Mercedes-Benz is upgrading its smallest crossover for 2024.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class gets a new front end with LED headlights, while a new steering wheel and infotainment system round out the interior changes. Finally, it adds mild hybrid power to its 2.0L turbocharger four-cylinder engine.
The facelift is subtle; designers updated the grille slightly and made the lower bumper openings much larger. The headlight housings haven't changed, but the light signature and light elements inside are new. The taillights are also new, but equally subtle in their enhancements.
Some slightly more significant changes have been made to the interior. The twin 10.25-inch screens are now standard, the centre console controls have been revised to remove the old lump of a control pad, and the steering wheel is the latest Mercedes model with thin quad spokes and touch-responsive dial controls on the bottom.
Those screens run the latest version of the MBUX infotainment interface. It can now connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. The new system has more intuitive voice control interactions. It can also learn your routes, asking if you want personalized climate, comfort, and directional functions at the times and places you often use them.
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 gets similar upgrades, though it comes with unique styling elements.
Both versions add 48-volt mild hybrid power. The GLA 250 and GLA 35 will still make 221 hp and 302 hp, respectively, from their 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but the electric assist can add 13 hp from a stop. But the real purpose of the belt-driven motor is to make ignition stop-start operation smoother and to let the engine spend more time shut down when coasting or even cruising, with the goal of saving fuel.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 are set to arrive at dealers in towards the end of this year. Pricing hasn't been announced, but that will likely come closer to the on-sale date. Interestingly, Mercedes made no mention of the quicker GLA 45 in its announcement, but we expect it to get similar changes when and if it arrives.
You may also like
