Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB: Welcome 2024 with Refreshed Design

Mercteil keeps you up to date about the new SUVs. That includes their new AMG kit, which brings exciting visual and mechanical upgrades

The German manufacturer has been updating its entire line of compact models. The A-Class and the CLA had their redesign unveiled last year, and now it is time for the SUV duo to get a new face. A refreshed face, to be more precise, because this will be their half-cycle facelift.

While the updated design is the most noticeable item, it is great to know that there is more to it. Both models also bring more equipment in the cabin, mild-hybrid boost on their petrol versions, and, of course, a refreshed AMG body kit. Let us take a closer look at those items.

Mercedes GLA and GLB

We know that Mercedes-Benz’s line can be confusing at times. After all, it offers dozens of models with similar names. Here, the GL- prefix indicates that they are SUVs, while the A, B suffixes show these two are direct members of the automaker’s compact line, A and B Class.

The company shows those models together because they tend to supplement one another. The GLB’s boxy design offers interesting room for up to seven people, while the GLA seeks emotional drivers who drive with fewer people and appreciate a sleeker, sportier SUV style.

Such layout is quite unusual in the company, to be honest. After all, bigger siblings GLC and GLE both offer their respective regular and Coupé body styles under the same nameplates. The bright side is increasing the B-Class line, which used to have a single compact minivan.

New design with AMG style

Both vehicles sport a new front bumper, which is an essential item in this type of update. It has larger air intakes and a redesigned radiator grille. The hood was updated with what the company calls “power domes”: creases that make it look more muscular, like on AMG cars.

You can also find new LED design on the headlights, new AMG rims with options from 17” to 20”, and the new Spectral Blue shade for the external paint. Since LEDs became standard on these models, their halogen headlamps are entirely gone. They used to appear at base trims.

Speaking of trim levels, Mercedes-Benz has only released pictures of the cars’ AMG versions, which are two. One is AMG Line, which is pretty much a tuning kit, and the other is the AMG 45. That one is the actual performance version, which has deeper improvements of all types.

Longer equipment list inside

The base cabin features a 7” screen as the gauge cluster and a 10.25” screen for the central system – upscale trims use a dual-screen layout with two 10.25” units. The MBUX system is now equipped with wireless phone connectivity, optional minigames, and a voice assistant.

The latter also brings a “Tour Guide” function, initially only available in German, which says useful information about nearby places as you drive. You will also find a new USB-C port for faster recharging, and a genuine AMG steering wheel updated with the tuner’s latest design.

Last, but not least, there are trim changes. The seats use Artico man-made leather with the color options of black, Macchiato beige and Sage grey at the regular versions. The AMG Line package comes with two additional ones: Bahia brown, and red/black as a two-tone layout.

More comfort and safety

If you want a truly premium experience, the new GLA and GLB have received a new ambient lighting system with ten colors and an optional Mercedes Burmester audio system. It brings premium surround sound with Dolby Atmos. But there is news for more rational people too.

Mercedes-Benz has improved the Driver Assistance system and the Parking package, which now works with a 360° camera. The Trailer Manoeuvering system was made available here for the first time as an option, while rear-view camera and high-beam assist are standard.

Those updates are important for two main reasons. One is keeping them up to date in terms of safety, especially now that global laws are becoming stricter. The other is picking the pace of their direct rivals: Audi and BMW, for example, are investing more than ever in all that.

More efficient gasoline powertrain

The GLA 250e is the only plug-in hybrid version here. The facelift brought it a more powerful electric motor, but everything else remained the same. That means it still uses an 11.5-KWh battery and offers an output of 215 hp of combined power and 450 Nm of combined torque.

Both models now use mild-hybrid assistance on their regular gasoline trims, while the diesel ones were unchanged. The 48-volt system uses a special generator that helps reduce its fuel consumption and carbon emissions. It also provides a 13-hp boost for a short period of time.

Mercedes-Benz has dropped the manual transmission from these lineups, which means the mild-hybrid and the diesel versions get a 7 or 8 dual-clutch automatic gearbox. You can get front or all-wheel drive depending on the version. We are yet to know the AMG 35’s details.

Mercteil brings you closer to AMG design

Now that you know everything about the new GLA and GLB, it is time to think about making them suit your style. Mercteil offers a diverse selection of AMG body kit items for your GLA or GLB. All of them are genuine and come with worldwide shipping, but there is more to it.

We offer an online catalog with an intuitive filtering option. You can set it to show you only items which are compatible with either of those SUVs. Therefore, you can shop without any concerns in that regard. We are sure that you are going to find everything you are searching.