When it comes to describing big, chunky SUVs, words such as 'performance' and 'nimble' can be as incompatible as 'elephant' and 'ballet'. And if we're in a rational state of mind, we would often stand correct. Then out of the blue, chariots like the BMW X5 and Infiniti FX50 trots along and we are suddenly thrown out from left field, leaving us stranded in disbelief.

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, on the other hand, doesn't do that. Instead, as a stylish and rapid way of transporting loads of baggage and groceries, this steroidal-pumped SUV doesn't leave us hanging. It behaves exactly how we would have expected it to behave (on and off-road) and maintains the kind of charismatic charm just enough to get heads turning and having envious whispers amongst the casual passerby.

Exterior

The third and latest generation M-Class is now more chiselled and handsome, with its sharp and sculpted edges and well-defined lines. Rather than 'renovating' the SUV, Merc 'refined' it, tweaking the headlamps (with daytime running lights now), foglamps and having a more distinct and aggressive grille. You just cannot deny the fact that the design and style of the huge car makes this Mercedes instantly recognisable as an M-Class.

Sharing a similar platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the M-Class still looks the same when viewed from the back. You will need more than just a keen eye to spot the subtle differences on the butt, where separated horizontal lines can be seen, giving it loads of on-road character.

What's good about this car is that it takes off positively. Standing at 4804mm x 1926mm x 1758mm (L x W x H), the big M looks the part of a luxurious SUV where you cannot help but to stare at it without feeling it's snobbish. Loyal followers of the M-Class may reckon that this car resembles too much like the E-Class, failing to give it a beefy appearance. But in a time where carmakers are standardising a new face throughout the models in their stables, we reckon this look could achieve a sense of recognition for the car and should have no qualms in appealing to a wider audience.

Interior

Mercedes-Benz kept its cabin along the lines of a graceful evolution without compromising on the soft and sedan-like feel. The car continues to offer leather swathed seats, high quality wood trim and a four-spoke steering wheel that's tricked out with buttons and controls.

Features are also user-friendlier than before. The fact that the seat controls have been moved from beside the seats to the upper door panel means occupants no longer have to squeeze and fumble with switches to accurately adjust the electric benches. It's a far better idea than say the Infiniti FX, where adjusting the seats is a chore due to the lack of space between the switches and the door.


Gently sculpted lines and swooping curves of Mercedes' instrument panels also complement the overall classy atmosphere. Buttons and controls on the centre console are all within reach, making the cockpit a compelling combination of ergonomic and practical design for occupants to enjoy.

Space wise, the M-Class doesn't disappoint despite the lack of seat six and seven. And with larger models such as the R-Class and the GL-Class that offer third row benches, Mercedes-Benz has a justifying reason to opt for this seating configuration.

The gigantic car will easily fit five passengers, all of whom will enjoy acres of space all round. The large expanse of glass increases visibility for the driver while a panoramic roof that extends all the way from the front to the rear of the passenger compartment makes the already spacious cabin appear larger than it is.


And should the time call for a family picnic, the boot - one of the biggest in its class - is hardly tight to start with.

The Drive

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 powerplant, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class pushes out 306 horses and 370Nm of torque to all four corners, sending the machine of over 2.1 tonnes to the 100km/h line in a respectable 7.6 seconds.

More relevantly, the all-wheel-drive delivers loads of grip when chucked into corners, but cabin occupants will have to hold on to the handles on the door panels to keep themselves from sliding around in their seats due to body roll caused by the M's biggish dimensions.


But on the straights, the hulk of a car will allow you to get up to three-digit speeds easily on the highway and cruise effortlessly without feeling cumbersome, producing just a little more than a gentle purr as it slips seamlessly through the gears. Best part is the brakes work beautifully to bring it to a halt with minimal fuss.

The engine does work well with the automatic 7G-TRONIC gearbox indeed. Every step of the right pedal allows the car to happily run up and down the revs as you move about town in a very refined and quiet manner. The M-Class may lose out to the X5 for agility or driver involvement but it focuses on comfort and refinement, resulting in a very relaxing drive in a very stressful environment.

Granted that the steering could do with a more natural feel, it does well in terms of its steering ratio and assistance, which varies depending on the speed of the car.

Conclusion

Mercedes-Benz continues to keep its M-Class fresh with better looks, better fuel economy and better driveability. Much like the current E-Class, the latest M-Class you see here feels greater than the sum of its parts. This is one refined and comfortable vehicle that can be suited up as the family rig, yet remain every bit as elegant as you'd expect of a vehicle from the German marque.

When it comes to describing big, chunky SUVs, words such as 'performance' and 'nimble' can be as incompatible as 'elephant' and 'ballet'. And if we're in a rational state of mind, we would often stand correct. Then out of the blue, chariots like the BMW X5 and Infiniti FX50 trots along and we are suddenly thrown out from left field, leaving us stranded in disbelief.

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, on the other hand, doesn't do that. Instead, as a stylish and rapid way of transporting loads of baggage and groceries, this steroidal-pumped SUV doesn't leave us hanging. It behaves exactly how we would have expected it to behave (on and off-road) and maintains the kind of charismatic charm just enough to get heads turning and having envious whispers amongst the casual passerby.

Exterior

The third and latest generation M-Class is now more chiselled and handsome, with its sharp and sculpted edges and well-defined lines. Rather than 'renovating' the SUV, Merc 'refined' it, tweaking the headlamps (with daytime running lights now), foglamps and having a more distinct and aggressive grille. You just cannot deny the fact that the design and style of the huge car makes this Mercedes instantly recognisable as an M-Class.

Sharing a similar platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the M-Class still looks the same when viewed from the back. You will need more than just a keen eye to spot the subtle differences on the butt, where separated horizontal lines can be seen, giving it loads of on-road character.

What's good about this car is that it takes off positively. Standing at 4804mm x 1926mm x 1758mm (L x W x H), the big M looks the part of a luxurious SUV where you cannot help but to stare at it without feeling it's snobbish. Loyal followers of the M-Class may reckon that this car resembles too much like the E-Class, failing to give it a beefy appearance. But in a time where carmakers are standardising a new face throughout the models in their stables, we reckon this look could achieve a sense of recognition for the car and should have no qualms in appealing to a wider audience.

Interior

Mercedes-Benz kept its cabin along the lines of a graceful evolution without compromising on the soft and sedan-like feel. The car continues to offer leather swathed seats, high quality wood trim and a four-spoke steering wheel that's tricked out with buttons and controls.

Features are also user-friendlier than before. The fact that the seat controls have been moved from beside the seats to the upper door panel means occupants no longer have to squeeze and fumble with switches to accurately adjust the electric benches. It's a far better idea than say the Infiniti FX, where adjusting the seats is a chore due to the lack of space between the switches and the door.


Gently sculpted lines and swooping curves of Mercedes' instrument panels also complement the overall classy atmosphere. Buttons and controls on the centre console are all within reach, making the cockpit a compelling combination of ergonomic and practical design for occupants to enjoy.

Space wise, the M-Class doesn't disappoint despite the lack of seat six and seven. And with larger models such as the R-Class and the GL-Class that offer third row benches, Mercedes-Benz has a justifying reason to opt for this seating configuration.

The gigantic car will easily fit five passengers, all of whom will enjoy acres of space all round. The large expanse of glass increases visibility for the driver while a panoramic roof that extends all the way from the front to the rear of the passenger compartment makes the already spacious cabin appear larger than it is.


And should the time call for a family picnic, the boot - one of the biggest in its class - is hardly tight to start with.

The Drive

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 powerplant, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class pushes out 306 horses and 370Nm of torque to all four corners, sending the machine of over 2.1 tonnes to the 100km/h line in a respectable 7.6 seconds.

More relevantly, the all-wheel-drive delivers loads of grip when chucked into corners, but cabin occupants will have to hold on to the handles on the door panels to keep themselves from sliding around in their seats due to body roll caused by the M's biggish dimensions.


But on the straights, the hulk of a car will allow you to get up to three-digit speeds easily on the highway and cruise effortlessly without feeling cumbersome, producing just a little more than a gentle purr as it slips seamlessly through the gears. Best part is the brakes work beautifully to bring it to a halt with minimal fuss.

The engine does work well with the automatic 7G-TRONIC gearbox indeed. Every step of the right pedal allows the car to happily run up and down the revs as you move about town in a very refined and quiet manner. The M-Class may lose out to the X5 for agility or driver involvement but it focuses on comfort and refinement, resulting in a very relaxing drive in a very stressful environment.

Granted that the steering could do with a more natural feel, it does well in terms of its steering ratio and assistance, which varies depending on the speed of the car.

Conclusion

Mercedes-Benz continues to keep its M-Class fresh with better looks, better fuel economy and better driveability. Much like the current E-Class, the latest M-Class you see here feels greater than the sum of its parts. This is one refined and comfortable vehicle that can be suited up as the family rig, yet remain every bit as elegant as you'd expect of a vehicle from the German marque.