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The brand has released its first official image of the car in the form of a rendered view of its interior. It takes clear influence from the latest A-Class, with a large combined digital instrument and infotainment display above AMG GT-style air vents. The GLB, sitting above the GLA and below the larger GLC, will be a fully fledged rival to cars such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40 and Jaguar E-Pace. The concept version appearing in the coming weeks will be close to production spec, with the finished car making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Alongside regular variants, a hot AMG 35 variant was recently spotted testing. Visual differences include larger wheels to house uprated brakes, a larger air intake on the lower front bumper and a redesigned grille pattern echoing that of other AMG models. The design of the rear bumper has also been revised to allow for the addition of a dual-exit exhaust system, while the car's lower stance hints at a sportier suspension set-up. Using the same 2.0-litre mild hybrid petrol engine found in the new A35 hot hatch, the GLB 35 will produce around 302bhp. It will be joined by a range-topping GLB 45 after launch. Previous images showed the GLB lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife in standard form. Due to arrive in showrooms before the year is out, the GLB mixes old-school G-Class influences, including a boxy profile and an upright rear end, with contemporary details, such as the brand's softer front-end design and LED headlights. The GLB, a sibling to the GLA, has been given this less conventional appearance in an attempt to stand out against softer-looking rivals such as the X1 and Q3. Trademark filings suggest that variants badged 200, 220 and 250 will be available, using the same engines as the A-Class and CLA. The line-up will feature an updated range of Mercedes/Renault-Nissan four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, producing upwards of 160bhp. Also planned is a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid variant with a modest electric-only driving range. Development of the long-mooted GLB has been accelerated in order to bring the car to market this year. The move is part of Mercedes’ plan to retain sales momentum in the lucrative premium compact car class. The GLB is part of a future eight-strong family of compact models announced by Mercedes chairman Dieter Zetsche at the 2018 Detroit motor show. Its likely starting price will be around £32,000. One of three additions to Mercedes' existing compact car range of five, the GLB joins a new four-door A-Class Saloon, along with an as-yet-unknown model; one possibility is a dedicated coupé in the mould of the Audi TT. The new line-up kicked off with the launch of the fourth-generation A-Class last year. The GLB is known under the internal codename X247 and is said to draw heavily on the well-received Ener-G-Force concept seen at the 2015 Los Angeles motor show. It combines styling cues inspired by the 40-year-old, tough military vehicle design of the G-Class with more contemporary flourishes from the 2014 G-Code concept, although latest shots of the development model suggest a lower, boxy appearance of the GLK, the GLC predecessor that was never sold in the UK. Buyers will be able to choose between a series of optional styling packages, including a rugged-looking off-road appearance, with extra cladding and increased ride height, according to insiders privy to the final design. Chosen by Mercedes board members over an alternative long-wheelbase B-Class, the standard GLB earmarked for sale in the UK is set to be around 4600mm in length, making it 180mm longer than the outgoing GLA it indirectly replaces for the time being. The GLB is based on a version of Mercedes’ MFA platform that will be reworked to have greater production flexibility and lower weight than today’s structure. It will be offered with a choice of two wheelbases, with either a five-seat or seven-seat layout, in a move mirroring that of the Q3, X1 and Volkswagen Tiguan. Details remain scarce, but sources suggest the long-wheelbase variant, which extends to almost 4800mm, may be sold only in selected markets, such as China and the US.

This cycle, every asset class has been transformed—in one way or another—into an experiential lifestyle space. From creative office to amenitized luxury multifamily living, there is clear demand for tailored and thoughtful space, and if done right, these spaces can drive occupancy and rates. Now, hotels are the latest asset class to see a push toward more lifestyle-friendly environments. UC Funds is one company involved in the push toward more experiential hotel spaces. It has recently renovated two hotels, a One Club Gulf Shores in Gulf Shores, Alabama, a and Residence Inn Stamford Downtown, in Stamford, Connecticut. “No matter if for a night, a weekend, or two weeks, travelers want to feel acknowledged, appreciated, and they want experiences that make the trip worth it. The want to feel special and they want the place their staying to be special,” Dan Palmier, CEO of UC Funds, tells GlobeSt.com. “A lifestyle branded asset should fulfill an aspiration for guests by offering exclusivity through a unique experience that augments socialization for the traveler. We aim to achieve this by creating a first-class trip for visitors with curated, enhanced amenities to make each hospitality asset, short-term or extended stay, feel like a five-star home away from home.” In the company’s most recent hotel redevelopments, it focused on creating a refined experience but an accessible price—an important balance. “We developed and rebranded One Club Gulf Shores, a coastal Alabama golf resort community,” says Palmier. “My team at UC Funds along with Troon/Honours Golf completely renovated the property and its amenities, with a goal to give visitors from all walks of life a first-class travel experience at a reasonable price, offering the dream vacation many people idealize but often don’t believe they can afford.” Amenities are an important element in the effort to create a high-end experience for travelers. These amenities include everything from pools and spas to fitness centers and spa services. The goal is to strike a balance between amenities and services that serve as amenities. “We also added a series of amenities designed to give travelers a high-end luxury resort experience including a pool and cabana club with three new heated and air-conditioned pools, reserved private cabanas, a Jacuzzi and sauna, brand new outdoor lighted pickleball courts, a spacious fitness center featuring state-of-the-art equipment, and spa and massage services,” explains Palmier. “We have become the most sought-after leisure experience in Gulf Shores and along the entire Gulf Coast by providing access to a lifestyle often presumed to be out of reach.” In curating an experience, Palmier emphasizes the need for both amenities and services, in which he includes customer service. “While amenities sell, service grows your business,” says Palmier. “A resort might have the best, most high-end features and amenities but if the staff is unfriendly or service is slow, profits will quickly reflect that.” At the Residence Inn Stamford Downtown and the Courtyard Stamford Downtown, Palmier aims for seamless service from the front desk to food and beverage. “Guests of these assets often stay for several weeks or months at a time and are likely to return more than once,” he says. No one will be interested in sticking around if they’re unsatisfied or feel unwelcome.”

The leader of forces in eastern Libya has ordered them to march on the capital Tripoli, the base of the internationally recognised government. Khalifa Haftar's order to the self-styled Libyan National Army came as UN chief Antonio Guterres was in Tripoli. Armed groups from the western city of Misrata, which back the government, have vowed to stop any advance. Libya has been riven by violence and division since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011. Mr Guterres, the US and European nations have all urged de-escalation. Speaking to reporters in Tripoli, Mr Guterres said he was making a "strong appeal to stop... the escalation". The US, UK, France and Italy also issued a joint statement calling for calm. "At this sensitive moment in Libya's transition, military posturing and threats of unilateral action only risk propelling Libya back toward chaos," they said in a joint statement issued by the US state department. "We strongly believe that there is no military solution to the Libya conflict," the governments added. The UN had been planning to hold a conference in Libya later this month for talks over ending the country's long-running crisis. There were conflicting reports that Gen Haftar's forces had entered the town of Gharyan, 100km (60 miles) south of Tripoli. The Libyan National Army (LNA) says it has secured Gharyan and moved on. However it said two of its soldiers had been wounded in clashes in a nearby area. A Gharyan official told AFP that there were "ongoing efforts to avoid a confrontation" between rival fighters in the town. The UN-backed government in Tripoli said it had put its forces on high alert. Meanwhile residents in Misrata said armed groups from the city had begun moving towards the Libyan capital, Reuters reported. In December Gen Haftar met Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj from the UN-backed government at a conference but refused to attend official talks.