OFF-roaders are one of the last groups of cars that you think of when talking about sleek or sporty.
But the latest generation M-Class from Mercedes-Benz actually comes into both categories.
As the German car-maker has followed the trend for downsizing its engines it has also created a sleek new look for its large 4x4, dramatically broadening its appeal.
The new, third generation model is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, but still unmistakably an M-Class.
And the lower roof which now slopes down more is one of the keys to the sporty appearance.
It's as if the M-Class has been attending gym sessions, so that where there was bulk there is now rippling muscle, and from behind the wheel it feels lighter, more sprightly.
The 2.1-litre ML 250 BlueTEC Special Edition that I sampled - which has stylish extras including aluminium running boards - replaces the 3.0-litre V6 CDI in the previous M-Class range. Yet another example of downsizing.
It means the loss of 800cc and two cylinders - but the trick is there is no reduction in power or torque.
In fact the power and torque of this four-cylinder is identical to the V6, allowing the ML 250 to hit 62 miles per hour in 9.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130mph.
Mercedes says the performance and economy is helped by the new drag-reducing design. Or, as it puts it, its slipperiness.
The ML 250 BlueTEC is, in fact, the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class, with average fuel consumption of 44.8mpg, far better than a lot of family saloons and more than 28 per cent better than the car it replaces.
Front wheel spoilers, redesigned exterior mirror housings, side spoilers on the rear window of the ML 250 BlueTEC, aerodynamic light alloy wheels and sealed joints between the bonnet and the headlamps help to channel air cleanly around the car at speed.
There are also active aerodynamics beneath the bonnet so that the radiator gets cooling air only when needed, while energy-saving engine ancillary components, an on-demand compressor on the air conditioning system and fuel-saving tyres all play their part in helping to reduce consumption.
On the road the ML 250 is light and easy to handle and a world away from earlier generations of M-Class which, good as they were, tended to feel bulky.
This sporting SUV still has some roll on corners but its all very much under control allowing you to drive it in a far more exhilarating manner.
With its 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic it purrs along in sophisticated silence, easily disguising that there is a diesel engine under the bonnet. In fact it's quieter than many of the German car maker's luxury saloons.
And if you want hands-on gear-changing it's available, thanks to the paddles behind the steering wheel
Despite the new slimmer look this latest model still offers an abundance of interior space for passengers and generous luggage space beneath the big rear hatch.
The interior is a nice blend of SUV ruggedness with Mercedes-Benz saloon luxury.
And even though most people will never take their off-road the permanent electronic four-wheel-drive system 4MATIC means you can tackle the most rugged of terrain.
It can dramatically alter the split between the drive to the front and rear axles from 30:70 to 70:30, depending upon the need at any given time.
The new ML 250 is a real car for all seasons and a car for all reasons.
And while it's still easily identifiable as an M-Class, it's new slimline shape makes it far more desirable and far more car-like to drive - which gives you the best of all worlds..