Benz is updating its smallest crossovers for 2024
GLA, GLB get latest MBUX tech, other upgrades
Mercedes-Benz is refreshing its two smallest crossovers. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA and 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB get a mild facelift, the latest version of MBUX, and the latest Benz steering wheel. Plus the little ‘utes will add 48V mild hybrid power to their 2.0L engines.
The facelifts are small on both, with a new grille being the biggest change. Blink and you’ll miss it, but the center slat is now different, stopping short of the Benz star in the center. The lower bumpers of both are new as well, and the LED headlamps are new with new signature lighting.
You’ll spot similar changes at the rear, including new taillight designs. The baby Benzes get new wheel designs and there will be some extra paint colours on the options list.
The changes inside are a bit bigger, starting with the now-standard dual 10.25-inch screens. Last year, the GLA and GLB offered a smaller basic digital dash that, frankly, looked a bit awkward.
Mercedes-Benz’s latest steering wheel, with quad center spokes, is now in the 2024 GLA and 2024 GLB. Like in the brand’s offerings that got the wheel already, it has twin dials at the bottom that integrate tiny screens and control drive modes and other functions.
Upgrades to the MBUX system add basic games. The updates also improve the natural speech command recognition and try to predict settings or routes you might want. The lump in the center console for a touchpad is now gone. The GLA adds wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the GLB doesn’t get those just yet.
Mercedes does tweak the GLB’s tech. The driving assistant package gets Active Steering Control, which Benz says will make the Lane Keeping Assist more comfortable.
The 2024 GLA 250 and 2024 GLB 250 get a 48V mild hybrid belt-driven motor. The system adds up to 13 hp to the 2.0L turbo-four’s 221 in the right conditions. The motor should make start-stop functions more transparent, and let Mercedes shut off the engine in more situations.
AMG models, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLB 35, get the same changes but with an AMG twist. Like that model’s slatted grille. The AMG 2.0L turbo-four gets the same 48V treatment, adding 13 hp to its 302.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA is set to arrive at dealers in the fourth quarter of 2023. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB will show up in early 2024. Pricing was not announced for either.
