Mercedes has not skimped on the amount of safety kit fitted to the ML. Leaving aside the four-wheel drive for extra traction, the car comes as standard with ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control with skid control that can also monitor any towed trailers, hill start assist, traction control and ISOFIX fitting points for child seats. There is also the German company’s Pre-Safe system that can recognise a potential collision and initiate measures to maximise crash protection for the occupants such as activating the seat belt pre-tensioners.

Throw in anti-dive and anti-squat controls for the suspension and you pretty much have the kitchen sink thrown in when it comes to safety.

A large premier 4x4 will always score well when it comes to practicality. There is plenty of room for five adults even on longer journeys thanks to greater passenger room over the previous model. The new ML gets a bigger boot and with the rear seats folded Mercedes is claiming to set a new benchmark for space with 2,010 litres. There is a ski-load hatch in the rear seats and plenty of cubbies around the car including front door pockets that will swallow a one-litre bottle.

There’s optional temperature-controlled cup holders to keep drinks warm or hot depending on requirements. Front seats come with electrically controlled, multi adjustments and the rear seats can be adjusted for tilt.