THE latest Mercedes-Benz GLE is a technological tour de force with not one but two 12-inch screens in the swish and stylish dashboard.

One controls the infotainment, sat nav and much more while directly in front of the driver the second includes all the instruments.

This is right up there with the very latest from other luxury car makers along with the kind of excellent quality and interior design we have come to expect from Mercedes.

Almost all models in the latest range, which was launched in 2019, have a third row of seats that lift up from the boot floor, but they are really only suitable for children - who are almost certainly the only people who will want to use them.

The standard suspension system offers superb comfort over pretty well all surfaces, but upper models improve on that with an air system that manages to reduce the amount o lean in corners.

There is a wide range of engines - almost exclusively diesels - and also a huge array of electronic safety devices. But sadly most of these - of which more later - are only available as options.

Drive is to all four wheels via a standard nine speed automatic gearbox and straight line performance is excellent in all, with zero to 60 miles an hour times ranging from 7.0 seconds down to 5.5.

Power units start with the 300d, which has a 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel producing 241bhp, and this can manage a very best of 44 miles per gallon.

There is also a 3.0-litre six cylinder 300d with 272bhp and 39mpg, and the same unit is used in the 350d models.

The 400d has the same size unit but now breathed upon to produce 325bhp, and economy drops by 1mpg.

Finally, there is a diesel/electric plug-in hybrid. This has a combined power of 320bhp and an excellent battery only range of 66 miles, while emitting just 29 grammes per kilometre of carbon dioxide.

It's rated at a government figure of 257mpg but don't forget, those figures are only for comparison and bear little relation to what you will achieve out on the road - no-matter how careful you are.

Loads of driver assistance electronic safety is available, but sadly, it's all part of the optional Driving Assistance package, so make sure any car in which you're interested has all the kit you want.

The safety pack includes active blindspot assistance that will automatically steer away from an imminent blind spot collision, and active lane change assist, which will automatically change lanes when the driver uses the indicator.

There is also a speed adjustment system that allows for bends, roundabouts and junctions on the chosen route, and active speed limit assist that automatically sets the cruise control to the current limit. It's all very sci-fi isn't it?

The GLE is about the same size as the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 so there is plenty of space for five adults.

The steering is very light and easy for manoeuvring but sadly, there is very little road feel through corners at normal speeds. That said, this is not a car most owners are likely to hustle across country!

There are four levels of trim, and the entry AMG Line comes with 20 inch alloys, lane keeping assistance, parking sensors and a reversing camera, bind sport monitoring, automatic emergency braking and electric heated leather seats.

AMG Line Executive - they all have AMG Line at the start of their titles - adds 21 inch wheels, Android Auto and Apple Carplay phone connection, and Premium gives you memories for the electric seats and an all-round view camera system.

Finally, Premium Plus adds a panoramic glass roof, an interior fragrance system, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded Burmester stereo.

Pay about £39,000 for a '19 19-reg 300d AMG Line, or £59,450 for a '21 21-reg 350de hybrid AMG Line Premium.