PRICES keep fairly high for the big Mercedes M-Class 4x4, which is about the size of the Land Rover Discovery.

It's less common than its British counterpart, and neither is it as accomplished as main German rival the BMW X5.

But there is a wide range of engines from 2005 starting with a 268bhp 3.5-litre V6 and rising to a 382bhp 5.5 V8.

These are going to be very thirsty so the best to go for are the 280 and 320 V6 diesels, with 187 and 220bhp.

All come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, huge comfort, marvellous refinement and very good road holding and handling.

All are effortless, whisper quiet cruisers with understated styling and they also perform very well off-road, with all the electronic aids to make sure you keep going.

They ooze up-market chic and sophistication and of course, they have all the performance you could want.

There is plenty of leg and headroom for five, even if the rear centre occupant has the transmission tunnel to contend with and the boot is big enough for just about any family need.

Safety is very good with ABS, traction control and stability control on top of loads of airbags, and the rest of the equipment is excellent.