2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB facelifts revealed

The facelifted 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB siblings have debuted in Europe.

As with the related A, B and CLA facelifts, the revised GLA small SUV and GLB medium SUV receive an updated design, new technology, and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for all petrol engines.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the updated GLA and GLB will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2023 (October to December inclusive), with local pricing and details to be announced closer to launch.

Both vehicles have a redesigned front bumper with a star-pattern grille and sportier intakes, while the 'power domes' on the bonnet have filtered down from AMG variants.

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In addition, there's a revised front and rear lighting graphics for the GLA and GLB, newly-designed alloy wheels between 17 and 20 inches, and a new spectral blue colour.

The wheel cladding is now body-coloured for the GLA, while Mercedes-Benz has fitted "visual under-ride protection points" to its smallest SUVs.

Inside, the GLA and GLB gain Mercedes-Benz's latest twin-spoke steering wheel, a simplified centre console with the touchpad deleted, repositioned volume and drive mode controls, and an additional USB-C port.

An updated version of the current MBUX system remains, unlike the second-generation GLC, which features a portrait-orientated unit positioned closer to the driver.

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Mercedes-Benz has revised the software, allowing for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, optional mini-games, and the ability to speak to the voice assistant without saying 'Hey, Mercedes' first in some instances.

The optional Burmester surround-sound audio system is now compatible with Dolby Atmos, while trailer manoeuvring assist is available on the GLA and GLB for the first time.

Under the bonnet, all petrol engines – including the AMG 35 – are fitted with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the belt-driven starter generator.

This system brings an additional 10kW with faster acceleration, added refinement with low-noise engine starting and reduced vibration, and regenerative braking.

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While the GLA and GLB AMG 35 have unchanged outputs at 225kW and 400Nm, both receive an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, replacing the current seven-speed unit.

The 0-100km/h sprint is two-tenths slower for the GLB 35 at 5.5 seconds, while the GLA 35 remains at 5.2s.

A plug-in hybrid system shared with the A250e is available for the GLA in Europe, however, it is tipped to remain off-limits for Australia.

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It has a more powerful electric motor with a 160kW/450Nm total system output and a carry-over 11.5kWh battery pack, allowing a WLTP-rated 62 to 70-kilometre electric-only driving range.

Mercedes-Benz has yet to detail the flagship AMG GLA 45, but updated A45 suggests it won't receive any technical changes, with the 310kW/500Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder carrying over unchanged.

Similar cosmetic updates are also expected for the electric siblings to the GLA and GLB – the EQA and EQB – in the coming months.