2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, GLB 35 facelifted, get mild-hybrid turbo

Mercedes-AMG gives the GLA and GLB a refresh, more features

Last week, Mercedes-Benz revealed the refreshed GLA and GLB crossovers for the 2023 model year. While the changes were not exactly obvious, the automaker gave both vehicles a slightly revised front end, new alloy wheel designs, a more high-tech and luxurious cabin, and a 48V mild-hybrid system for better fuel efficiency.

But what about the AMG versions of both vehicles? Not to be left out, Mercedes-AMG has also revealed the 2023 refresh for both the GLA 35 (finished in white) and GLB 35 (painted blue). Beginning with the exterior revisions, Mercedes-AMG installed a new front apron with the AMG logo. It is complemented by new LED lighting signatures at the front and rear to make them stand out more. Speaking of LED lighting, the GLA 35 and GLB 35 can now come with Multibeam LED headlights for better nighttime visibility.

The rest of the exterior sees both the GLA and GLB AMGs get new lightweight alloy wheels. Equipped as standard are 19-inch AMG alloys that feature a ten-spoke design in bi-color matte black. Available as an option are two 20-inch AMG wheels with a five double-spoke design which are also painted in bi-color matte black.

Hop inside, and the latest generation AMG steering wheel has been fitted in both the GLA 35 and GLB 35. Meanwhile, the MBUX infotainment system has been upgraded and features an AMG-specific design along with additional functions.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available as well for the easier pairing of mobile devices. Last but not least, both vehicles now come with intelligent driver aids like active lane-keeping assist and the next-generation parking package with 360-degree camera-assisted parking.

Under the hood, the two high-performance crossovers are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Both vehicles produce 306 PS at 5800 rpm along with 400 Nm of torque between 3000 to 4000 rpm. Power is then sent to an AMG Speedshift 8G dual-clutch transmission and an AMG-tuned 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

Perhaps the most important upgrade under the hood comes in the form of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It consists of a belt-drive starter generator and a lithium-ion battery pack that provides an additional 14 PS. In addition, the MHEV provides fuel-saving features like auto start/stop idling, and recharging the battery pack while coasting or braking.

When it comes to 0 – 100 km/h sprints, the GLA 35 can do it in just 5.2 seconds while the GLB 35 is slightly slower to reach 100 km/h at 5.5 seconds. Both crossovers have an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Since the GLA 35 and GLB 35 AMG models are now available in Europe, we can expect these two souped-up crossovers to make their way to the Philippines either later this year or the next. If you had the choice, would you get the GLA or the 7-seater GLB? Let us know in the comments.