The Mercedes-Benz GLB has long been a surprisingly spacious compact SUV with a funky upright shape and spunky powertrains. It’s a relatively new addition to the automaker’s catalog, having been on sale only since the 2020 model year. Nevertheless, it’s due for a mid-cycle update. The 2024 model gets fresh exterior styling, updated lighting features, larger interior displays, and electrified powertrains.
The GLB slots into the Mercedes lineup between the smaller GLA and slightly larger GLC. The automaker sells the SUV in three main configurations. The standard SUV comes in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants, and the performance-oriented GLB 35 comes with a more powerful engine and standard AWD. Sales of all 2024 GLB models begin later in 2023.
Mercedes updates the 2024 GLB’s upright exterior with a new bumper and radiator grille that the automaker says gives it a more rugged look. New headlight and taillight designs feature LED lighting elements, and a new Starling Blue Metallic paint color is available. Buyers can choose from new wheel designs between 18 and 20 inches. The AMG variant features special badges on the exterior and unique wheels but is visually close to the standard model.
Though the larger screens are the headlining features of the new interior, the GLB comes with a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Mercedes offers either black or beige interior colors. The AMG Line package is available with a brown interior for the first time, and buyers can also choose from black, grey/black, and red/black. The synthetic upholstery now consists mainly of recycled materials, with up to 85 percent of some components from recycling.
The GLB 35 is available with new upholstery colors, including grey/black and red/black. Performance seats are available, and open-pore brown Linden wood trim is available.
The standard GLB has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, making 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes pairs it with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and either front-wheel or AWD. Mercedes electrified the GLB for 2023, giving it a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that can boost output by 13 hp for short periods. It also enables coasting with the engine off and can supply energy to the 12-volt electronics system.
The AMG GLB 35 gets a more powerful version of the engine with 302 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes also pairs it with an 8-speed DCT, and AWD comes standard. Mercedes’ in-house tuning division AMG enhances the GLB 35’s engine, which is different from 45-series AMG vehicles, which get a hand-built 4-cylinder.
The 2024 Mercedes GLB comes standard with several advanced driver aids, including blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe-exit system, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, a rearview camera mirror, and more. Mercedes updates the available equipment with an improved lane-keeping assistance system with more comfortable interventions. Also, the new parking package now supports longitudinal parking.
Mercedes updates the GLB for 2024 with larger 10.25-inch interior displays. They run the latest MBUX infotainment system with what Mercedes says are improved voice controls and more intuitive menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the GLB gets more USB inputs for 2024. The vehicle learns the driver’s behavior over time. Depending on the driving situation, it can automatically change audio, comfort, and other settings. A Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos sound and adaptive output that varies based on interior sound levels is available.
The GLB’s fiercest rival may be its stablemate, the GLC, which is slightly larger and more engaging to drive. The Mazda CX-9 and upcoming 2024 CX-90 offer a surprisingly upscale experience at a lower price. And the Volvo XC60 features a gorgeous Scandinavian design with advanced powertrains.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of March 17, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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