Updated! Mercedes-Benz GLA & GLB Get Styling Tweaks, New Electrified Powertrains And More Tech

• Updated 2024 Mercedes GLA and GLB revealed.

• Both get similar styling changes with revised bumpers and updated lights.

• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, illuminated USB ports and 360-degree camera made standard.

• Petrol powertrains get a 48-volt mild-hybrid system in all guises.

• Both could make their way to India post their global launches.

The Mercedes GLA is the entry-level SUV in the German marque’s lineup while the GLB is the entry-level seven-seater three-pointed star SUV. Both have been revised for model year 2024 (MY24) with subtle design tweaks, updated powertrains and more tech. Let’s see what’s new.

Design

Styling changes on both SUVs aren’t radical to begin with, but the few nips and tucks are enough to make the design feel fresh and up to date. The redesigned front end sports four horizontal louvres, split in two sections on the lower side of the front bumper and this tweak is mutual for both SUVs.

For the GLA, Mercedes has updated the head and taillights with standard LED High Performance lights. The side profile looks untouched, save for the squared wheel arches, which now match with the body shape. Again, shared between both SUVs are the newly styled 17-inch gloss-black alloy wheels which are offered as standard, while optional 18- and 20-inch wheels are also available. 

Apart from the aforementioned redesigned front bumper, the GLB’s headlights seem to be smoked. The rear sports full LED tail lamps with parallel horizontal signatures, while the bumper sports a mild diffuser-like element. Oh! and there’s also a new Spectral Blue hue that has been added to the colour palette.

Their AMG counterparts have also received a similar treatment with a revised front apron design and new signature for the LED headlights and taillights. In true AMG fashion, the front grille sports the Panamericana vertical slats to differentiate it from its standard avatar.

Cabin

The cabin layout of both SUVs is more or less the same, but the new highlight is the new steering wheel seen in Merc’s current cars. Another highlight is the integrated free-standing 10.25-inch infotainment system and 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.

Of course, the screens run on Mercedes’ latest generation of MBUX software and the cars offer wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and updated autonomous features, including lane-keep assist, active steering control and more. They also get a 360-degree camera.

Additional standard equipment 

Both SUVs already featured equipment like power-adjustable front seats with memory function, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. But the list has grown, thanks to the addition of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, additional illuminated USB-C port and increased USB charging power.

Powertrains

Powertrain specifications are market specific with the SUVs getting multiple diesel and petrol engine options with mild-hybrid and even a plug-in hybrid assist. But for India, you can expect these SUVs to carry on with their current powertrains that includes 163PS/250Nm, 1.3-litre petrol and 190PS/400Nm, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine. The petrol powertrain is paired to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that offers a boost of 14PS under hard acceleration.

The GLA and GLB are also offered in the AMG 35 guise, which gets a 2-litre turbo-petrol unit, belting out a combined output of 306PS and 400Nm. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed DCT transmission and both have a similar top speed of 250kmph.

The plug-in hybrid 250 e trim features a 11.5kWh battery pack paired to the 1.3-litre petrol unit. The combined power figures are 218PS and 450Nm and the setup has a pure electric WLTP-claimed range of up to 70km. 

Also Read: Volkswagen ID. 2all Concept EV Revealed As All-electric Golf Hatchback Alternative

The updated SUVs should be introduced in India after their global launches. With these updates, both the GLA and GLB are expected to get a bump in their prices, which currently range between Rs 46.50 lakh and 50.50 lakh and Rs 63.80 lakh and Rs 69.80 lakh (all prices ex-showroom), respectively. While the GLA is a rival to the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, and the Audi Q3, the GLB is a seven-seater alternative to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.