2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA, GLB Revealed Globally; Get Mild-Hybrid Petrol Engine

Ahead of their global launch this year, Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the updated GLA and the GLB SUVs. The latest cars receive significant updates with revised styling, new mild-hybrid powertrain options as well as a couple of new features. Furthermore, the company also offers the GLA with a new 250e plug-in hybrid engine, which uses an 11.5kWh battery pack and is powered by a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine. Speaking of their launch, the German carmaker could bring the GLA and the GLB facelifts internationally in the coming months, according to some reports. Following this, the updated SUVs are expected to go on sale in our home market. 

Also Read: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Unveiled Globally; Gets Electrified Powertrain

Mercedes-Benz GLA, GLB Facelifts: Styling, Features

Up front, the updated Mercedes-Benz GLA and the GLB get styling tweaks in the form of revised bumpers with skid plate, new alloy wheels, new LED headlamps with a new-pattern LED DRL (daytime running lights), redesigned LED tail lights, and body-coloured finish around wheel arches. In addition, the GLA comes with a revamped front grille with vertical louvers, a horizontal fin, and a bonnet with power domes. While the GLB has a new front grille with horizontal louvers.

Both the GLA and the GLB offer new alloy wheel designs, with the former ranging from 17- to 20-inch in size and the latter 18- to 20-inch in size. 

On the inside, the updated models boast heated steering wheels, twin 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster with the latest-generation MBUX software, 7-inch driver displays as standard, and USB-C ports. Furthermore, the GLA now features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.  

Mercedes-Benz GLA, GLB Facelifts: Powertrain

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA and the GLB now get 48V mild-hybrid technology, which delivers a 13.8bhp extra power boost, across all petrol engines. The new models are equipped with either a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, or a 2.0-litre diesel engine, albeit in different states of tune. 

With the plug-in hybrid technology, the Mercedes-Benz GLA extracts 7bhp extra power output, supporting 22kW. Now, it has a claimed range of up to 70 kilometre, up from 60 kilometre. 

Also Read: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Lexus NX 350h vs Volvo XC40 Recharge: Comparison

If launched in India, the latest GLA and the GLB will hold a premium over their respective existing models. Among competitors, the GLA takes on the likes of the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. Whereas, the GLB rivals the likes of the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.