• The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is priced from $48,900 in Canada, $38,600 in the US.

• The AMG GLB 35 goes for $59,300 in Canada and $49,950 in the US.

• The GLB itself is Benz’s coolest SUV.

There are, or were, clearly two factions within Mercedes-AMG: Those who work with boosted 4-cylinder engines and those who don’t. Specifically, given the recent changes within AMG’s powertrain options, I’m speaking about 35 and 45 series models; they are mad good fun, and loaded with personality. And the GLB 35 is awesome.

Even now, when I think about Mercedes-Benz, I imagine uptight German engineers who know nothing about fun. But, I always remind myself that AMG, on the other hand, are the creators of some of the wildest cars and SUVs on the road today. Over the last few years, the A 35 and CLA 45 stand out as being the most fizz-inducing rides I’ve had the pleasure of driving. And I was delighted that the GLB 35 is just as exciting.

To start, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is the brand’s most enticing SUV on this side of the OE badass G-Class. Tragically, but possibly by design, it’s also the least cherished by consumers who prefer a lesser GLA, more forgettable GLC, or bloated GLE. As mean as this may read, the point is that the GLB is nearly exotic compared to the three hyper-common SUVs. Adding three of the fastest letters in the alphabet ahead of GLB simply signifies that this is a future appreciating classic.

AMG 35