The M-Class is Mercedes-Benz back at its best. The styling is understated and elegant, the interior is comfortable and attractive, plus it drives well – both on and off-road – the whole package oozes subtle sophistication. There are some cracking engines too, including a whisper-quiet V6 diesel, a very powerful 4.2-litre diesel and a sublime 5.0-litre V8.

And if that’s not enough, a 510bhp 6.3-litre AMG model which is covered in a separate review. Although the M-Class doesn’t come cheap, list prices are close to that of similar off roaders and there’s plenty of standard equipment. In October 2008 it was facelifted with slight exterior tweaks (including new headlights) while the diesel models were made cleaner and more economical.