Mercedes-Benz has expanded its SUV and compact car portfolio with the introduction of the GLB. Slotting rather conveniently between the GLA and the GLC in the company’s SUV line-up, it also becomes the eighth compact model with a three-pointed star. Another title that the GLB claims is that it is the first compact car from the Stuttgart-based automaker that optionally comes with a third-row of seats.

Compared to the B-Class compact MPV, the GLB rides on a 10mm longer wheelbase. As for its length, width and height, they measure at 4,634mm, 1,834mm and 1,658mm (1,662mm with seven seats), respectively. With those numbers, the new entrant is 21mm longer, 56mm narrower and 20mm taller than the more expensive GLC. In the standard five-seater derivative, the Mercedes-Benz GLB offers a luggage space of at least 560 litres. That number shoots up to 1,755 litres with the rear seats folded.

Mercedes-Benz concedes that the third-row of seats in the GLB can only seat people measuring up to 5 feet and 6 inches. If the height criterion is met and since the girth criterion is not mentioned, the last row of passengers can make use of the easy-entry function and enjoy the convenience of dedicated seatbelts and two cupholders and USB ports each in the centre.

We think that’s enough about the third-row. The rest of the package shared with the A-Class. That by no means is a bad thing. The dashboard is dominated by a big rectangular glass slab which hides two 7.0-inch displays. One of them takes the responsibilities of a digital instrument cluster and the other is the control centre for the MBUX infotainment system. The GLB also offers a head-up display, voice control and a number of assistance gizmos including crosswind assist, a rear-view camera and active braking. Obviously, the kit can be made richer with more goodies off the options list.

At the time of launch and depending on the market, the Mercedes-Benz GLB will be offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The former category will include two turbocharged mills – a 1.33-litre unit producing 163PS/250PS and a 2.0-litre motor with 224PS/350Nm. With the smaller of the two engines, the SUV will flaunt the GLB 200 mark and have a 7-speed AT. The other one will have the GLB 250 4MATIC logo, an 8-speed AT and an all-wheel-drive system.

The diesel portfolio will comprise of three derivatives – 200 d, 200 d 4MATIC and 220 d 4MATIC. All three will use the same 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged mill and the 8-speed AT. While the first two will have 150PS/320Nm on tap, the 220 d will offer 190PS/400Nm. Obviously, the all-wheel-drive system will be shared between the latter two derivatives.

To start with, the German automaker will manufacture the GLB in Mexico and Beijing. It will land its home market by the end of this year. Mercedes-Benz India is likely to bring the GLB on our shores but that is expected to happen by H2 of next year. Once it arrives, it will become a worthy contender to the likes of the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and the Audi Q3.