Mercedes has added another SUV into its already-crowded high-riding line-up, but does the GLB do enough to justify its existence? And should families consider one over a GLA or GLC?

Tung Nguyen spent three months with his family aboard the GLB250 to find out.

If you actually sit there and tally up the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up, it counts no less than six models, including the GLA, GLS, EQC, G-Class, GLE and GLC – and that’s not even counting the Coupe versions of the latter two.

Apparently, that isn’t enough, though, as the German brand now has a box-fresh SUV on the market in the form of the GLB.

But what is it and how does it stand out from the rest of the high riders wearing a Mercedes badge?

First of all, the GLB is classed as a medium SUV, despite being based on the same MFA2 architecture as Mercedes’ small cars such as the A-Class, B-Class, CLA and GLA.

Three versions of the GLB are available in Australia, the GLB 200 for $59,900 before on-road costs, the GLB 250 for $73,900 and the AMG-tuned GLB 35 for $88,900.

We’ve snagged the keys to the mid-tier 250 for the next three months, which we’ll be using as our family runabout to see if this is all the car you could ever need.

Powering the 250 is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, outputting a sizeable 165kW/350Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With plenty of performance on tap, coming away at the lights and overtaking at freeway speeds are both effortless and enjoyable in the GLB 250, not a trait you’d often associate with a family SUV.

It’s good value, too (even in mid-tier GLB 250 form), as the entry-point to the GLC range is only $3600 cheaper than our test car and has a less potent engine, is only rear-wheel drive and doesn’t afford the flexibility of seven seats.

Read Tung's full review: https://carsgui.de/2QY1e2O

Visit our Mercedes-Benz GLB hub: https://carsgui.de/30xy656

Check out our Family Guide: http://carsgui.de/2qpbJia

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