2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB Are Refreshed and Mildly Electrified
Mercedes-Benz today shared images and details about its two entry-level crossovers, the GLA and GLB, which both receive a series of tweaks and enhancements for the 2024 model year.
Each one sports a new grille and redesigned front bumper adding a bit more character to the exterior. LED high-performance headlights and LED taillights, now included as standard, update their lighting signature.
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Several new wheel designs ranging from 18-20 inches in diameter are available, while Spectral Blue is added to the list of body colours. Incidentally, the wheel arch extensions on the sportier Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 are painted in the same colour as the rest of the body.
Inside, the seats are finished in black synthetic leather, although other hues can be specified such as macchiato beige, bahia brown, sage grey and the new red pepper. The AMG models stand out with sport seats or AMG Performance seats, with genuine leather available as an option.
Two 10.25-inch displays are now facing the driver, the touchscreen over the centre stack using the latest generation of MBUX infotainment. By activating online services in the Mercedes me app, the intelligent voice assistant becomes even more capable of dialogue and learning. Also, certain actions can be triggered even without saying "Hey Mercedes."
A new feature is the ability to connect wirelessly with smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There’s an additional USB-C port and increased USB charging power, too. Furthermore, a selection of mini-games specially developed for the touchscreens and the touch control buttons on the steering wheel turn the GLA and GLB into a mobile games console for passing time when the vehicle is stopped. The list includes Sudoku, Shuffle Puck, Pairs, Match 3 and a quiz.
Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine motivating the GLA 250 4MATIC and GLB 250 4MATIC still delivers 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque, but a 48V mild hybrid system is added for 2024. In addition to supplying an extra 13 horsepower, fuel economy is improved, though we’ll only get the official ratings at a later date.
The AMG 35 models with 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque are electrified in the exact same way. Mercedes-Benz did not mention anything about the 382-horsepower GLA 45, however. Keep in mind that 4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard across the line.
Finally, when it comes to safety, an upgrade of the Driving Assistance package enables smoother intervention of Lane Keeping Assist through the Active Steering Control. The next generation of the Parking package also supports longitudinal parking. And, as an option, it can offer 360-degree visualization for camera-assisted parking.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA will arrive in Canada this fall, while the 2024 GLB is set to follow early next year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.