The most affordable way to get the prestige and sumptuous interior design of a Mercedes-Benz is not a sedan. It’s a subcompact SUV. The GLA crossover has been the brand’s point of entry since the little A-Class left the market in 2022. That’s likely to stay true in 2024, but the GLA will get a new look and an updated suite of cabin technologies.
The slightly larger, slightly boxier GLB doesn’t cost much more and rides on the same platform. It gets a similar list of updates.
Mercedes hasn’t disclosed 2024 pricing yet. The 2023 GLA starts at $37,500. The 2023 GLB starts at $39,800. Both will likely see price increases for the new model year, but not enough to upset the order of the entry-level luxury SUV market.
GLA Visual Update
For the more coupe-like GLA, the changes are subtle up front. Mercedes says the grille is new, with a more “powerful character.” But we have trouble spotting much change, except that it’s grown a bit. The bumper below it is more thoroughly reshaped, with larger air intakes and surrounds for the (optional) fog lights.
GLB Updates
The GLB — largely the same vehicle with more cargo space and rear-seat room — gets similar updates. The boxier GLB is also unique in that it offers a small third-row seating option.
Its redesigned front bumper, Mercedes says, gets “visual underguard protection” for a more rugged look. Reshaped full-LED headlights and taillights appear, along with new wheel designs in 18- and 20-inch sizes.
Interior Changes
The changes inside are more significant but seem identical for the two vehicles, so we’ll explain it once. In 2023, a pair of 7-inch screens was standard at lower trims, with larger 10.25-inch models available. For 2024, Mercedes has dispensed with the fiction that anyone wants 7-inch screens in their German luxury vehicle. The bigger pair are now standard.
“The steering wheel is upholstered in Nappa leather as standard, and a heated steering wheel is also available for the AMG Line interior for the first time,” the company says.
Other new standard features include parking assists, high-beam assist, and the “Keyless GO” system instead of the old “Keyless Start” system. As near as we can tell, you can now unlock the car by touching any door handle when the key fob is in your pocket or purse.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard as well.
Mild Hybrid
Both get a new mild-hybrid system appended to the same standard engine available last year. It’s still a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder making 221 horsepower. But a Formula-1-style integrated starter generator can now add 13 horsepower for a few seconds of boost.
Front-wheel drive is still standard, with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system optional.
AMG Models Tweaked
Both still get a high-performance AMG edition, which picks up the same 13-horsepower boost, this time added to its 302-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Visual tweaks include the AMG logo added to the hood and a new flat-bottom steering wheel.
