SAFETY AND SECURITY: Loads of good stuff here beyond the usual plethora of airbags and stability systems. The structure controls its deformation under impact much better than before, and the M-Class offers the option of the Pre-Safe system first seen in the S-Class. This uses the ABS and ESP sensors to determine if the car is heading for a crash. To find out more about Mercedes M-Class safety and security click here. 

INSIDE: Noise levels are impressively low for the most part with little roar from the tyres and little wind rush. Space however is less impressive despite the claimed improvement over the old car. A tall driver, sat comfortably, leaves surprisingly little legroom for a rear seat occupant. There's plenty of storage space inside, especially in the centre tunnel where the removal of the gear selector opens new storage opportunities. The rear seats fold forward to make a flat load floor and lazy owners can gain access to the ample boot space via the optional powered tailgate. Another option is the external spare wheel, normally you have either a spacesaver or a pump up kit which is mounted on a heavy cradle which must be swung out before the tailgate can open. It's part of a range of build up the cost options which includes running boards, a chrome package, a cosmetic exterior/interior sports package and an interior package to include wood trim and extra cabin lighting. Surprisingly you even can change your mind about trim, options paint finish as little as six working days before the delivery date.

RUNNING COSTS: Clearly, the CDI versions will be cheapest to run, but strangely the 320 is rated as no thirstier than the 280. All will have expensive servicing at Mercedes dealers, but not too frequently. All engines meet Euro 4 emissions standards, but particulates aren't included in those standards so Mercedes-Benz offers an optional particulate trap for the diesels. It needs no maintenance.

PERFORMANCE FIGURES:

		M-Class ML 350		M-Class ML500		M-Class ML320CDI (Euro4)
ON THE ROAD PRICE
Standard Model		£36710		-----------		£36715
SE Model		£39460		£49925		£39465
Sport Model		£39460		£49925		£39465
CO2 emmisions		275		319		260
Service intervals		variable		variable		variable
Warranty package		3yrs/ unilimited miles		3yrs/ unilimited miles		3yrs/ unilimited miles
Recovery package		M/B assist		M/B assist		M/B assist
Insurance group		18A		20A		17E
Mpg city/extra urban/combined		18.3/29.4/24.1		15.2/27.2/21.1		21.9/35.3/28.8
Tank capacity litres. incl.reserve.approx		95/13		95/13		95/13
SAFETY AND SECURITY
ABS/brake assist/EBD		Yes/Yes/Yes		Yes/Yes/Yes		Yes/Yes/Yes
Stability/traction control		Yes/Yes		Yes/Yes		Yes/Yes
Airbags driver/pass/side		Yes/Yes/Yes		Yes/Yes/Yes		Yes/Yes/Yes
Alarm/immobiliser/remote locking		Yes/Yes/Yes		Yes/Yes/Yes		Yes/Yes/Yes
PERFORMANCE
0-62mph		8.4		6.9		8.6
Maximum speed approx Mph		140		149		133
TECHNICAL
Engine/capacity (cc)		V6  3498cc		V8  4966cc		V6  2987cc
Peak power (bhp@rpm)		272@6000		306@5600		224@3800
Peak torque (Nm@rpm)		350@2400-5000		460@2700-4750		510@1600-2800
Transmission		7 speed auto/tip		7 speed auto/man		7 speed auto/man
Steering		electrically assisted		electrically assisted		electrically assisted
Tyre size		235/65/R17		255/55/R18		235/65/R17

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