The facelifted 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB and Mercedes-AMG GLB models just broke cover this week. The refreshed lineup of the compact SUV coming in dealerships this year features upgrades and expanded standard equipment that makes it even more attractive to customers.
Exterior
There are only a few improvements in the face of the new Mercedes-Benz GLB compared to its outgoing model. So, they’re really hard to make out at a glance. However, a closer examination reveals that it now has a redesigned front bumper with revised underbody protection to prepare it for offroading builds.
The central grille also gets a more streamlined look together with the circular housing of the three-pointed star. In addition, the headlamps and taillights get a full LED makeover for better visuals and optimum illumination.
There are four customization options for the wheels of the new GLB ranging from the base 17-inch going up to 20-inch sets. Meanwhile, a new addition to the paint job is available, which is called “Spectral Blue Metallic”.
The AMG trim of the product gets all the new goodies mentioned while replacing the front grille with its signature Panamericana design with vertical slats. The intakes and side skirts are molded to offer a more aggressive visual, too.
Interior and Tech
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLB makes up for the subtle exterior redesign with its plethora of interior upgrades. Now, the cockpit of the auto possesses a classier upholstery clad in Artico and a more prominent freestanding twin screen.
The display of the instrument cluster can be had in its standard diagonal size of seven inches to the optional 10.25 inches. Meanwhile, the central touchscreen display measures 10.25 inches.
The same turbine-inspired air conditioning vents adorn the cabin of the GLB, but there appear to be noticeable changes in the aluminum inserts of its dashboard as well as its plastic embellishments. Likewise, a new multi-function steering wheel featuring a dual-bar three-spoke design stands out among the new interior elements of the SUV.
For its tech, the new GLB comes equipped with the latest MBUX version, showcasing new display themes, namely Classic, Sporty, and Discreet. The system enables drivers to personalize their driving experience by choosing from its three available modes, too, which include Navigation, Assistance, and Services.
These are complemented by the vehicle’s intelligent voice assistant system via the Mercedes me app. The optional upgrade allows the artificial intelligence of the unit to learn from the habits of users and offer better dialogue outputs.
The voice assistant can now suggest infotainment, comfort, and vehicle presets depending on the learned preferences of the user without the need to utter “Hey Mercedes” every time. Of course, the driver can always reject these suggestions or permanently delete them. In case, the user is not familiar with the functions of the application, the voice assistant will gladly take the driver on a quick tutorial.
The GLB also offers a variety of ambient light color themes to select from. Even the telematics system has undergone upgrades, including illuminated USB ports featuring an extra USB-C port and better charging power.
Moreover, the GLB’s basic equipment has been significantly enhanced, and the offer logic has been adapted to suit specific customer requirements. These include Highbeam Assist, a reverse camera, and a USB package. There are optional Parking and Mirror Packages offered starting in the Progressive equipment variant of the SUV as well.
Furthermore, the GLB’s safety assistance features have been significantly updated, making it one of the safest compact SUVs on the market. It comes with Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Attention Assist as standard. Customers can add more safety features with Mercedes’ optional packages.
Powertrain
The facelifted Mercedes GLB is available in eight Benz trims in Europe, including the GLB 180, GLB 180d, GLB 200, GLB 200, GLB 200d 4MATIC, GLB 220 4MATIC, GLB 220d 4MATIC, and GLB 250 4MATIC.
The petrol-fed GLB 180 and GLB 200 are equipped with mild-hybrid 1.3-liter inline-four engines with powertrains of 136 hp and 163 hp, respectively. The rest are packing either diesel or mild-hybrid petrol 2.0-liter inline-four units with outputs ranging from 116 hp to 224 hp.
The US versions are limited to the GLB 250 and GLB 250 4MATIC trims. They share the mild-hybrid petrol 2.0-liter inline-four petrol engine producing 221 hp.
Going for the Mercedes-AMG 35 version of the auto modifies the engine to include a twin-scroll exhaust gas turbo in order to raise the stakes at 302 hp.
