A commanding driving position

Fort Knox on the outside, but palatial on the inside, the M-class pampers you almost as much as top-of-the-line Mercedes saloons. Draped in leather and garnished with expensive wood, you’re immediately comfortable inside the cabin.

The M however doesn’t feature recent advances now common on several Merc saloons like the multi-function steering wheel or the electronic display inside the instrument binnacle. You’re faced with the typical one-size-too-large four-spoke Mercedes wheel with the glinting star in the centre, the black-white-and-orange instrument panel, a simple set of vents with the normal Mercedes chrome garnishing as well as a generous central console.

Facia more in tune with American tastes. Note roadster-like air-con dials

The three chromed and illuminated air-con/heater rotary dials are similar to those on the SL roadster and make using the air-conditioning system terribly easy. The controls for the lights, indicators and wipers have been divided into two stalks instead of the traditional Mercedes one. This, along with the presence of multiple cup-holders (of questionable plastic quality) and the power supply jacks all display the American influence on the M-class.

Flip-down seats give huge space.

The foot-operated parking brake is a Merc idiosyncrasy that has been retained. The new M-class also gains an extra set of air-con vents at the rear with their own set of controls, a feature many chauffeur-driven owners will be thankful for. While the AC and blower unit managed to chill the cabin quite convincingly, it took its own sweet time doing so. We had expected this Rs 39 lakh SUV to have a faster cooling air-con.

Rear comfy but not in the middle.

The adjustable steering column (only for tilt) and the electrically-adjustable seats allow for a reasonably good driving position. The driver’s seat however doesn’t go as far back from the pedals as in other Merc saloons.

The front seats themselves are pretty comfortable but could do with some more side bolstering during spirited cornering. The huge rear tyre, which sits on a superbly designed tailgate of its own, blocks out rear visibility and the sideview mirrors are what you have to depend on. The rear seat can be moved back from its standard position - in fact, because of the high floor, it really has to be if you want to transport four adults comfortably over long distances.

Additional vents for rear passengers

The centre spot in the rear seat is cramped and the rear AC vent console intrudes on legroom. Like any SUV, getting in and out of the M-class requires a certain athletic agility, thanks to its height. The M-class comes with an option of folding seats in the rearmost compartment but this space is better used for luggage. Luggage space is adequate but the loading area can be doubled by flipping forward the middle seats (which also have a 60:40 split) that sink through 45 degrees into the floor to provide a level load bay.

Functional and luxurious but best as a four-seater.