Facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLB revealed – New features and electrified engines

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off the facelifted GLB which is anticipated to reach local dealers from 2024 onwards.

For the mid-life update, the GLB received the same enhancements as its smaller sibling, the GLA, such as a refreshed exterior design, a larger selection of standard equipment, and hybridised petrol engines.

New features

Following the upgrades, the new GLB’s standard specification sheet now includes LED High-Performance headlamps with high-beam assist, a 7-inch driver’s display, Comfort seats wrapped in artificial leather and fabric with “three-dimensional embossing”, and the Parking, Mirror, and USB packages.

The MBUX infotainment system has further been enhanced with an intelligent voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as mini-games such as Sudoku and Shuffle Puck if the optional individualisation package is fitted.

Visually, the new GLB is differentiated from the old through redesigned LED head and taillights, a revised front bumper with visible underbody protection, and new 17-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black.

Optional extras comprise two 10.25‑inch wide-screen displays, Burmester surround sound, four different wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches, a new Spectral Blue Metallic paint, three interior colour combos namely black, macchiato beige, and sagegrey; and for the AMG Line exclusively, a heated steering wheel and red pepper/black upholstery.

Engine details

Currently, only the petrol GLB 250 and diesel GLB 220d 4Matic are available in South Africa, and this selection is expected to continue when the new models go on sale.

During the revision cycle, the petrol powertrains gained 48-volt mild-hybrid technologies in the form of a belt-driven starter generator for unique abilities such as coasting with the engine off, energy recovery during braking, lower noise and vibration levels, and acceleration assistance through electric boost.

Additionally, 4Matic all-wheel drive is now installed as standard in the 250 variant.

The specifications for these powertrains are detailed in the table below:

Specification	GLB 250 4Matic	GLB 220d 4Matic
Engine	2.0l turbo-petrol	2.0l turbo-diesel
Gearbox	8-speed DCT	8-speed DCT
Output (Boost)	165kW (10kW)/350Nm	140kW/400Nm
Fuel cons.	7.6-8.5l/100km	5.8-6.5l/100km

Flagship upgrades

On top of the standard GLB’s revisions, the range-topping GLB 35 was on the receiving end of restyled LED lights and a new grille design with vertical louvres, a horizontal fin, and an AMG badge.

Furthermore, the high-performance crossover now gets the AMG Performance steering wheel, Sports seats, active lane-keeping assist, the Parking package, and the most up-to-date MBUX infotainment system on the market with wireless smartphone mirroring and mini-games.

Under the hood, the 35 boasts 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine which has also been incentivised by means of a 48-volt electrical system with 10kW of overboost, resulting in a power output of 225kW and 400Nm.

Matched with an eight-speed, dual-clutch auto-box and 4Matic all-wheel drive, this Mercedes accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 250km/h, all the while returning a combined fuel consumption of 8.9-9.4l/100km.

It is unclear whether the GLB 35 will reach South African showrooms. The pre-facelift model was confirmed for a local introduction as far back as April 2022, however, not a word has been said about it since and it never went on sale, either.