Mercedes has revealed the upgraded 2024 GLB-Class, a rare crossover in that it blends compact dimensions with an available third seating row, giving it something that its BMW X1 and Audi Q3 rivals don’t have. The latest one focuses more on powertrain and tech upgrades, though. It won’t be long before every Mercedes-Benz model is electrified in some way, and the GLB continues this trend with a new mild-hybrid system with 48-volt technology that adds a 13-horsepower boost temporarily. The GLB 250’s peak outputs of 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque are unchanged, however. A subtle exterior redesign and the latest MBUX infotainment system also form part of the updates. While older entry-level Mercs struggled to live up to the expectations of that revered Three-pointed Star, the refreshed GLB remains a solid option for buyers wanting a high-image vehicle without breaking the bank.
When Is The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Coming Out?
A release date for the new Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class has been set for later in 2023, although how late in the year remains a mystery. We assume it will be coming out in the second half of the year.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Price And Competition
The price of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class was not available at the time of writing so should be published closer to the crossover’s arrival in the USA. However, it’s likely that the GLB 250 will lose its status as one of the few sub-$40,000 Mercedes crossovers, since the 2023 model already begins at an MSRP of $39,800. We expect the new one to cost around $2,000 more before options.
No other premium crossover at this price point offers three seating rows, but if you only need two, then the all-new BMW X1 provides some stern opposition. The X1 xDrive28i starts at $39,100, less than the pre-facelift GLB 250 with all-wheel drive. Yet it’s the BMW that’s quicker and more powerful. The 2023 Audi Q3 is now the oldest of the trio but still a posh alternative. It starts at $39,200 but is the slowest and can carry the least amount of cargo.
New Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Exterior And Colors
You’ll need a magnifying glass to clearly spot the differences between the exterior of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class and the pre-facelift model, or you’ll have to be a Mercedes aficionado. This isn’t a criticism, though, as the GLB is actually one of the more distinctive crossovers in the Mercedes range. Its boxier silhouette differs from the curvier lines of other Merc crossovers, but this helps to maximize the amount of interior room.
For the 2024 model – pictured below alongside the new GLA – the GLB gains a new front bumper with underbody protection that intends to create a rugged look, but it’s not too overdone. The large grille stands out with its center star and four horizontal louvers, while the full-LED headlights are new. The taillights have been revised, too, with a cleaner inner lighting signature than before.
New 18- and 20-inch wheel designs have been introduced, and the colors for the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class now include Spectral Blue Metallic. Mercedes did not mention that previous colors have been cut from the range, so we assume that the likes of Polar White, Night Black, Denim Blue, and Manufaktur Patagonia Red will still be available.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Dimensions
With such minor changes to the exterior, the dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class should remain the same. The current model has a length of 182.4 inches, which is compact for a vehicle that can accommodate three seating rows. The width is 79.5 inches, including the mirrors (72.2 inches without them), and the height is 65.3 inches. As for the wheelbase, that is 111.4 inches.
The new mild-hybrid system may have added a few pounds to the 2023 model’s curb weight of 3,638 lbs in front-wheel-drive guise, but we’ll be able to confirm this once the full 2024 specs are made available.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Engine And Performance
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class still has peak outputs of 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, but it’s now been supplemented by a mild-hybrid system with 48-volt technology for the belt-driven starter-generator. This adds a 13-hp boost but also enables coasting with the engine switched off, improving efficiency, as well as engine starting that is more refined than before. Under braking and acceleration, energy is recuperated.
No 0-60 mph times were claimed, but there may be a small improvement since Mercedes says the mild-hybrid system can enhance acceleration under certain conditions. The 2023 GLB 250 needed 6.9 seconds for the 0-60 mph sprint whether or not it was equipped with the available 4Matic AWD system.
The transmission is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In a previous test drive of the GLB, we found that the vehicle was a touch hesitant when pulling away, be it a case of turbo lag or a delay with the DCT. It’ll be interesting to see if the mild-hybrid system has improved matters. That aside, this should still be a very pleasant crossover to drive as long as you prioritize comfort over sportiness.
Gas Mileage
Mercedes hasn’t said what the potential efficiency gains of the new GLB 250 are with the mild-hybrid system, but it should be better than the 24/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined of the 2023 model with FWD. Those numbers dip to 22/30/25 mpg with AWD.
We estimate a best combined figure of 29 mpg, in which case the 2024 GLB will be able to attain a range of around 460 miles when the 15.9-gallon gas tank is full.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Interior And Cargo
Climb inside and the interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class greets you with a design that successfully mimics that of much more expensive Mercs. Flashy ambient lighting brightens everything up, the turbine-like silver vents are sporty, and there are dual screens for the driver’s display and infotainment.
Whereas dual seven-inch screens were standard previously, the 2024 GLB’s standard screens have grown to 10.25 inches in size. The latest MBUX infotainment system has new display styles, including Classic, Sporty, and Discreet. There are also three modes – Navigation, Assistance, and Services – and ten ambient lighting options, so you could spend a considerable amount of time deciding on your favorite settings.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto replace the wired versions used before, the telematics system has been revised, and there is an extra USB-C port with greater charging power. The USB ports are also easier to find in the dark as they’re illuminated.
Staying with the technology, the optional Burmester sound system now comes with Dolby Atmos for an even more immersive listening experience. The Parking and Keyless Go packages are now included as standard, with the former supporting longitudinal parking and a 360-degree camera.
MB-Tex and microfiber cover the seats in the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, and the color scheme is black and Macchiato Beige. With the AMG Line interior, there is a new choice of Bahia Brown in addition to Black, Titan Grey/Black, and Red/Black. With this AMG Line interior, a heated steering wheel is available for the first time.
Depending on whether five or seven seats are equipped, and which of the rear rows are folded, the cargo space in the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class ranges between a tight 5.1 cubic feet and a spacious 62 cubes. This is unlikely to change for the 2024 model.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV Smarter And More Efficient
21/03/2023
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Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG
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