The 2020 GLB-Class is the smallest Mercedes that can be equipped with three rows of seats.
Pros Chunky styling Lots of tech Right-sized
Cons Third row looks tight Too many Mercedes SUVs? Bound to be expensive
Slotting into the narrow space between the GLA-Class and the GLC-Class is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class compact crossover, but this mini-ute pulls its boxier styling from the vaunted GLE- and G-Class SUVs. We saw the concept in April at the Shanghai auto show and Mercedes-Benz unveiled the production model, in all its mini-ute glory, at an event in June; we expect the GLB to be on sale by the end of 2019.
Mercedes-Benz launches new-generation cars every other week, but whole new nameplates are rarer things. Enter the family-focused GLB small SUV...
Pros Back seat and boot space Comfortable suspension Cool design inside and out
Cons Transmission calibration issues Base engine is nothing special Is there scope for a diesel?
“The Velar plugs a gap in, er, Land Rover's range of Range Rovers. It's bigger than the Evoque but smaller than the Sport ”
PROS Achingly stylish inside and out. Improved engines and plug-in option make the heavy-duty bits more competitive. Relaxed and refined, yet unusually superb off-road.
CONS Infotainment screen not quite Land Rover’s latest and greatest. Expensive once you start speccing it
The Range Rover Velar is a stylish, refined and seriously appealing coupé SUV. If you keep to small wheels, it's a comfy companion while our favoured S trim gets plenty of kit. It’s best to stick to the cheaper trims and engines – once you start moving up the range, the price rises into the realms of better-resolved cars, such as the Audi Q8 and BMW X6.
PROS Decent economy with diesels and plug-in Smooth and punchy D300 engine Good off road
CONS Average rear leg room Wallowy handling Some cheap plastics inside
