Many of the automotive industry's big success stories have been more about evolution than revolution.

The Volkswagen Golf is perhaps the perfect case in point but many manufacturers see the wisdom in adapting a winning formula rather than completely overhauling it.

Mercedes-Benz would seem to have settled on a similar strategy with its ML SUV.

Now in its third generation the square-ish and unimaginative traditional styling of the original was dispensed with for a more svelte and sleek creation second time around and the third version sticks pretty close to that middle model as far as looks go.

The profile hasn't changed all that much, yet there's no mistaking this is an all-new entity that's also longer, wider and lower than its predecessor with enough styling revisions to set it apart.

It's still characterised by very distinct design lines featuring a swept-back windscreen, a wedge-like profile, distinctive curved pillars and imaginative use of glass - all of which combine to create a good looking vehicle.

Cleverly it manages to escape from the traditional SUV boxy design blueprint to create something more appealing, but without compromising on interior space.

On the inside it feels open, roomy and plush, with that unmistakable mark of Mercedes-Benz luxury and quality.

About the only criticism that could be levelled at it is that it doesn't offer a seven-seat option, though the firm would probably point people towards its larger GL model for this.

The impressive interior of the last version has been improved and upgraded further, with no corner-cutting whatsoever when it comes to instrumentation and switchgear.

This car might have been kitted with a fair few optional extras but standard equipment is more than generous.

My only gripes would be a centre console that is noticeably large and the trademark Mercedes instrumentation set-up where an awful lot is located on the steering wheel.

To be fair once you get used to it it's actually rather convenient, but I spent more than a day or two thinking I was operating the windscreen wipers when I was actually changing gear.

Given the amount of technical kit it would be easy to get confused in a sea of technology but Mercedes do have quite a knack of making it immensely user-friendly and this is no exception.

I was particularly impressed by the tyre pressure monitors that flashed up on the screen to tell me the air pressure in the rear passenger side tyre was dangerously low. Not only did it do that but it also gave a precise measurement for each tyre. Mind you, I wasn't so pleased when I alighted to discover a large screw embedded in the tyre.

Despite the ML's four-wheel-drive capabilities it's one of the SUVs that I just can't envisage traversing steep sloes in muddy woodland. As one of the pace-setting luxury SUVs it still seems more at home as a road rather than an off-vehicle.

Nonetheless, with the latest version it's possible to enhance the vehicle's on-road and off-road capabilities with two options, both of which were fitted to this car.

With height adjustable Airmatic air suspension (£1,775) the On-&-Offroad package (£1,985), adds a low range transfer gearbox, underbody protection, lockable centre and rear differentials and height adjustable suspension to allow for up to 285mm of ground clearance.

A more road focused car comes courtesy of Mercedes' Active Curve System (£3,240), which works via active anti-roll bars and enhances handling.

The air suspension as well as improving its off-road capabilities also enhances the ride quality considerably.

A tempting engine option in the latest ML is a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel unit that has impressive performance, though the extra kick offered by the 3.0-litre V6 edges it overall.

Power is up by around 30bhp compared to the previous generation 3.0-litre and there's no doubting it's an engine that's difficult to fault.

Super-smooth, delivering power seamlessly and impressively refined, it's difficult to imagine it lacking in any respect.

Overall refinement is also a real strength of the ML and so cosseted are you from the harsh realities of the outside world that it creates a cocooned comfort zone that helps make any journey long or short a joy.