There is a plentiful supply of vehicles that exude the macho butchness of a 4x4 but possess the off-road capability of a Nissan Micra – the M-Class is not one of them.

This is no ‘crossover’ softie, but a meaty, mighty, seriously safe vehicle with the technological muscle to back up every aspect of its imposing appearance.

With such a commanding presence, it is probably little surprise that this big Mercedes is built in the US. In Alabama to be precise.

Now entering its second decade in production, the car has proved a real success for the German company. When the original arrived in the UK in 1998 it tapped into 20 years of off-roading experience Mercedes-Benz had gained from the G-Class. Since then the off-roader has sold almost a million worldwide, in its original and revamped 2005 version.

The recently revised model has had an extensive facelift, with a restyled front and rear, striking new grille, new exterior mirrors, new projection-beam headlamps and dark-tinted tail lights. The model tested here is the ‘entry’ model, but it simply drips with equipment, both the useful for go-anywhere drivers, to the simply luxurious, including a silky seven-speed automatic transmission.

Emphasising the serious intentions of the car is the standard equipment, that includes permanent all-wheel drive and electronic traction system complemented by downhill speed regulation, hill start assist and an off-road anti-lock braking system. The M-Class is the only vehicle in its sector to be fitted with a trailer stability assist system, when towing a trailer, horsebox or caravan. The system instantly detects any trailer movement that could lead to potentially dangerous fishtailing and starts braking of all four wheels to stabilise the vehicle and trailer. The attraction of the vehicle is obvious to anyone engaged in serious towing, but the real appeal lies in the cabin, which is as luxuriously appointed as any of the big saloons that carry the three-pointed star on the bonnet.

Standard features now include front and rear parking sensors, a powered tailgate, automatically dimming exterior and rear-view mirrors and rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth and aux-in connectivity and redesigned heated front seats with four-way electric lumbar support. Power comes from a range of three turbo-diesel engines and two petrol units, including a ferocious 510 horsepower V8 that powers the £77,000 flagship ML 63 AMG.

Back in the real world, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel powering the test car delivers a more than adequate 190 horsepower, while also eking out about 30 precious miles from every gallon of fuel. Trust me, if you are looking for a vehicle for the school run, this packs far more punch than you will ever need, even if the route to school crosses the Cairngorms.

Auto facts Mercedes-Benz ML 280 CDI SE

  • Price: £38,900 Ins group: 17
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 30.1mpg
  • Top speed: 127mph
  • Length: 478cm/188.1in
  • Width: 191.1cm/75.2in
  • Luggage capacity: 29.4 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 20.9 gallons/ 95 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 246g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/unlimited mileage