What's all this about?

You're looking at a Mercedes (Concept) GLB. And it has seven seats. Confused? You should be.

It sounds like you're not that convinced by the idea?

Well, it seems a bit odd, as the GLA is about to be replaced - the all-new Mk2 shown at the Auto Shanghai show in China, alongside the Concept GLB - with a five-seat, compact SUV model and the larger GLC doesn't have a seven-seat option. But, you have to admit, anything based on an A-Class that can cram in seven occupants is pretty clever.

Is Mercedes going to make this?

Probably. Despite being a Concept GLB, the vehicle shown in China looks remarkably production-ready and it conforms to Merc's current styling themes. Such as the Multibeam LED headlights, the contoured shoulders and the wide rear lamp clusters. The Concept GLB is 4,634mm long (with 2,829mm of that taken up by the wheelbase), 1,890mm wide and 1,900mm high, which means that there's enough room inside for Mercedes to claim that the rear-most two seats can accept 'two medium-sized occupants', whatever they may be. The middle row's seat-backs split 40:20:40 and the whole second row can slide forward by 90mm or backwards by 50mm, depending on how owners want to configure the interior. And we suppose the thinking behind the GLB is that the B-Class is the more practical out of it and the A-Class, so the GLB can be all capacious and family-oriented, while the GLA targets the youthful driving enthusiast. Or something.

Yes, quite. Have we got any engine details?

Just the one, which is the 2.0-litre 'M260' turbocharged four-cylinder petrol as used in the A 250. So that means 224hp and 350Nm, channelled to all four wheels (the Concept GLB is a 4Matic) via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Mercedes says the 4Matic can alter the front-to-rear torque split through 80:20, 70:30 and 50:50, depending on whether the GLB is in Normal/Eco, Sport or Off-Road driving modes.

Anything else to add?

Just some words from Britta Seeger, member of the board of management of Daimler AG for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales, who said: "We asked ourselves whether there is still space between the GLA and GLC in our successful SUV range. The Concept GLB is the answer to this question. With it we are demonstrating the creative ideas we have for this segment, too. The Concept GLB is a durable and practical SUV with nonetheless compact dimensions. Whether it is a generous, seven-seater family vehicle or a versatile leisure time companion: we are certain that this concept will be of great interest to our customers."

Matt Robinson - 15 Apr 2019