Mercedes-Benz has given the Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLB compact SUVs a facelift with a new front and rear end, a new-generation MBUX multimedia system, more standard equipment, and changes to the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e’s PHEV powertrain.
Launched in December 2019, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA, codenamed H247, gets a discreet facelift. The new radiator grille with vertical louvres and horizontal fins can be seen on the outside. Also, the front bumper has been redesigned, and the underride protection can be seen.
Standard equipment has been upgraded, and every Mercedes-Benz GLA gets High-Performance LED headlights, LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels with five twin spokes, a 7-inch display for the instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch display for the multimedia system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and Comfort seats upholstered in Artico synthetic leather.
The Progressive Line has three interior colors (black, macchiato beige, and sage grey), and the AMG Line comes standard with upholstery in Artico synthetic leather/Microcut microfibre combination available in four colors: black, Bahia brown, sage grey, and the new shade red pepper combined with black. An optional Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos function is available. The MBUX system now includes mini-games such as Sudoku, Shuffle Puck, Pairs, Match 3, and a quiz.
Electrified petrol engines, standard automatic double clutch gearbox
All petrol engines in the new Mercedes-Benz GLA have a 48V mild hybrid system with an integrated 10 kW starter generator. The starter-generator is belt-driven and is not integrated between the combustion engine and the gearbox, as in the BMW new models.
The base versions of the GLA 180 and GLA 200 continue to use the 1.33-liter turbocharged petrol engine of Renault origin, upgraded and modified by Mercedes-Benz, which develops 136 and 163 PS, respectively. Both engines are mated to a Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The GLA 220 4Matic and GLA 250 4Matic petrol versions combine the Mercedes 2-liter turbocharged engine with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The diesel engines are unchanged and do not have the 48V mild hybrid system.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e PHEV version has been slightly modified. The electric motor power has been increased by 5 kW to 80 kW, but the system’s total power output has remained the same at 218 PS. The battery with a capacity of 11.5 kWh is standard charged at AC stations with 3.7 kW and optional at AC stations with 11 kW or DC fast stations with 22 kW.
The same modifications were applied to the Mercedes-Benz GLB which shares the same engine range but does not offer a PHEV version. Because of seven seats option, there is no place for the battery above the rear axle in the GLB.
The sales of the Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift and GLB facelift will start in the middle of 2023.
