The definition of what constitutes a family has never been broader, making it a potentially confounding task to determine precisely what attributes a family vehicle should have.

Naturally, every family has its own unique rhythm and requirements; there are blended and extended families, new families and growing ones, families who love their creature comforts, and those who love to explore.

Some basics everyone can agree on. Firstly, any family vehicle must be comprehensively equipped with the latest safety features. Practical and thoughtful features should abound – has any family ever asked for fewer storage spaces, cup holders or charging slots? – and there needs to be plenty of room. Family vehicles should comfortably accommodate the whole crew one day, and surfboards, golf clubs or the weekly grocery shop the next.

Beyond this, opinions on what constitutes the ‘best’ family hauler diverge. That’s why we’ve delved into the Mercedes-Benz SUV range to come up with capable and dependable options for a number of common scenarios.

New families – Mercedes-Benz GLB 200

A little bundle of joy comes with a big equipment list – pram, portacot, nappy change equipment, toys, and so forth. A big boot is a must, but without the big car dimensions, so that parents can secure baby or a small child in the back seat without bumping doors into other parked cars.

Classed as a compact SUV with a footprint to match, the cleverly packaged Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 is ingeniously spacious inside. Nowhere is this more evident than at the tailgate, where a wide, long loading space swallows prams – and plenty else – with the EASY PACK load securing kit. The standard EASY PACK tailgate also means you can approach the back of the SUV with your hands full, and with a light swipe under the rear bumper, the tailgate swings open.

The practical GLB is loaded with stash spots and hidey holes, from the wide door pockets and the versatile centre console bin to elasticised straps lining the boot. It accommodates up to seven, but first-time parents can stow the third row of seats seamlessly into the floor to create a flat, wide cargo space.

As you’d expect, safety is a no-brainer. The GLB 200 features ISO-FIX securing points for baby seats and capsules, doors and windows that can be child-proofed, nine airbags, and bevvy of driving assistants – including Active Lane Keep Assist, Active Braking Assist with semi-autonomous braking function, Blind Spot Assist with exit warning, Traffic Sign Assist and a Parking Package. It’s designed to not only keep the precious cargo aboard safe and secure, but to help the driver to keep their attention on the road ahead.

Discover the Mercedes-Benz GLB and its all-electric counterpart, the EQB by Mercedes-EQ.

Growing families – Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC

As little bodies grow bigger, the time comes to step up to an SUV of larger proportions, yet with the size and manoeuvrability of a compact vehicle for easy parking at school pick-ups and sport drop-offs. The GLC 300 4MATIC will comfortably accommodate three teenage-size people in its spacious rear seat, who will appreciate being able to clamber up into the interior with school bags in tow, rather than the step down into traditional sedans.

The spacious boot with an EASY PACK tailgate has an extra stash spot beneath the floor. It also leverages split-fold seats, so it’s a simple manoeuvre to throw the kids’ surfboards or a bike in the back without sacrificing the entire back row. Big door pockets are designed to accommodate full-size water bottles, and there are two second-row charging points for all-important devices.

The GLC 300 is fitted with a Driver Assistance Package that includes Active Distance DISTRONIC – the cruise control system that adjusts based on the speed of preceding vehicles. There’s also the PRE-SAFE® PLUS accident anticipation system to prepare occupants for a collision and minimise its severity, and the security of 4MATIC all-wheel-drive which adjusts grip automatically to the driving conditions.

Discover the Mercedes-Benz GLC and its all-electric counterpart, the EQC by Mercedes-EQ.

Established/extended family – Mercedes-Benz GLE 300 d 4MATIC

Blended or larger families need extra seats, and because children like to bring their friends along for the ride, you might occasionally find yourself wishing for a couple of additional chairs. With the optional seven-seat package fitted, the spacious GLE 300 d 4MATIC SUV becomes a vehicle that can be everything to everyone. Comfortable for two to five occupants in traditional configuration, it can accommodate up to seven with a quick action to flip the third row into place.

With its taller stance, the GLE is the perfect height for growing teens to step into, also providing a commanding view of the road for the driver. Substantial loading space, impressive levels of standard luxury and a suite of safety-focused measures also make the GLE a capable touring companion for family road trips and driving holidays. Of course, like the GLB and GLC models, the GLE comes with extensive safety features too.

Discover the highlights of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Multi-generational families – EQA by Mercedes-EQ

Retirees and downsizers still have family needs – after all, there may be grandchildren to ferry about. Compact yet highly practical, sporty but also responsible, the all-electric EQA by Mercedes-EQ is the future-focused SUV with the familiar feel of a small hatchback.

A spacious back seat suits kids of all ages; like all our vehicles, the EQA is complete with ISO-FIX fixtures to safely accommodate baby capsules and toddler seats, as well as plug-in points for older kids’ devices. A plug-in, all-electric drivetrain demonstrates your commitment to next generations, as well as helping to minimise ongoing running costs – a key consideration for many retirees.

With its tall stance, accommodating door apertures, and seats positioned at the perfect hip height, the EQA eases the strain for mobility-restricted drivers.

Discover the highlights of the EQA by Mercedes-EQ.

Find your family’s dream car by browsing the Mercedes-Benz SUV range. 

By Steve Colquhoun