MERCEDES-BENZ is aiming to take the sports utility scene by storm with next year's arrival of the new M-Class.

The promise is of enhanced fuel consumption - up to 720 miles on a single tank for its most economical model - lower emissions, plus superior comfort with bags of style.

And judging by the first pictures released of this third generation series, the premium manufacturer is on course to set a new benchmark in the world of large SUVs.

High efficiency is the name of the game as the boys at Benz have adopted a policy of engine downsizing allied to superior dynamics.

Three models will be available from the springtime launch, featuring either BlueTEC diesel or the new generation of BlueDIRECT petrol engines, and between them boast 25 per cent better fuel consumption than the outgoing range.

Kicking off the new line-up is the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, in which the 3.0-litre V6 diesel of the previous model is replaced by the 2,143cc four-cylinder unit already used in the S-Class.

It produces 204bhp, accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds, can hit 130mph, has CO2 emissions of 158g/km - compared to the 224g/km of its predecessor - and boasts an average fuel return of 47 miles per gallon.

And those with a particular loathing of filling stations can opt for the 93-litre as opposed to standard 70-litre tank for the potential of driving up to 930 miles between refuelling stops.

The ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is also frugal, returning 41.5mpg. With an output of 258bhp, this V6 diesel can accelerate to 62mph in 7.4 seconds and hit 139mph, while the 306bhp petrol-engined ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY has an average consumption of 33.2mpg and top speed of 146mph.

The improved fuel economy is underpinned by BlueEFFICIENCY measures, including ECO start/stop, a new seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with fuel-economy converter and low rolling resistance tyres.

4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive plus new developments to the chassis and fresh driving dynamics systems are also features of the range.

For the first time, the steel suspension of the M-Class chassis now includes selective damping so that during normal driving on moderately uneven roads or during slow off-road driving, the system responds with a soft ride to boost the car's capability.

For more serious mud-plugging, the ML 350 BlueTEC 4 MATIC and ML 350 4MATIC Blue EFFICIENCY models feature a comprehensive off-road programme as standard.

It improves the options once the going gets tough and includes permanent all-wheel drive plus electronic traction control and an off-road button that activates a special off-road transmission mode.

Mercedes is also offering a new ON&OFFROAD package comprising six transmission modes to optimise driving dynamics and handling safety.

As to styling, the car has that classic M-Class look with dominant radiator grille and centrally positioned Mercedes star, the LED daytime running lamps are set in chrome bumper inserts and the roofline slopes down to the rear in sporty fashion.

Every car comes with the Audio 20 CD system - which comprises radio, TFT colour display screen, an MP3-compatible CD player, USB interface with CD cover art display, an AUX-IN socket and telephone keypad - plus Bluetooth.

There are also several upgrades plus techno wizardry like the COMAND Online system offering internet access in the M-Class for the first time.

UK pricing and specification have yet to be confirmed, but sales will start next spring.