THE Mercedes M-Class 4x4 is less common than its British counterparts such as the Land Rover Discovery and it's not quite as accomplished as its main German rival, the BMW X5.

Prices keep fairly high secondhand for this chunky all-roader, which is about the same size as the Discovery.

From 2005 there is a bewildering range of petrol engines starting with a 268bhp 3.5-litre V6 and rising to a 382bhp 5.5 V8.

These are all going to be very thirsty, so the best to go for are the 280, 300 and 320 V6 diesels, with 187, 204 or 220bhp.

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

They 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 decent to good performance.

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.

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.