It is hard to describe this as the baby 4X4, but in the Mercedes scheme of things, that is exactly what it is. It is just a very big and advanced baby.
Power units start with a 272bhp 3.5ltr V6 petrol unit that drives so well it is hard to understand why anyone would go for the 306bhp 5.0ltr V8. A better alternative would be one of the 3.0ltr V6 turbodiesels with either 190bhp or 218bhp. The 4.0ltr V8 diesel outpaces the petrol V8 and can take you another 200 miles on a tank of fuel.
Ride is excellent, even without the air suspension, which comes as an optional extra. Road noise is non-existent as is wind noise at the majority of times and the engines only make their presence felt when pushed to their extremes.
Although there are criticisms over the quality of some of the plastics used in the cabin, the M-Series is far better than it used to be. The car has the full range of safety aids and the passengers are cosseted with the full array of adaptive airbags.
Driver's position is good and all controls are logical and within reach (gear selector has been moved to the steering column for convenience).
Space is good, especially for four, but there is a transmission tunnel inconveniencing the fifth. Equipment is as expected, with all the electronic driver aids to assist wherever you take this vehicle.
Insurance groups range from 16 to 20.
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Mercedes ML.