Mercedes’ new-generation GLB arrived recently in the UK as the official electric successor to the EQB, sharing much of its advanced drivetrain with the CLA Shooting Brake elsewhere in this issue. That includes the motor or motors. Our test 250+ model was rear-wheel-drive only but if you choose the 350 4Matic, it is equipped with four-wheel-drive, which might appeal if you intend to tow with the GLB or head off-road. It’s worth saying that the GLB will pull up to two tonnes, high capacity for an electric vehicle, although that would have a noticeable impact on driving range. That said, the GLB includes 800-volt architecture and Mercedes says that if you find an appropriate high-powered charger, you can add around 160 miles of range in 10 minutes.

More on the GLB’s technologies later. As is often the case, the GLB is longer and wider than both the previous EQB and GLB, resulting in more headroom and legroom all round, even though the new GLB is 14mm lower than its predecessors. While it loses out on boot space compared with the old GLB, it gains by having a front boot under the bonnet, which adds 127 litres to the mix.

With a 272hp motor powering the GLB 250+, you would expect good performance. SUVs of this size tend to be family transport too and like the CLA we tested, the GLB offers the kind of ride quality that will earn points from passengers. It was very accomplished over some poor road surfaces, setting it off to a good start.

Other models have since joined the GLB line-up with a range of petrol hybrid, petrol and diesel models now available. Still to come are more electric models, including an entry-level model.

From behind the steering wheel, the dashboard and controls were shared with the CLA too – a good thing given the impressive full-width dashboard display offering a screen for the front passenger as well as the expected display ahead of the driver and over the centre console. I should add that this layout, which Mercedes calls the MBUX Superscreen, is an option. It can be configured to how the driver would like. Although the climate controls are incorporated in the centre screen, they are permanently displayed, enabling adjustments to be easily made.

There is much that could be said about the technologies so I will try to keep it brief. Standard equipment includes Mercedes’ Distronic distance control, which includes cameras, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors and a water-cooled high-performance computer, which can handle regular over-the-air updates. Other standard kit includes adaptive damping, which doubtless plays a part in the fine ride quality. It includes a choice between Comfort and Sport settings.

A panoramic roof is also a standard fitting. The optional Sky Control roof can be made opaque at the touch of a button, useful in the kind of summer that we have just had.

As we’ve indicated, the GLB offers good performance and handling combined with fine ride quality. Combine this with the spacious interior and option of five or seven seats and it has a great deal to offer as family transport.

From a fleet perspective, choosing a Mercedes should be good news for residual values. This should make it a sound choice for fleets either buying or leasing.