Mercedes’ answer to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 is now available to order in the UK, priced from £34,200 OTR and including RDE2-compliant diesels.

Order books are now open for the Mercedes-Benz GLB

Revealed earlier this summer, the GLB sits above the GLA, marking the eighth model in the brand’s compact car family and bringing both five and seven-seat layouts.

It’s offered with three engine variants, including one petrol, the GLB 200, powered by a 163hp, 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine and bringing a 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds, a 129mph top speed, with WLTP combined fuel economy from 47.1mpg and NEDC Correlated emissions from 138g/km. A 7G-DCT gearbox comes as standard along with front-wheel drive.

Diesels include the GLB 200 d – available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive – which features a 150hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with a 0-62mph time of 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 127mph in front-wheel drive guise. It can deliver up to 56.5mpg WLTP combined and emits 133g/km NEDC Correlated (4MATIC: 51.4mpg and 145g/km).

The range-topping GLB 220 d 4MATIC is powered by a 190hp version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine that gives a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds, and a 135mph top speed. Fuel economy figures and emissions figures for this engine are 51.4mpg (WLTP combined) and 146g/km CO2 NEDC Correlated. The GLB 200 d and 220 d are both married up to an 8G-DCT transmission and both are RDE2-compliant.

Four trims are offered. Entry-level equipment includes 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Dynamic Select with a choice of four driving modes, comfort suspension, LED headlights and tail lights, 180-degree reversing camera, two-zone climate control, heated front seats, Artico man-made leather upholstery, seven-inch digital cockpit display and seven-inch touchscreen media display, the MBUX multimedia system, ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation, plus the Mercedes Me Connect system with e-Call accident recovery, breakdown management and maintenance management.

Driver assistance features include active brake assist, active bonnet, active lane keeping assist, attention assist, speed limit assist, and keyless-go locking and unlocking.

While the standard format is seven seats, the GLB 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line Premium can be specified with five seats.

The GLB range is on sale now with first deliveries expected in December