What are these new cars all about then?
The GLA and GLB are two Mercedes-Benz models that are very different… but also very much the same car in many respects, with shared platform and powertrain technology.

The GLA is a higher-riding reinvention of the A-Class hatchback, while the GLB is a more traditional SUV that’s smaller than the medium-sized GLC but also happens to squeeze seven seats into a modest overall footprint, partly thanks to a boxy body shape with distinct G-Wagen vibes.
Both are available in Mercedes-AMG 35 guise, and this is where the new bit comes in: the feisty 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine shared by both has gained mild hybrid (MHEV) technology.
There’s a 48-volt power system and belt-driven starter-generator, which enables sailing/restart and takes some of the load off the petrol engine. It can even provide a temporary 10kW boost, although official outputs remain at 225kW/400Nm. The AMG “Speedshift” dual-clutch 8-speed transmission is carried over, driving through an AMG-tuned all-wheel drive system.

You’d think MHEV would make these cars more economical, but comparing old with new is a tricky business. The New Zealand Government Rightcar website (which uses “our” official 3P-WLTP standard) suggests an increase in consumption by around 1l/100km for both, to 10.0 (GLA) and 10.1 (GLB). Really?
The GLA and GLB are two Mercedes-Benz models that are very different… but also very much the same car in many respects.
Mercedes-Benz’s factory figures for the previous models are the older NEDC formula, which doesn’t really help. But let’s not get derailed by all that; neither is an eco-SUV and your averages will be in double figures unless you’re very careful.

How can you identify the new models? You probably can’t, unless you’re an absolute AMG details nerd. Both have a new front apron, but you might have more luck looking at the new LED light signature, which has a DRL pattern that now goes across the top like an eyebrow, rather than curving around the main beams.
There’s a school of thought that says these aren’t 'real' AMGs; they’re a tier down from the really serious stuff and don’t have hand-built engines.
Inside, both GLA and GLB have the same basic dashboard architecture, with a few minor trim/detail differences.

The AMG Performance steering wheel is standard and the updated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) display and infotainment setup has lots of AMG-specific lights and dials.
There are new alloy wheel designs, with Kiwi cars picking up the larger 20-inch option offered by the factory as standard.
How much are they?
The GLA 35 is $112,200, while the GLB 35 is $119,500. They both come with the Plus Package II (optional on non-AMG models), which includes enhanced driver-assistance technology, Burmester surround sound, illuminated door sills, head-up display, Multibeam LED lights with adaptive high-beam assist and surround lighting with exterior projection of the Three-Pointed Star logo on the ground.
What are they like to drive?
There’s a school of thought that says these aren’t “real” AMG cars, because they’re a tier down from the really serious stuff and don’t have hand-built engines. There is actually a full AMG 45 version of the GLA with the feral 310kW engine, but the company decided a similar specification for the GLB seven-seater would be going a bit too far. Probably wise.

Whatever your views on AMG core values and credibility, this is a perky pair. That little 2.0-litre can propel the GLA and GLB 35s to 100km/h in 5.2 and 5.5 seconds respectively.
There are multiple ways to get to the drive modes, including a shortcut button on the console and a steering wheel-mounted dial; once you get to Sport+ the engine pops and crackles, the dual-clutch gearbox banging between gears like you’re running very late indeed for daycare pickup.

A second steering wheel-control allows you to individualise the suspension, so you can have silly engine noises/transmission with softer ride, for example. There's plenty to play with.
The steering is substantial at speed and both models are supremely grippy. They don’t feel like SUVs through the corners, although you could argue they aren’t really, given the lower ride height of the AMG versions. The GLB in particular looks more like a little station wagon.
The sporty character is not really at the expense of day-to-day driveability. These little AMGs can be quiet when you want them to, and pretty comfortable in the right drive-mode settings.
What’s the pick of the range?
They’re different models for different buyers. But we do love the slightly left-of-centre look of the GLB, and for a modest 30mm increase in wheelbase over the GLA you get a whole new world of practicality: as a 5+2-seater it’s brilliant and the second/third rows fold properly flat, so you can mix-and-match passengers and cargo.

The GLA is a well-rounded and undeniably fun little machine, but it does seem expensive compared to the vastly more useful GLB.
If the SUV vibe is a must go for it, but we’d also suggest you take a look at the A 35, which is essentially a hatchback alternative to the same.
What other cars should I consider?
If we’re talking German baby SUVs with performance equity, the obvious rivals for the GLA 35 would be the Audi SQ2 ($86,990) and BMW X2 M35i ($109,900). But if you’re keen on a bit of Spanish flair, also take a look at the Cupra (that’s “cup racer”, after all) Formentor VZ, which serves up 228kW for $79,500.
Finding true rivals for the GLB 35 is harder; it really is a unique little (fast) family SUV.