Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Now Has a Whopping 390-hp Upgrade

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is an odd effort at making a people carrier quicker, but Vath's come up with a new package promising more stick and go.

Even though it's targeted towards a narrow group, we enjoy it. Although it isn't a real AMG, it fits with the AMG concept of making everything quicker. Its engine is AMG-enhanced, Mercedes claims. Translated from marketing into English, this indicates it is not a real hand-built item like previous AMG goods. 

If you want a stronger GLB that is more closely linked with AMG's customary wild antics, Vath Automobiltechnik has just released a new tuning package for the GLB. Vath is similar to Brabus, although less popular. It increased the previous-generation E63 AMG's horsepower to 750 and gave the 2016 C63 adequate power to reach 199 mph. 

Within a mile of the house, the regular GLB 35 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-packs an astonishing 302-hp and 295 lb-ft punch, enough to get the kids motion sick. Thanks to a new total of 390-hp and 369 lb-ft, Vath's enhancements will reduce that zero to vomit time in less than a quarter-mile. To put this power output into context, it's roughly identical to the legendary E39 M5, which used a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8.

The boost in power is largely due to an ECU modification, but the transmission software has also been modified to handle the extra shove. A new air filter, as well as a ribbed exhaust, are included in the kit to enhance the four-pot's soundtrack. The 155-mph speed limiter is finally off, although Vath doesn't provide a newly claimed top speed. The press release merely says it can go faster than the 155 mph Mercedes allows.

Vath has its own height-adjustable coilover kit because power is nothing without control. It can bring this family SUV closer to the ground by 0.6 to 1.4 inches. The GLB 35 is finished in Bronze Canyon Satin to let it stand out. The three-part forged alloy wheels are finished off with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. 

Vath isn't the first to design a GLB AMG tuning kit. Rival Brabus released its GLB kit in late 2020, although the GLB 250 basic engine only produced 267-hp.