the GLB 35 on these spokes, as well as on five-star black wheels that were captured on camera with a GLB 45 prototype.

Both muscle SUVs will look identical from the outside, with minor tweaks to the front, rear, and trademark grille. The AMG overhaul will include upgrades to the suspension and brakes. But the real difference lies under the hood. The GLB 35 will get the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot engine that powers the . It generates 302 horsepower (225kilowatts) and the GLB 45 will likely have the 2.0. The engine will be tuned significantly higher, perhaps to 416 horsepower (310 kW), as in the S. It should produce 383 horsepower (286 kW), which is enough to provide ample thrust for this seven-seater.

Mercedes has not yet provided any information about when the AMG-tuned GLB models are due to debut. The base model is available now so logic suggests that the GLB 35 will arrive later in the year, possibly in September, or sooner. GLB 45 is expected to arrive in late 2019 or early 2020.