Mercedes-Benz updates GLA, GLB and GLC Coupe

MERCEDES-BENZ has announced a raft of small yet important updates to its GLA-, GLB- and GLC-Class SUV and SUV Coupe ranges, with refreshed designs, new technology and greater levels of electrification available across the board.

For the GLA and GLB SUV duo, a 48V mild hybrid system is now standard on all petrol-powered variants, while the GLC Coupe gains similar changes to those announced recently for the GLC SUV (wagon).

Visually, the revised GLA and GLB are identified by a remoulded front bumper cover and redesigned grille, larger air intakes and raised ‘power domes’ on the bonnet which were previously offered only on AMG variants.

New lighting graphics feature front and rear, as do newly sculpted alloy wheels. GLA models now received colour-coded wheel arch cladding.

Inside, the pair adopt Mercedes-Benz’s twin-spoke steering wheel alongside a pared back centre console and additional USB-C power outlet.

An updated MBUX infotainment and instrumentation array sits front and centre, with revised software now allowing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

For those needing to tow, the GLA and GLB now offer trailer manoeuvring assist for the first time.

Up front, the range is now fitted with a belt-driven 48V starter/generator which adds 10kW and regenerative braking to the package. AMG 35 variants now output 225kW/400Nm and come with an eight-speed automatic transmission in place of the current seven-speed unit.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering is also available, now with a more powerful 160kW/450Nm drivetrain, 70km WLTP all-electric driving range and 11.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack. However, the Australian branch of Mercedes-Benz has so far eschewed a number of PHEV options offered globally. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLA rivals the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 locally, as well as the Jaguar E-Pace, Lexus UX and Volvo XC40. The GLB, meanwhile, challenges competitors including the BMW X3, Genesis GV60, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Lexus NX.

Frontal styling for the GLC coupe is nearly identical to the revised wagon, while the rear-end is now identified by slimmer LED tail-lights and subtle decklid spoiler.

The new frontal treatment means the GLC Coupe is now 31mm longer than before (4763mm) and 5mm taller. Width and wheelbase measurements remain unchanged.

Drivelines will again include mild- and plug-in hybrid petrol and diesel units with 4Matic all-wheel drive available, however six- and eight-cylinder engines are now deleted.

In the cabin, a 12.9-inch instrument cluster and 11.9-inch portrait-oriented MBUX infotainment system and larger panoramic sunroof.

Local rivals for the GLC Coupe include the BMW X4, Genesis GV70 and Porsche Macan.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has indicated that the updated GLA-, GLB- and GLC Coupe will be available from the fourth quarter of this year, with the refreshed GLC SUV (wagon) to arrive in May.

Local pricing and specification details will be announced closer to the models’ launch.

Currently the GLA range starts from $63,200 plus on-road costs, the GLB line-up from $67,000 + ORCs and the GLC Coupe from $105,000 + ORCs.