Mercedes-Benz updates 2024 GLA and GLB, plus hot AMG variants

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For Mercedes-Benz, the GLA and GLB crossovers serve as steppingstones into the brand, attracting customers looking for a slice of that sweet Mercedes life without a debilitating monthly payment. While there are mutterings out of Stuttgart about potentially moving away from this segment, it hasn’t stopped the brand from re-upping these machines for the 2024 model year.

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First up — the GLA. This sporty compact crossover has a swoopy design language, complete with a typically bold Mercedes grille and subtle power domes on its hood. This year’s model incorporates new LED light signatures front and rear, along with tweaks to its fascias for those of you who like to play highway spot-the-difference. A new colour palette now includes the nifty Spectral Blue.

Free-standing twin screens are one of the highlights of its upgraded interior, now boasting 10.25-inch displays as standard kit for instrument cluster and infotainment duties. The latter packs the brand’s latest MBUX software, bringing a wealth of driver information and functions for communication or media. Note the touch control unit in the centre has been binned, leaving those pads on the steering wheel and touchscreen itself as conduits for entering commands. Merc’s tremendous ambient lighting and Burmester sound system are also available.

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In terms of engine choice, Canadian customers will be offered the GLA 250 4Matic, bringing an electrified powertrain and all-wheel-drive. A 2.0L four-banger is assisted by an additional 48-volt on-board power supply, good for 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission handles shifting duties.

For those who prefer their compact luxury crossovers with a squared-off visage, Mercedes offers the GLB. Styled with a T-square, this rig appeals to customers who’d probably select the rectilinear G-Wagen over the curvier GLS if tasked with choosing a jumbo Merc SUV.

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Like its cousin, the GLB also gets new LED lighting signatures on both ends, plus a redesigned front bumper and enormous radiator grille. Spectral Blue paint shows up here as well, and should be selected with the greatest of speed. After all, there are more than enough dour grey Mercedes models parked in the nation’s condo lots and suburban driveways.

Peering inside, we find similar upgrades as the GLA, including those 10.25-inch displays and updated MBUX operating system. Mercedes claims a greater level of standard equipment in this GLB, with extra (and more powerful) USB ports, wireless smartphone integration, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and packages stuffed with parking tools. The optional Burmester surround-sound system now features Dolby Atmos. As for its engine, Merc simply pressed Ctrl+C whilst working on the GLA, which is to say the GLB 250 4Matic has exactly the same powertrain as its curvy sibling.

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Those seeking more oomph would be well served to check out the Mercedes-AMG variants of these two machines. Called the GLA 35 4Matic and GLB 35 4Matic, they receive an electrified powertrain similar in concept to that of its non-AMG cousins — but are jacked to increase horsepower by over one-third. Its 2.0L four-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system tag-team to produce 302 horses and 295 lb-ft of twist, permitting the GLA 35 to scoot to 100 km/h from rest in just 5.2 seconds. The boxier GLB 35 takes an extra couple of tenths thanks to the cruel laws of aerodynamics.

The all-wheel0drive systems of these fraternal twins have been tweaked to AMG standards, which is to say they’ll likely be imbued with an array of driving modes — some of which may permit roarty lairiness on a closed circuit. Same goes for the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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The AMG models also benefit from the non-AMG interior renovations, including the better screens, plus various and sundry software upgrades. Look for an AMG-style steering wheel in these trims, optional AMG sport seats, and available red/black upholstery.

Some of the offered trim elements will be different from the pedestrian GLA and GLB, just in case the angrier exterior styling wasn’t enough of a differentiator for you. Speaking of, the AMG models also benefit from improved LED lighting, whilst retaining the typically aggro front and rear fascia designs for which AMG has become known.

The expected Canadian market launch for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is the last quarter of 2023. Look for each of the GLB models to appear in dealer showrooms about three months later, in early Q1 of the 2024 calendar year.