A kerb weight in excess of two tons, an automatic gearbox and sprightly performance don’t bode well as far as fuel economy is concerned. Start-stop traffic normally encountered in our city cycle highlighted the role played by the weight with the M-class’ 2.7-litre diesel engine returning 6.5kpl. On the highway it is naturally more frugal but only marginally and returns a figure of 8.3kpl. The huge 70-litre tank gives a range of over 490km which is great for long-distance drives.

Expectedly thirsty