2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB freshen up

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB – and their hotter Mercedes-AMG GLA and GLB 35 siblings – have been unveiled before the launch of the upgraded small luxury SUVs later this year.

Just three years after their debuts back in 2020, the mid-life makeover for both the GLA and GLB brings fresh technology and updated designs including a new grille, front bumper and daytime running lamps.

Both the GLA and GLB now gain LED headlights and tail-lights as standard, while the wheel-arches are now body-colour, wrapped around new 17-inch wheels as standard – at least in Europe, where 18s and 20s are also an option.

Inside, base models get a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster that's combined with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, with more expensive models scoring twin-10.25-inch displays.

There's also a revised steering wheel with touch-control buttons, while infotainment software has been upgraded to run the German brand's latest MBUX software.

Under the bonnet, the most significant change is the introduction of an updated engine range.

Both the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers the 100kW/230Nm GLA 180 (not sold in Australia) and the 120kW/270Nm version in the GLA 200 get mild-hybrid tech.

That means a 48-volt belt-driven starter/generator that can add a 10kW boost of power at low revs or while accelerating, as well as claw back energy for greater efficiency under braking.

The 140kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in the GLA 220 4MATIC and the range-topping 165kW/350Nm GLA 250 4MATIC both get the same fuel-saving tech, as do the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines not offered in Australia.

The other big change is with the plug-in hybrid GLA 250e, which is now equipped with a larger 11.5kWh lithium-ion battery to deliver a longer WLTP-verified 70km EV range, although power and torque remain pegged at 120kW/270Nm.

The updated 2023 GLA and GLB models are due on sale before the end of this year and are expected to be accompanied by price rises. The cheapest Mercedes GLA 200 is currently priced from $63,200 plus on-road costs.

It's not just the core GLA and GLB compact SUVs that have gone under the knife – both the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLB 35 have also been upgraded.

Like the less sporting members of the small SUV family, there are new front bumpers, body-coloured wheel-arches, new 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, revised LED headlight and tail-light signatures and, inside, a new AMG Performance steering wheel.

Other upgrades include the latest MBUX infotainment software, a new USB-C charging port, upgraded lane keep assist and enhanced auto-parking functionality including parallel parking.

Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre turbo four that powers both the Mercedes-AMG GLA/GLB 35 also now incorporates 48-volt mild-hybrid tech in the form of a belt-driven starter/generator.

Power and torque remain pegged at 225kW/400Nm and, despite an additional 10kW boost at low revs and under acceleration, the official 0-100km/h performance figure actually increases by 0.1 seconds, to 5.2sec.

Australian pricing and release timing is yet to be announced, and the upgraded 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is yet to be revealed.

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