WHEN snow and ice take centre-stage there's only one place you want to be - behind the wheel of a good-looking SUV sporting a fearsome four-wheel drive system.

Luckily for me the ML250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Sport was on the drive when the white stuff began to fall from the sky. It went on to treat the worst winter could offer with the contempt any right-minded adult should applaud.

It was able to do this thanks to a permanent intelligent all-wheel drive system which gives the driver a tremendous amount of confidence in conditions where it should long since have vanished.

Having mastered the season's greeting the latest M-Class revealed other tasty treats such as rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, a powered tailgate, climate control, a decent audio system with a colour display screen, an electronic parking brake and heated seats.

As well as securing the safety of those in the car the ML250 BlueTEC attempts to ease the effect of any collision on those outside with a special bonnet designed to protect pedestrians in an accident.

There's also a downhill speed regulator, an electronic stability programme including acceleration skid control as well as trailer stability assist when towing and hill start assist.

Mercedes launched the third generation of the M-Class last year with a revamped exterior featuring a sloping sporty-looking roof. Other neat features include aluminium-finish running boards with rubber studs, chrome underguards in the front and rear bumpers, 19-inch five-spoke light alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights.

They are all part of a luxury Sport Utility Vehicle which is longer, wider and lower than before.

The ML250 BlueTEC uses Mercedes' four-cylinder 2.2-litre engine, channelled through a slick seven-speed automatic gearbox, which produces 204bhp and plenty of pulling power.

But amazingly, for a four-wheel drive motor weighing in excess if two tonnes, the oil burner has a combined town and motorway fuel economy figure in excess of 40mpg.

It is also a refined individual with any noise and vibrations well suppressed. Press the pedal to the metal and there's little in the way of a soundtrack - but on this big SUV that's a plus not a minus.

The ML250 is a surprisingly aerodynamic beast thanks to redesigned exterior mirror housings, side spoilers on the rear window, front wheel spoilers plus sealed joints between the bonnet and the headlamps to help channel air efficiently around the car.

It is underpinned by a platform featuring a double wishbone suspension up front and a multi-link rear end. Along with steel springs and adaptable dampers they ensure a comfortable ride as any humps and hollows in the road are neutralised without fuss.

For a big car the ML250 is surprisingly nimble to drive with taut handling and little body roll in corners.

Mercedes' SUV has electromechanical power steering which gives a good feeling for what is happening on the road as well as being precise and responsive.

This is a vehicle for those who wish to marry top class build quality, luxury and efficiency with practicality and a go-anywhere dynamic.