2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB45 leaked with patent image.

Following its CLA and GLA siblings, the Mercedes-AMG GLB35 will soon be overtaken by the more powerful "45" model: a leaked application to the US Patent and Trademark Office, first spotted by Automobile, shows a Mercedes-AMG GLB45 in 2021 It appears that.

While no GLB45 badging can be seen in the images, Automobile notes that the quad exhaust tips and subtly modified front mask indicate that this is a different model from the GLB35.

The AMG GLB45's party piece is under the hood; like the GLB35, the GLB45 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. However, compared to the GLB35's 302 hp, the GLB45 has 382 hp and the GLB45 S has 416 hp. The same engine powers a range of redesigned "45" series vehicles, including the CLA45 sedan, CLA45 shooting brake wagon, A45 hatchback, and GLA45 crossover.

Like the other 45 models, the GLB45 will likely feature the same 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and rear-biased all-wheel drive system with drift mode; AMG is expected to target a 0-60 mph time in the low to mid 4-second range. Top speeds are likely to be capped at 155 mph for the standard version and 167 mph for the GLB45 S model.

Also expected are improvements to the rigidity of the bodyshell and suspension upgrades to handle the extra power. An adaptive damping system will likely be included, with a variety of comfort and performance-oriented modes.

The GLB45 model may take some time to arrive. Mercedes has not even revealed the GLB35's price, and it will not be available until late 2020; both the GLB35 and GLB45 will command a significant premium over the base GLB250, which starts at $37,595.

Motor Authority has contacted Mercedes about the possibility of a GLB45 model. We will update this article as soon as we receive a response.