If you desire a German premium badge, seven-seats, strong performance and some all-terrain ability, Mercedes-Benz’s latest offering should appeal.

The company’s latest reveal, in anticipation of its pubic debut at the Frankfurt auto show, is the GLB 35. If you are a keen follower of all things AMG, you’ll know that the brand has diversified its business into a new line of entry-level 35-series compact performance car models throughout 2019.

Like its other 35-series sibling, the GLB 35 is powered by AMG’s milder 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, boosting 225 kW and 400 Nm. Those numbers are distributed to all four wheels, courtesy of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and to ensure that the GLB 35 isn’t overly understeer prone, up to 50% of its deliverable torque can be motioned to the rear wheels.

Check out the standard version of the GLB here.

The GLB’s overall design is slightly enhanced with some AMG-specific styling components, such as a Panamericana grille, remoulded rear bumper and aft spoiler. This new compact performance crossover SUV will also roll a set of 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with customer able to upgrade to 21-inch hoops if they wish.

A 7-seater with 225 kW and 400 Nm? If you can think it, Merc will make it.

Adding some AMG intensity to the GLB 35’S cabin architecture are AMG sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and lots of chrome, black and red trim detailing. Mercedes-Benz’s dual-widescreen MBUX infotainment system and digital assistance are present too.

We've driven Merc's other 35 model, the A35 AMG, read about that here.

What sets the GLB35 apart from its rivals, is the presence of a third row of seats, enabling AMG to offer a compact SUV with very rapid performance (0-100 kph in 5.2 seconds) and the ability to seat seven occupants.

Mercedes-Benz is confident that even fully laden, this GLB 35 will remain a confident and capable vehicle at speed, rounding corners. Engineers have upgraded the suspension subframes, added new steering knuckles up front and thicker transverse control arms, to ensure precision handling dynamics.

Those customers who wish to further enhance the dynamic driving experience can option electronically adjustable dampers, which act individually at all four-wheel corners.

The GLB 35 is expected to arrive in South Africa during 2020.