First tease of baby Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV

The first tease of an all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB concept has surfaced, confirming rumours the small German SUV will indeed look like a baby G-Wagen when it's unveiled at the Shanghai motor show on April 15.

Already spotted testing, the boxy compact SUV clearly pays homage to the original G-Wagen design while inside, the single pic suggests the new Mercedes GLB clearly mimics its cabin too.

Our glimpse at the production-ready interior reveals the same twin-screen MBUX that's shared with the real G-Wagen as well as the significantly smaller A-Class hatch on which the Mercedes GLB is based.

Set to sit above the GLA but below the GLC, the GLB replaces the old GLK SUV that was sold in Europe but never available in right-hand drive for markets like Australia – not a mistake Mercedes is expected to make with the new GLB.

Differentiating itself from its smaller GLA sibling, the GLB will feature more overt off-roader looks and boast a roomier cabin and more luggage space.

Under the bonnet, the A-Class' family of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesels will be offered, with powerful AMG GLB 35 and GLB 45 models expected thereafter.

To satisfy Euro and Chinese markets, a plug-in hybrid and a full pure-electric version are set to be available under the car-maker's 'EQ' banner.

Once the concept is launched at Shanghai, the 'real' production car could make its debut as soon as this September at the Frankfurt motor show.

When it goes on sale around 2020, the small Mercedes GLB is set to rival the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Jaguar E-PACE.