It’s Colin Smith’s turn to consider this new Benz. Among conclusions? ‘Small’ today is bigger that ‘large’ used to be.

Base Price:  $92,900

Powertrain and performance:  2.0-litre four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine. 165kW/5500-6100rpm, 350Nm/1800-4000rpm. All-wheel drive. Combined cycle fuel consumption 7.7L/100km (claim), 8.2L/100km (road test).

Vital statistics: Length 4634mm, height 1659mm, width 1834mm, wheelbase 2859mm. Luggage 565 litres. Wheels: 19-inch alloys with 235/50 R19 Continental PremiumContact6 SSR tyres (run-flat).

We Like: Driving position and visibility, five-seat family wagon space and occasional third row versatility. Brilliant multi-beam headlight technology, intuitive MBUX infotainment and control system.

We don’t like: Aggressive lane departure interventions, compromised access to third row seats.

THE alphabetic sequencing suggests the new Mercedes-Benz GLB sits one-size-up from models carrying the `A’ designation.

And the knowledge that Mercedes-Benz has built its new GLB on the same transverse engine platform as the latest A-Class hatch - and derivatives including the CLA, GLA crossover and B-Class - points to a compact definition.

But slot it into a car park and the GLB actually seems larger. So, I checked and compared.

Do you remember the W163 Series ML introduced in 1997 as its first Mercedes-Benz foray into SUVs beyond the mighty G-Wagen? The GLB has a wheelbase dimension 40mm longer than the ML and is also 47mm longer overall.

Width measures up at an identical 1834mm but the ML stood 116mm taller and that is where the impression of larger size is gained.

The debut of the GLB offers a family wagon solution between the GLA crossover and the GLC mid-size SUV with a spacious interior layout that includes three-row seating.

Pricing begins at $78,900 for the entry level GLB 200 (front-drive) version and the GLB 250 4Matic (tested here) is priced from $92,900. The step to the GLB 35 AMG performance model adds another $12K.

The 1991cc direct-injection petrol engine is a staple across multiple Mercedes-Benz model lines and powers the GLB 250 4Matic with 165kW available between 5500-6100rpm and peak torque of 350Nm across a wide 1800-4000rpm range.

And one more comparison to the old ML - the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the GLB 250 4Matic offers 5kW and 40Nm more than the 3.2-litre V6 from the late-90s.

Matched to the new eight-speed DCT dual clutch transmission there is readily accessible torque and close ratios to deliver relaxed highway cruising or a couple of quick downshifts and plenty of punchy response.

On the highway at 100kmh the GLB 250 4Matic settles at a long-legged 1500rpm in eighth gear or shifts to 1800rpm in seventh 2400rpm in sixth and 3000rpm for some fifth gear urgency.

It’s capable of the 0-100kmh sprint in a very respectable 6.9 seconds while a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 7.7 litres per 100km was nearly met by an 8.2L/100km road test average and a 7.2L/100km highway check.

A big part of the GLBs appeal is direct transfer of the intuitive technology introduced on the latest A-Class and since deployed across other Benz models.

That includes dual 10.25-inch displays with a configurable dash layout, the MBUX operating system with ``Hey Mercedes’’ voice inputs plus touchscreen, command controller and steering wheel haptic ``scroll and click’’ buttons providing multiple ways to interact with the GLB.

Where the GLB departs from the A-Class is its lengthened wheelbase, raised ground clearance and upright wagon styling. It’s a ruggedly stylish SUV with a purposeful stance, bold 19-inch alloy wheels and the detailing includes black roof rails and mirror housings.

The layout and dimensions make it a roomy mid-size wagon with the active lifestyle benefits of all-wheel-drive including off-road drive mode, boosted ground clearance, a powered tailgate that reveals 565-litres of load space plus a 2000kg braked tow rating.

One more skill in the GLB play book is the third-row seating and 5+2 accommodation.

It’s an occasional third-row suitable for younger children and going seven-up in the GLB requires clambering over the folded second row seats. And creating any useful footwell space means sliding the second-row well forward - although the front seats help with a deeply scalloped shape.

While the third-row falls somewhere between ambitious and occasional, the second row is a comfortable place to be when the GLB is configured as a five-seater. Generous shoulder width and only a moderate amount of centre tunnel intrusion combine with enhanced rear passenger visibility from a raised seat height.

The second row is configured with a 60/40 fore-aft slide mechanism and a 40-20-40 folding backrest. Installing the extra seating means a spare wheel isn’t carried and the GLB rides on Continental PremiumContact6 SSR run-flat tyres in a 235/50 R19 sizing.

The wide tyres provide surefooted feel on the road and once beyond the city limit, I liked the firmer suspension feel and reduced steering assistance offered in Sport mode.

The GLB proves easy to drive with a comfortable seating position including full power adjustment and memory functions for the front seats.

A check through the GLB model line-up reveals the step from 200 to 250 level brings more than increased output, one extra gear and 4Matic all-wheel-drive. The equipment list is also boosted with adjustable suspension damping, a panorama sunroof, heated front seats, shift paddles and carbon look cabin trim.

The test vehicle was optioned with the Galaxy Blue metallic paint ($1490) and three of the well-priced option packages including AMG Sports Package ($1990) including sports steering wheel and Sports Direct Steer while the Vision Package ($1190) adds a 360-degree camera display and the excellent Multibeam LED headlight technology.

The Driving Assistance Package ($1990) brings Active Lane Change Assist, Active Distance Assist cruise control and route-based speed adaption. The test vehicle priced up at $99,560.

Other standard technology content includes Traffic Sign Assist, multiple mini-USB charge points – including two in the second row and two more back in row three – and the 64-colour ambient lighting system.

The new GLB evolves the modern style and technology appeal of the latest A-Class and its follow-up derivatives with the addition of SUV capability and a generous increase in cabin space. The result is a strong new Mercedes-Benz contender in the fashionable medium SUV and crossover segment.