This is the new Mercedes GLB, a chunky fit between the GLA and GLC

The new Mercedes GLB has arrived in production guise, filling the gap between the Mercedes GLA and GLC, and offering seven seats.

We saw the new Mercedes GLB first as a concept at the Shanghai Motor Show, complete with chunky wheels and tyres and roof-mounted spots, and yesterday Mercedes delivered the final tease for the GLB before a proper reveal.

Now the Mercedes GLB is revealed and, as suspected, it’s a toned down take on the GLB Concept, minus the bits that made it look rufty tufty.

With the same underpinnings as the Mercedes A-Class, Mercedes has managed to cram three rows of seats in to the GLB, although they are an option and they will really only be suitable for little ‘uns. Still, there are seven seats if you need them.

Inside is remarkably close the the regular A-Class – no surprise – with widescreen displays for the latest MBUX, touchpads on the steering wheel and voice control to operate, and the boxy shape looks to give plenty of headroom and space.

Engine options don’t stray away from A-Class roots at launch, with GLB 200 and 250 petrol models and 200 d and 220 d diesel models with either seven or eight-speed auto boxes.

The petrol models of the GLB are front-wheel drive for now, the GLB 200 d can be had in FWD or with Mercedes 4MATIC four-wheel drive and the GLB 220 d is 4WD only. But expect 4WD AMG models at some point as well as plug-in hybrid and even EV versions.

Orders for the GLB in the UK open in July, but deliveries probably won’t start until the end of the year. Expect prices to start the wrong side of £30k.