New 2023 Mercedes GLA facelift details announced

• Improved infotainment system with arcade-style games
• Increased range for plug-in model
• More equipment as standard

The Mercedes GLA is to get a modest update which will tweak the exterior styling of the small SUV, upgrade its infotainment and offer more equipment as standard compared with the outgoing model. Mercedes has also said the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains will get improved refinement, with plug-in versions also getting an increased electric range.

Updates to the GLA’s exterior include a new front grille, a bonnet with more prominent power domes and a more aggressive front bumper with visible scuff plates to give the GLA a more off-roady look.

Hybrid vs plug-in hybrid vs electric cars

The front and rear LED lights have been revised and given a new signature shape. Exterior options are also to be expanded, with a new Spectral Blue paint colour to join the range alongside four new alloy wheel designs. Entry-level cars will get 17-inch wheels finished in high-gloss black, with optional 18- to 20-inch alloys available.

2023 Mercedes GLA interior and equipment

Mercedes says it’s significantly upgraded the interior. A seven-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment display feature as standard, with two 10.25-inch widescreen displays available as an option, should you wish to upgrade.

Mercedes has enhanced the GLA’s infotainment software to use the latest generation of its MBUX system, with configurable display styles and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. An additional USB-C port has also been added with increased charging power for your smartphone. Specify an optional individualisation package, and you’ll also get a selection of games developed for the car’s touchscreens to help pass the time when taking a rest stop.

The new GLA is set to get more standard equipment compared with the outgoing model. The aforementioned LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, auto high beams, and a backup camera are available on base trims. 

All models will also get comfort seats upholstered in black faux leather and embossed fabric as standard – this can also be specified in a sage grey colour. The Progressive trim level offers the option of Macchiato Beige, and AMG-Line introduces the optional Bahia Brown and a new Red Pepper with Black interior colours. Fully-fledged high-performance AMG models get their own unique AMG Performance steering wheel and sports seats.

Progressive trim gets the Parking Package and Mirror Package. These packages bring a 360-degree camera, assistance tech for manoeuvring into a parking space, plus electronically folding and heated wing mirrors which automatically point downwards to help give a clear view of the kerb when parking in reverse gear.

Engines, range and charging

All petrol models in the updated Mercedes GLA lineup include some form of electrification, with mild-hybrid tech and plug-in hybrid options available. Mercedes says it worked to improve the mild-hybrid setup to make it more comfortable and smooth to drive, with decreased vibration and noise on startup – the motor offers a brief power boost of around 14bhp when accelerating. The combustion engine can also coast with the engine switched off to save fuel and reduce emissions.

The petrol engine range spans from the 1.3-litre with 134bhp in the GLA 180 and 161bhp in the GLA 200. 2.0-litre GLA 220 and 250 4Matic models get 187bhp and 221bhp respectively. 
At the top of the range, the high-performance AMG GLA 35 4Matic version gets a 2.0-litre engine producing 302bhp.

The plug-in hybrid petrol model, known as the GLA 250 e comes with a 161bhp 1.3-litre engine paired with a 107bhp electric motor for an overall 215bhp power figure. Mercedes says the updated model will have an electric range of up to 43.5 miles – around four miles further than the outgoing model.

Diesel options include the 2.0-litre 180 d with 114bhp and 200 d with 148bhp. The 200 d can also be specified with 4Matic four-wheel drive, which comes as standard with the most powerful 2.0-litre 187bhp diesel 220 d 4Matic. All models in the range get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but with outgoing Mercedes GLA models costing around £38,000, the facelift is likely to bump up pricing given it offers more standard equipment. We’d estimate an entry-level price of close to £40,000.

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