M-Class gets more refined - On the road

The new M-Class has a strong engine range and the entry-level petrol will be a 272bhp 3.5-litre V6 that drives so well only the super rich will upgrade to the 306bhp 5.0-litre V8. There’s ample acceleration at all times and the seven-speed automatic gearbox – which is standard across the range – slurs changes effortlessly.

For the more financially prudent, two 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesels will also be available with 190bhp or 218bhp. Experience of the most powerful convinces us these will be the best sellers for more than financial reasons.

Mercedes needed to improve the on-road dynamics of the M-Class, and it has. Where the old car lurched around bends, the new one remains composed. The steering, too, provides much better feel through the wheel and reacts more quickly to driver inputs.

Mercedes has also eradicated the old car’s unforgiving ride. Standard versions come with conventional steel springs, but the version we drove had the air-suspension system that’s likely to be an option across the range. It has three settings to tailor the ride towards comfort or sportiness and, in all but sport mode, soaks up bumps well.

For those that venture into the wild, a hill-descent system and off-road setting for softer throttle responses come as standard. There’s an optional off-road pack with low-ratio gearbox.

Excellent suppression of wind and road noise makes the M-Class a much better motorway cruiser than before, so those swapping from an executive saloon no longer have to make sacrifices.