Mercedes-Benz has revealed its updated GLB range, including the hot Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, with freshened styling and a range of electrified powertrains.
The updates closely mirror those already applied to the updated A-Class and CLA ranges.
The updated GLB range will arrive in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2023.
Mercedes-Benz has given the GLB in both standard and AMG guise a redesigned front bumper, as well as new full-LED headlights and tail lights.
Other cosmetic changes include several new wheel designs, ranging from 17 to 20 inches, and a new Spectral Blue Metallic exterior finish.
Inside, there’s still a choice of a 7.0-inch or 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster to sit next to the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and the latter now uses the latest generation of the MBUX system.
There are different display styles, with the AMG model getting unique graphics.
Mercedes-Benz also promises wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is coming “in the future”.
The intelligent voice assistant is capable of understanding more prompts, and you can reject personalised function suggestions by saying “Do not suggest now” and permanently delete them by saying “Do not suggest again”.
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
It can also explain vehicle functions, while owners in Germany have access to a new Tourguide function that reads out interesting facts about places of interest along their route.
An optional individualisation package brings a selection of mini-games to the infotainment system, and you can play using the touch-control buttons on the steering wheel – obviously not while you’re driving!
The GLB range gains an additional USB-C port, while all USB ports are illuminated. The optional Burmester sound system also gains an immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience.
The AMG GLB 35 also gets the new AMG Performance steering wheel with “bright displays” and “intuitive control logic”.
A Red Pepper/Black leather interior is new to AMG Line and AMG models, as is Bahia Brown Artico leatherette and Microcut microfibre upholstery.
The AMG GLB 35 also gets Sage Grey/Black Artico upholstery, as well as open-pore brown lime wood inlays.
The Parking Package features a 3D surround-view camera and supports parallel parking, while the lane-keep assist now keeps you in your lane with a gentle nudge instead of activating the ESP system.
In Europe, the GLB is offered with five petrol powertrains (including the hotter AMG GLB 35) and five diesel powertrains.
All petrol mills now feature a 48V mild-hybrid system with a belt-driven starter generator, which briefly adds an extra 10kW of power.
The 48V system supports coasting with the combustion engine switched off and recuperates energy during braking and acceleration, which is fed back to the battery.
While Mercedes-Benz Australia has yet to detail local pricing and specifications, the current model is offered in front-wheel drive GLB 200 and all-wheel drive GLB 250 and AMG GLB 35 variants.
There are no changes to outputs for these variants, with the GLB 200’s turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine still producing 120kW of power and 270Nm of torque and the GLB 250 producing 165kW and 350Nm from its turbo 2.0-litre four.
Likewise, the AMG GLB 35 still pumps out 225kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo, for a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 secons.
The related electric EQB is also in line for a mid-life update, which has already been spied testing.
Mercedes-Benz is debuting a new platform for its smallest models in 2024 called MMA, replacing the current MFA2 platform.
It’s also trimming its range of what it calls entry luxury models from seven to four, though we don’t expect the GLB to be on the chopping block given global demand for SUVs.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLB
MORE: Everything Mercedes-AMG GLB
