One of the eight models that will ride on Benz’s MFA2 platform, the others being the A-class  hatch and sedan, B-class, GLA, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and the Chinese market exclusive A-class Sedan L, the GLB’s boxy exterior hides an inside similar to the former, with the prototype spotted by motor1.com featuring the same dual 10.25-inch displays, the touchpad for the MBUX infotainment on the centre console, turbine styled air vents and minimalist heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) panel.

Spied earlier this month trailer testing alongside a Volkswagen Tiguan, which Mercedes-Benz could be using as a benchmark model, the replacement for the long since discontinued left-hand drive only GLK will incorporate looks from not only the A-class and the G-class, but also the bigger GLE with drivetrain options expected to mirror those of the hatch.

Still very much the topic of speculation is whether the GLB could spawn a line of AMG models, with the likeliest, if approved, being a GLB 35 powered by the same 224kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the A35. Don’t however be surprised if a GLB 45, power by the rumoured 298kW four-pot from the incoming A45, also arrives in due course.

Initially claimed to have premiered towards the end of this year, the GLB is more likely to launch next year with sales commencing towards the end of 2019.