The new Mercedes M-Class

Eight years on, Mercedes-Benz is going to seriously dismay rival luxury SUV makers with the arrival of the new M-Class, which hardly resembles its aging siblings.

Executives say they wanted to make the M-Class more dynamic and emotional, so designers have manipulated a new taut shape and more sporty profile. But the swept back windscreen, front wings and a rising shoulder line are not just for aesthetics, striking as they are, but contribute to an appreciable cut in the car's drag co-efficient to a class-leading level.

Inside, the driving position is superb. Taller than average drivers (and passengers) will welcome the stretch MB has given the new model. The car is longer and wider than its predecessor, and there is now more leg, head and elbow room in both the front and rear.

Smooth on-road

Drivers of pricey luxury SUVs expect a superior drive for their money. They will get just that with the M-Class. Mercedes engineers have redeveloped the axles, steering, brakes and suspension, and it shows.

Speed-sensitive power steering continuously reduces the steering effort below 100km/h as a function of vehicle speed, which ultimately makes parking a cinch when only half the steering effort is required compared to running on the open road.

On the road the drive is, as expected, smooth. The ML handles with precision, despite its size and weight. The car drives more like a large sedan than a capable off-roader.

A full revolution through a wide traffic roundabout - at a speed faster than would normally be recommended - found the M-Class gripping almost like a sports car. It was comfortable with the tight line and the driver stays in a strong position with no sensation of fighting to stay in the centre of the seat.

We test drove the ML350, which has more than enough power with the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine unit which delivers 272bhp to the car. If required, the ML 350 can race to 100km/h from a standing start in an impressive 8.4 seconds. For those who want it, extra grunt comes via the ML 500 with a 5.0-litre V8 unit.

Very happy off-road

If owners can bear getting their new M-Class dirty, then it can more than adequately handle the rough stuff. The car was taken over a course of deep water crossings, steep gravelly hills and dunes, and a series of deep potholes.

We drove the ML 350 fitted with an optional off-road engineering package. The package includes differential locks, low-range ratios and underride guard and the Airmatic air suspension system which allows the car to be raised in three stages: up 30, 80, 100mm; at the press of a button, while idling or on the move.

The ML moved through the course without balking. At the most extreme moments the car felt like it was capable of driving itself by reading its position and making the appropriate adjustments.

When climbing over loose gravel hill and facing what felt like an almost vertical drop on the downward side, it took a Herculean effort to ignore the order from the brain - slam your foot on the brake! The car immediately sensed the terrain and what was required. It checked the car's speed, possibly a bit too quickly, and eased itself down to the bottom, with the driver having to do nothing more than hold onto the steering wheel.