The updated Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB – if you say it quickly it comes out like the sound effects from a Don Martin comic strip in Mad – each get their specific treatment with more standard specification for the GLA and a new bumper/grilles setup for the GLB just part of the changes.
There is a new radiator grille with vertical louvres and a horizontal fin, while the contoured bonnet with power domes adds extra street cred. The redesigned front bumper, now has visual underride protection to highlight the GLA's off-road capabilities.
The basic trim now includes 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black with high-gloss turned surfaces, with optional 19- to 20-inch wheels available.
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Standard equipment includes a 7-inch and a 10,25-inch display for the instrument cluster and multimedia screen, respectively, with an option for two 10,25-inch wide-screen displays, offering a comprehensive high-tech experience.
Mark Raine, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, says: "The Mercedes-Benz GLA undoubtedly resonates with those looking for an entry point into the brand without compromising on that iconic Mercedes-Benz experience. It speaks to that desire for adventure, both in the urban environment and the greater outdoors. It remains a fashion statement in any setting, now enhanced with a raft of cutting-edge updates.”
Alongside the leather steering wheel and LED front headlights, the base model now includes Highbeam Assist, a backup camera and a USB package and new tech features include wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an additional USB-C port and increased USB charging power, with all USB ports now illuminated.
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By activating online services in the Mercedes me app, the intelligent voice assistant becomes even more capable, learning the driver's preferences and suggesting personalised settings and functions based on the driving situation.
I had the chance to drive the GLA 200d, which was neat co-incidental timing having recently finished a test run with the A 200d Sedan.
From the front to the B-pillar the two are identical in terms of everything that matters, featuring the same engine, same power, same torque and copycat interiors, leaving the buying decision up to boot versus hatch or ride height versus outright handling.
There is no clear winner in my mind with each body style having its own advantages and both being an absolute pleasure to drive as one would expect from the three-pointed star. There is little to choose from in terms of fuel consumption and even less when it comes to outright performance.
These GLB offers simply cannot be passed up.
The sedan, perhaps, just has the edge on tar roads when it comes to heavy right foot point-and-squirt type motoring through a series of curves but then, it cannot hold a candle to the GLA when the tar ends.
A Mercedes-Benz is a lifestyle choice as opposed to being a tool to get from here to there and it is that lifestyle which will be the decider – and then, to complicate it a smidgen, bring in the GLB.
Alex Boavida, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz South Africa, remarks: “Mercedes-Benz South Africa offers a progressive SUV line-up that appeals to every facet of the market.”
The new GLB, available in South Africa as a GLB 220 diesel engine option, offers both five and 7-seater configurations. The engine is paired with an eight-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission as standard.
This also gets a redesigned front bumper with visual underbody protection, complemented by the SUV radiator grille featuring four horizontal louvers and a central star.
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The range of options now includes four additional wheel designs and a new Spectral Blue Metallic paint colour. In its basic trim, the new GLB comes with 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black with high-gloss turned surfaces, with the option to upgrade to 19- to 20-inch wheels.
Standard are a 7-inch and a 10,25-inch display but the option of two 10,25-inch wide-screen displays is available.
The standard equipment of the GLB has been enhanced, with a simplified and basic equipment now includes Highbeam Assist, a reversing camera, and a USB package, alongside the leather steering wheel and LED front headlights.
From the Progressive equipment variant onwards, customers also receive the Parking Package and the Mirror Package. Additional functional equipment is bundled into packages based on customer behaviour, allowing for individualized configurations in terms of colours, upholstery, trim, and wheels.
The Driving Assistance Package now includes Active Steering Control for more comfortable Lane Keeping Assist. The next generation of the Parking Package supports longitudinal parking with 360-degree visualization for camera-assisted parking.
For the first time, the GLB offers Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, facilitating reverse manoeuvring with camera support, provided the vehicle is equipped with a trailer hitch with ESP trailer stabilisation and the Parking Package with a 360-degree camera.
Colin Windell
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