What's all this about?

We've not even driven the regular Mercedes-Benz GLB seven-seat SUV as yet, but with the Frankfurt Motor Show looming on the horizon like... like... like a big, loomy horizon-type thingy, here's the announcement of the first hot GLB from Mercedes-AMG. It's called the GLB 35 4Matic.

So does that mean it uses the 306hp 2.0-litre motor from an A 35?

You are absolutely spot on. The 1,991cc four-pot turbo is rated at the same 306hp/400Nm as in the A 35, with those figures spread across 5,800-6,100rpm and 3,000-4,000rpm respectively. Flowing power to all four wheels (4Matic, innit?) via a dual-clutch AMG Speedshift 8G-DCT 'box, performance is of the order of 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and a 155mph limited top speed.

Does the GLB 35 have a serious chassis?

Sure does. The 4Matic can apportion up to 50 per cent of the available torque to the rear axle when required, while five drive modes - Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual - adjust how the SUV beefs up/slackens off (delete as appropriate) its electromechanical, speed-sensitive power steering, its throttle response, its yaw control and so on. It'll also tweak the adaptive, electronically controlled dampers that are part of the optional AMG Ride Control package, although the standard passive suspension is tuned by the Affalterbach house anyway. Big brakes and even bigger wheels (19s as standard, up to 21s an option) give the GLB 35 the stopping power and grip such a high-performance machine needs.

What about the looks?

Outside, a twin-powerdome-toting bonnet sits above the slatted Panamericana-type grille; this is the first time the 'full' AMG grille has been used on a 'mere' 35-series model. The A-wing lower front air intakes, beefy side skirts and a rear end defined by a roof spoiler up top and a distinctive lower apron which houses twin exhausts and a diffuser all complete the exterior aesthetic of the GLB 35. Inside, Artico and Dinamica sports seats gain red contrast stitching, this colour designed to go with the seatbelts; flashy, and not unlike the Fiat Cinquecento Sporting, we might add. The MBUX infotainment system is presented on Mercedes' fantastic Widescreen Cockpit array and the flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel is trimmed in Nappa leather.

Who buys a GLB 35, then?

Allow Tobias Moers, the CEO of Mercedes-AMG, to explain: "With the new GLB 35 4Matic, we are extending our product portfolio by adding a highly attractive model for an active target group that attaches special importance to versatility. This also includes the optional seven-seater capability of our new compact SUV, though without having to sacrifice the genes typical of an AMG. Because in its segment, our GLB 35 likewise fulfils our brand promise of Driving Performance."