Mercedes-Benz Tweaks GLA and GLB

by Matthew Guy

Published: March 16th, 2023

Those of you just itching to get behind the wheel of a new entry-level Mercedes will enjoy the news that Stuttgart has given its smallest vehicles a nip and tuck while also gifting them an electrified powertrain.

In case you fell asleep in Merc 101, let us remind you the GLA and GLB share much in terms of structure and power teams but are styled to target two completely different customers. The GLA attracts those seeking rounded bodywork; the GLB was styled with a t-square and appeals to shoppers who think the G-Wagen is a looker.

For 2024, both get freshened front and rear designs, primarily courtesy of new lighting signatures emitted by snazzy LEDs. Grilles are typically loud Mercedes units, showing up for duty with enormous tri-star badges and an array of styles depending on which option package is chosen. Front bumper areas have been redesigned and there are new choices on the paint palette.

Americans can choose their GLA 250 and GLB 250 with or without 4Matic all-wheel drive guts. Under the hood is a mild hybrid arrangement comprised of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that features an additional 48-volt onboard power supply for the belt-driven starter-generator. Power checks in at 221 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque backed by an eight-speed dual-clutch. These numbers will seem familiar but this year’s addition of the 48-volt system should fill in any power gaps at low speeds, potentially making these two feel a bit more fleet around town when trying to squeeze into that gap in traffic.

Not to be outdone, the AMG speed freaks made like Burger King and had it their way, tweaking the powertrain to belt out 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. They also fettled the dual-clutch transmission and applied their own brand of aggro in the form of AMG-specific grilles and styling addenda, not to mention optional seats offered in snazzy colors.

Speaking of the interior, dual 10.25-inch screens now stand at the ready under a single pane of glass, ready to proffer details on vehicle vitals and infotainment. Packed into the system is the latest iteration of MBUX software, able to wirelessly work with smartphones or serve up a variety of info displays. Burmester sound systems remain optional, and Dolby Atmos is available in some models as well.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLB and its variants will arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2023.

[Images: Mercedes-Benz]

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Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

More by Matthew Guy

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4 of 23 comments

Jkross22 on Mar 17, 2023

Question for anyone who has leased or bought one of these:

Are these engaging to drive in any way, or are they relaxing to drive? Because for similar money, you can get a GLC300, and I can tell you with high confidence that is very comfortable and damn close to what I think of a Mercedes to be but in SUVese.

During our lease GLC300 period, we got a loaner GLA to drive - the prior gen one. Hot garbage. Truly, it was 2010 Chrysler quality. Who in their right mind bought one of those?

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- ChristianWimmer on Mar 17, 2023
  
  My current car is a 2018 Mercedes A250 AMG Line which shares its platform with the current B-Class, CLA, GLA and GLB. I have the AMG Line package (lowered body) and the Advanced Suspension Package which allows me to select between comfort and sport and the suspension firmness changes accordingly. I rarely drive in sport because the suspension is too hard in this mode, but even in comfort mode the handling is very nice for a FWD car.
  
  I have plenty of experiences with these Mercedes’ cars based on this platform because whenever my car goes to the shop for its yearly service, I pay 40,- Euros for a loaner and it’s always a small modern Benz. So, I’ve driven the A200 AMG Line, A220, B200, CLA180, CLA200 AMG Line and most recently a brand new GLA200 AMG Line which only had 400 km on the clock.
  
  The current GLA drives pretty nicely. Seating position is nice. In fact it doesn’t feel like an SUV at all. The steering feedback is sharp, the suspension is firm and provides a nice mix of comfort and sport and the little 1.33-l turbo 4-cylinder engine is very agile, powerful and smooth. It only runs out of steam at around 150 km/h on the Autobahn where afterwards its acceleration takes a little hit. I’m not a fan of the GLA’s design, but the driving experience was pretty nice. It didn’t have the fancy Advanced Suspension Package but it didn’t need it - I could easily toss this car around and the handling was good enough for me to have some fun in it. I could live with this car on a daily basis as it’s both comfortable and sporty and offers good interior room.
  
  One more thing, the A220 loaner I once had was a regular A-Class with no AMG body kit or fancy suspension. For my tastes it was too soft in corners. The steering feedback was great but the suspension was too soft. IMO it needs the AMG Line body kit and the Advanced Suspension Package because this provides a nice blend between sport and comfort. I found the 193-hp motor to feel strangely slow compared to my car (224-hp) and even the smaller A200 with the 1.33-l 163-hp engine, which felt far more agile and quicker than the ‘220 motor (the A220 and A250 share the same engine but with different tuning settings).
  The regular non-AMG CLA180 drives very nicely. In fact I’d say it’s the best driving model amongst these Benzes which share the same platform. The AMG Line CLA200 I once got to drive drives even better.
  
  Not sold in the USA but a surprisingly relaxing car to drive was the B200 MPV. It handles ok but don’t expect to toss it around corners and expect sports car handling. The strengths of this car are the great seating position and the very comfortable driving experience. I like sporty cars but here I just got in and cruised around and didn’t feel the need to drive in a sporty manner. It was a very relaxing car to drive.
  
  Hope this helps!
  
  Like
- FreedMike on Mar 17, 2023
  
  I'm sure this drives nicer than, say, a loaded-up MX-5 turbo, but this thing is going to run $55,000-$60,000 with the right options. Is it $20,000 nicer than the Mazda? I highly doubt it. But, as they say, it ain't my money.
  If anything, vehicles like this make the case for Mazda selling itself as a sub-luxury brand.
  
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- ChristianWimmer on Mar 18, 2023
  
  JKross,
  Weird, I posted a long reply yesterday regarding my experiences with these cars and TTAC didn’t allow it it seems…
  Bottom line: my last loaner when my A250 was getting serviced was a brand new facelifted 2023 GLA200 AMG Line without the Advanced Suspension Pack. It drove very nicely and didn’t feel like an SUV at all. Handling was crisp, steering feedback was good and the standard suspension was a splendid compromise between sport and comfort. It’s no sports car but you can toss it around sportily around corners and it will cope nicely. Didn’t detect much understeer either. The 163-hp 1.33-l turbo-4 is a very peppy and agile engine, a bit buzzy when accelerating but smooth and fairly quiet at idle. I don’t like the design of the GLA but the driving qualities were pretty good in my opinion, more than enough to satisfy someone who wants a comfortable and somewhat sporty ride.
  
  Like
Arthur Dailey on Mar 17, 2023

Circa late 2010 I tried to convince my mother to purchase a B class Mercedes. As she was looking for what would be her 'final' car. The B fit all of her requirements regarding visibility, safety, utility and ease of access/egress. However she balked at using 'premium' fuel and rumours of Mercedes maintenance fees and disregarded my suggestion.

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