This is the new Mercedes GLB, scheduled for a 2020 market release. It is said Mercedes a “global compact car”.The GLB is designed to appeal to buyers who don’t want a GLA but who can’t quite afford a GLC. It’s, more or less, the same length as the GLC and it offers 7 seats. It seems motoring publications get really excited about seven-seater SUVs but in reality, third-row seating is only ever ideal for an Ewok sized alien bipedal being.

Anyway back to the Mercedes GLB, it’s actually based on the smaller GLA platform and uses the same mechanical underpinnings as the GLA. Early models will have the usual and familiar array of Mercedes diesel and petrol engines. In the US first edition models offered will be the GLB 250 4MATIC.

A plug-in hybrid and an electric version, presumably called the EQB, will be available at a later date. Entry level models will be available in two-wheel/front-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive will be offered as an option or will be available as standard on top-spec models. No manual versions to see here.

For some reason you should get excited about the roof rails coming as standard. But in reality you’re already paying for it because the cost will be factored into the price. The exterior borrows styling accents from the GLC, looks smart-bland if you will.

The interior styling mirrors the new A Class so that massive digital instrument and infotainment panel will be standard to all models. The GLB will also get semi-autonomous driving technology, Active Lane Change, Parking Assist with Parktronic and Steering Assist.

Many of the driver assist features will be model specific or available as optional extras. Future pricing is yet to be revealed. As a rough guestimate, we reckon an entry level GLB will be priced from around £30k GBP.