DRIVING on ice without studded tyres is an absolute nightmare.

A few weeks ago in the freezing cold, I tested the big Mercedes ML 4x4 and intentionally drove it on to sheet ice.

Most drivers are never going to do this, but believe me, you have no traction or braking whatsoever, even with all wheel drive.

Apart from this, which is the same with every car, the big Mercedes is great to drive and to live with.

It equates to the Land Rover Discovery or Porsche Cayenne, with a V6 diesel engine and seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Acceleration is excellent from any speed, once the gearbox decides which gear it wants, and the engine is smooth and very quiet.

The ride is sumptuous over everything and the road-holding is also very good considering its bulk.

It comes with all the off-road help anyone could want, including a choice of settings for different terrain but I cannot imagine anyone taking a £48,000 car into the rough.

In AMG Sport spec, from the top of the range, it comes with sat nav, Bluetooth, parking sensors, start/stop, electric heated and air conditioned seats and a manual setting for the gearbox with paddles behind the steering wheel.

It has very comfortable seats, huge legroom front and rear and a massive boot.