Mercedes-Benz Korea has introduced three updated compact car models as the last new cars of the year and has begun official sales and customer deliveries.
This compact car lineup consists of the 2nd generation facelifted “The New Mercedes-Benz CLA,” the 2nd generation facelifted “The New Mercedes-Benz GLA,” and the first facelift of “The New Mercedes-Benz GLB,” all receiving facelifts after three years.
These compact cars have undergone various upgrades, including ▲ a refreshed front design, ▲ new interior trim options, ▲ a gasoline engine equipped with a mild hybrid system, ▲ a fully digitized user experience with the latest infotainment system, and ▲ the latest safety and convenience specifications.
Park Yang-won, Executive Director of Product Planning Strategy at Mercedes-Benz Korea, stated, “With the launch of the new CLA, GLA, and GLB following the new A-Class, the complete lineup of facelift compact models is achieved. We expect to draw great love from customers pursuing trendy luxury due to the enhanced unique appeal that combines youthful sensibility and luxury.”
In Korea, the New CLA 250 4MATIC and New GLA 250 4MATIC, as well as New GLB 200 d, have already launched this month, with the New GLB 250 4MATIC and the high-performance model New Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC to follow in sequence.
The CLA is a model that harmonizes the proportion of a sports car with the dynamic design of a coupe, and the latest New CLA is a facelifted version of the second generation CLA launched in February 2020.
The New CLA emphasizes the unique silhouette of the Mercedes-Benz dream car, featuring a new front apron and a radiator grille with a Mercedes-Benz star pattern that attracts attention. The standard LED high-performance headlamps provide illumination similar to sunlight, reducing eye fatigue and supporting safe driving with a wide range of illumination. The rear section has a newly designed rear diffuser and LED rear lamps that further enhance its sporty and modern atmosphere.
The New CLA 250 4MATIC features AMG line exterior design and standard 18-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels. Additionally, hyper blue and spectral blue exterior colors, and designs for wheel edge sizes up to 19 inches allow customization to match consumer preferences.
The most significant change in the interior of the New CLA is the introduction of an independent double screen and the latest multifunction sports steering wheel. The independent double screen consists of two 10.25-inch digital instrument panels that create an effect of a single widescreen. The latest multifunction sports steering wheel made of premium Nappa leather features touch control buttons on either side, allowing the driver to operate the vehicle more conveniently.
The interior of the New CLA showcases luxurious elements that highlight youthful sophistication. The seating features a combination of Artico leather and three-dimensionally embossed micro-cut suede black seats as standard, with a new ‘sage grey’ color added for a trendy touch. Additionally, ‘Baja Brown’ and ‘Two-tone Red Pepper’ that provide a comfortable atmosphere are also available, expanding the choice options.
The interior of the New CLA is equipped with the latest 2nd generation MBUX infotainment system and NTG7 telematics, boasting enhanced digital convenience. This includes an AI-based zero-layer interface that intelligently assists the driver, along with a smartphone integration package that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, mini-games like Sudoku and matching games are offered for free for one year, while the optional Burmester® surround sound system enables a deep audio experience with Dolby Atmos® sound technology.
The New CLA 250 4MATIC comes with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine (M260) integrated with a mild hybrid system combining a 48V electrical system. The new belt-driven starter generator (RSG) provides up to 10 kW of additional power during startup. As a result, the New CLA 250 4MATIC offers impressive performance with a maximum output of 224 ps and maximum torque of 35.7 kg.m.
Finally, the New CLA 250 4MATIC is equipped with various safety and convenience features that assist the driver’s comfortable and safe driving. This includes the cutting-edge driving assistance system “Driving Assistance Package,” which incorporates Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC for maintaining distance from the vehicle ahead, automatic speed control, braking, and starting support, as well as PRE-SAFE, which detects dangerous situations before an accident occurs to minimize passenger harm.
Convenience features include an anti-glare rearview mirror, electrically folding anti-glare side mirrors for better visibility both inside and outside, a mirror package that ensures clarity; ▲ a panoramic sunroof that provides a sense of openness; ▲ a toll settlement system that displays the payment amount and balance centrally; ▲ a winter package that includes a multifunction heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and heated windscreen system; ▲ an air purification package; ▲ adaptive high beam assist; ▲ keyless go package; and ▲ hands-free access, among other features, all contributing to a comfortable driving experience.
The GLA is one of Mercedes-Benz’s compact SUVs with high practicality; the second generation, completely redesigned model was launched in Korea in 2020, followed by this second generation facelift upgrade.
The New GLA features AMG lines applied inside and out, with 19-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels that enhance its sportiness. The hood features a sophisticated power dome line, and the new design front bumper emphasizes the inherent confidence and dynamism of the GLA. Additionally, the LED high-performance headlamps sport a new design to boast a modern aesthetic while supporting safe driving.
The interior of the New GLA features an independent double screen and the latest multifunction steering wheel, along with newly applied trims. The standard ‘star pattern backlit trim’ creates a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of the starry night sky with the triangular star pattern illuminated in blue light. Additionally, a calm and sophisticated ‘carbon structure trim’ is available for selection.
The seats combine Artico leather with a three-dimensionally embossed micro-cut suede black seat as standard, offering various color options, including the new ‘Baja Brown/Black’ combination, ‘Sage Grey/Black’, and ‘Two-tone Red Pepper/Black’.
The New GLA 250 4MATIC is equipped with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine (M260) that delivers a maximum output of 224 ps and torque of 35.7 kg.m. Furthermore, a mild hybrid system combining a new belt-driven starter generator with a 48V electrical system provides additional power of up to 10 kW at startup for smooth and quick engine ignition, achieving excellent efficiency through gliding, boosting, and regenerative braking.
Additionally, the off-road package is equipped, providing driving power and stability for both on- and off-road conditions. This package includes off-road driving modes and downhill speed regulation (DSR), visually displaying essential off-road driving information such as terrain tilt, incline, altitude, geographic coordinates, compass direction, and steering angle through the driver’s seat and central display.
Moreover, the 2nd generation MBUX infotainment system allows for more intuitive operation, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The intelligent voice control system has been upgraded to suggest appropriate vehicle functions based on the driving conditions, enhancing the variety of enjoyable features.
Lastly, the New GLA is equipped with a variety of safety and convenience features, including ▲ a Driving Assistance Package, ▲ adaptive high beam assist, ▲ a mirror package, ▲ a panoramic sunroof, ▲ a toll settlement system, ▲ a winter package, ▲ an air purification package, ▲ a Keyless Go package, and ▲ hands-free access, all contributing to a comfortable and pleasant driving experience.
The GLB, alongside the GLA, constitutes one of Mercedes-Benz’s compact SUV lineup. Following its initial launch in 2020, the first facelift has turned the New GLB into a revived model.
The New GLB emphasizes its robust exterior through a newly designed front bumper. The muscular shoulder line on the sides smoothly connects with the rear, highlighting a balanced width at the rear.
The front end of the New GLB 200 d, decorated with the Progressive line, features a radiator grille adorned with four horizontal louvres and a central Mercedes-Benz star logo, highlighting its off-road SUV character, complemented by standard 18-inch 5 twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.
The New GLB 250 4MATIC is equipped with the AMG line, enhancing its dynamic and luxurious appearance through a radiator grille embellished with the Mercedes-Benz star logo and 19-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.
The interior of the New GLB is characterized by spaciousness, independent double screens, and a multifunction steering wheel, offering various interior trim selections. Apart from the star pattern backlit trim applied as standard, customers can freely choose from three trims: ‘star pattern trim element’ for a classic feel, and the ‘carbon structure trim’ that highlights design elegance, with the ‘black open-pore wood linden trim’ available as a paid option.
The New GLB, similar to the New GLA, offers a 2nd generation MBUX infotainment system and NTG7 telematics, featuring a zero-layer interface and a smartphone integration package that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The New GLB offers a diverse lineup, including gasoline, diesel, and high-performance AMG engines. The New GLB 250 4MATIC features a 4-cylinder gasoline engine (M260), while the New GLB 200 d comes with a 4-cylinder diesel engine (OM654). This translates into the New GLB 250 4MATIC and the New GLB 200 d providing impressive performance with maximum outputs of 224 ps and 35.7 kg.m torque, and 150 ps and 32.6 kg.m torque, respectively. The gasoline engine, like other compact models, is equipped with a mild hybrid system combined with a 48V electric system to enhance efficiency.
The New GLB 250 4MATIC comes equipped with an off-road package that facilitates stable driving on various terrain. Through off-road driving modes and downhill speed regulation, it optimally adjusts power delivery and ABS control according to the road conditions to provide excellent traction on slippery roads and muddy paths.
In conclusion, the entire lineup of the New GLB is equipped with the same advanced driving assistance and safety features as the New GLA, ensuring a comfortable driving environment for drivers.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC combines the solid design of the new GLB with the powerful performance of AMG, presenting a model with both practicality and excellent driving feel.
The exterior and interior of the new Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC are loaded with exclusive design elements that showcase the distinctive identity of Mercedes-AMG. The new design front apron adorned with the AMG logo and 19-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels emphasize its sporty character.
The interior features the latest generation AMG performance steering wheel, allowing control of all driving functions and modes without taking your hands off the steering wheel, while the seats combine Artico leather and micro-cut microfiber materials, enhanced with a carbon structure trim and red seat belts. Additionally, the MBUX infotainment system is designed to evoke the unique AMG atmosphere, enhancing the overall AMG experience.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, combined with the 2nd generation belt-driven starter generator and a mild hybrid system featuring a 48V electrical system, achieving remarkable performance with a maximum output of 306 ps and torque of 40.8 kg.m. The vehicle is also equipped with the AMG Speedshift DCT 8-speed transmission.
Furthermore, the AMG Ride Control suspension is standard, ensuring high driving stability. The AMG Dynamic Select allows drivers to customize engine, transmission, and handling settings according to their preferences and driving conditions, enabling diverse driving experiences.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr