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New models develop gradually from their predecessors - or at least some of them do. The Mercedes M-class is rather different. A greater step forward from its predecessor, the utilitarian G-Wagen, could hardly be imagined. In interior ambience and on-road ability, it's the difference between Grozny and Guildford.
Although interior quality was initially questionable, the M-class graduated into a credible Range Rover rival and until the launch of the BMW X5, represented the ultimate expression of 4x4 urban chic. More often seen clambering gamely up a kerb in the high street than up a mountain in the Peak District, the M-class is nevertheless a very capable vehicle both on-road and off. It's also a roomy and practical proposition for those willing to pay for the three pointed star.
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What you get
In short, a massive hunk of metal. The first impression an M-class gives is of being far larger than it looks in pictures. Blame it on the trendy rounded styling, vaguely reminiscent of a Land Rover Freelander or Honda CR-V if you will. In actual fact the M-class towers over a Grand Cherokee, dwarfs a Land Rover Discovery and makes a Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon appear somewhat thin.
The interior is recognisably Mercedes, but with a difference. It looks as if whilst creating the interior, a rogue stylist last employed by Hyundai in 1985 managed to make his contribution felt. Some of the plastics feel decidedly insubstantial, and on early models opening the glove box will reveal hinges the quality of which are shamed by your average CD case. Other parts of the cabin, however retain the traditional Mercedes bulletproof feel.
Rather than supply a traditional low range lever, a simple button on the dash suffices, and a sophisticated electronic traction control system called 4-ETS stops the wheels from spinning. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, twin front and side airbags, a premium Bose stereo system, ABS, cruise control, an alarm/immobiliser and Mercedes excellent Electronic Stability Control Programme, although woe betide any elk who expected an M-class to swerve out of its way. An extra cost luxury pack includes powered leather seats and a wood interior for those prone to forgetting they are in a Mercedes-Benz.
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What to look for
Aside from checking the structural integrity of some of the internal fittings, there's not a great deal to worry about with a nearly new M-class. Most premium 4x4s have led relatively pampered lives, as school run is far gentler than black run. Check the underbody and the undersides of the front and rear valances for damage, as the M Class' modest 213mm ground clearance and wheel articulation does not match up to an equivalent Range Rover when the going gets tough.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on an ML320) Spend a lot of time crawling down muddy slopes and your fun will cost around £90 for a new set of front brake pads. Trying to mount a tricky boulder that destroys a radiator will cost you approximately £310. A more likely scenario is a shopping trolley through a headlight which will wipe around £120 worth of smile from an M-Class owner's face. A new alternator requires alternate plans for £300, and a new starter motor will be around £240.
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On the road
And on the road is where most M-class examples have spent their entire lives. Whilst trawling through the predictable headlines that each new 4x4 handles like a GTi, the poise of the M-class is quite startling. The taller tyres and body create a small amount of sway in corners, but the driving experience is not as far removed from, say, an E-class Estate as you might imagine. Though no BMW X5, the M-class remains a tidy handler.
The ML320 is a particularly popular model, and strikes the best compromise between performance and economy. With an average fuel consumption of 21.7mpg, the ML320 won't be financially crippling in city traffic, yet can crack 60 mph in 10 seconds. With a maximum boot capacity of 2020 litres, the M-class is also a more accomplished load lugger than a Range Rover, Cherokee or Ford Explorer.
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Overall
A used M-class is an aspirational target. It exudes powerful messages about its driver and can cope with almost any condition or situation imposed upon it. Trying to imagine a more capable or versatile vehicle is a fruitless task. It's fun to drive, handles off road obstacles competently, and with the fitment of the optional third row of seats, does a pretty fair impression of an MPV.
If you are comfortable with guiding a big, wide car around city streets and are similarly unconcerned about publicity surrounding other road users' survival rates when making closer acquaintance with the grille-mounted three-pointed star of your M-class, then it may well be your car for all seasons.
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