The New 2024 Mercedes Benz GLB! How Mercedes Are Winning...

Fresh headlights and taillights, redesigned front bumper, bigger screens on the interior and even more power, all packaged in the same boxy body we’ve known for some time. This is the new 2024 Mercedes GLB. But can we really call it NEW? Let’s find out…

The Mercedes-Benz GLB has always stood out as a roomy crossover compact SUV. Nestled right between the cozy GLA and the more popular GLC, the GLB has been rocking a unique upright boxy shape that you are likely to either love or hate.

Even though it only joined the Mercedes family in 2020, the GLB has already received a mid-cycle update. The 2024 edition is all about fresh exterior vibes and jazzed-up lights. Put it side by side with the previous model and you’ll see a glow-up. The front bumper and grille are more refined now. The LED headlights and taillights are more crisp, and now you can buy it in Spectral Blue metallic paint. There are also two fresh sets of wheels available - a 18-inch and 20-inch option.

In terms of dimensions, things are the same. The new GLB still has 182.4 inches in length and an overall width with mirrors of 79.5 inches. The height doesn’t change either. It’s the same 65.4 inches and the wheelbase stays the same at 111.4 inches. Ground clearance is still 7.9 inches and the turning circle is unchanged at 38.4 ft.

Overall, you get a sportier, more athletic GLB for a bit more money. But we’ll get to the price later.

Performance specs

Okay, let’s chat about what’s under the hood of the new GLB. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine now sports a 48-volt hybrid system. Thanks to its belt-driven starter-generator, it can kick in an extra 13 horsepower to either boost acceleration or let the vehicle coast engine-free. Sounds smooth, right? This setup also means a more seamless, low-noise start/stop system and energy regeneration during braking.

So, while it maintains its peak power at 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the overall feel and efficiency get a nice lift.

Drawing parallels? It feels a bit like the 2021 Mercedes E450 sedan vibe. That sedan had two extra cylinders compared to the GLB250, but the principle stands.

We don’t have exact 0-60mph times yet, however, the 2023 all-wheel-drive GLB did 0-60mph in an impressive 6 seconds flat. The question here is, how much faster would the 2024 GLB do with the extra boost of 13hp? That remains to be seen. It will likely bring it down to 5.8 seconds, so nothing too radical, if you ask us.

As for the sportier and angrier big brother, the AMG GLB35, well, nothing changes. It still has that beautiful turbo-charged 2.0-liter engine churning out 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Just like its sibling, it has received the same 48-volt hybrid treatment that allegedly brings 13 horsepower as boost when needed. A non-hybrid GLB35 would snap off an impressive 4.9-second run from 0 to 60 mph, so it’s likely that the new hybrid GLB35 will do even better.

Overall, the GLB35 has a lively and nimble drive, but its fun vibes mean a bit of a bumpy ride. We're anticipating an even beefier GLB45 model down the line, that will likely use the 382-hp turbo 2.0-liter engine, seen in the sleeker CLA45 sedan, but we’ll have to wait for confirmation from Mercedes for this one.

An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels on the base models. All-wheel drive is available as an option for the base model and as standard for the AMG version.

So, basically, all the 2024 GLB variants receive a 48-volt mild hybrid system delivering those 13 extra horses when you push them too hard. Will that make such a big difference? It remains to be seen.

Interior comfort and space

Starting off with a bit of a luxury touch, every GLB will now sport a Nappa-Leather steering wheel as standard. You get powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, front and rear cupholders as standard. Fancy ventilated seats? You’ll have to pay extra. But that’s not exactly where the GLB shines.

The GLB offers the unique perk of a third-row of seats that help it stand tall against competitors such as the BMW X2, the Audi Q3 or the Lexus NX. Sure, that third row isn't the roomiest, given its compact size, however it's ok for short trips or an extra friend or two. So if you're into maximizing space, the 2024 GLB is a standout in its class.

Even more, with 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row (and a whopping 62 with those seats folded), the GLB's space rivals the larger BMW X3.

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