Mercedes M Class

The new M-Class is Mercedes-Benz back at its best. The styling is understated and elegant, the interior is comfortable and attractive, and it drives well - both on and off road; the whole package oozes subtle sophistication.

There are some cracking engines, too, including a brand new whisper-quiet V6 diesel and a sublime 5.0-litre V8. And if that's not enough, 510bhp 6.3-litre model arrives in Summer 2006. Although M-Class doesn't come cheap, prices are similar to rivals and there's plenty of standard equipment.