FOR many years Land Rover has claimed the title of best 4x4 by far. But there's a fresh generation of on/off-roaders which raise the question: 'Exactly how far is far?'. Mercedes-Benz's M-class appears to be the strongest rival of all, offering a combination of keen pricing, high equipment levels, comfort, good on and off-road handling characteristics, and, crucially in this sector, a classy badge.

The range has just been strengthened with a 2.7-litre five-cylinder common rail diesel engine and all three models have improved handling and specification - without affecting prices of the existing variants. ML270 CDi is the M-class entry ticket from ú28,840 and with similar specification to the ú32,325 ML320 on test. The main difference between the two, apart from the engine, is transmission: the diesel has a six-speed manual, the petrol a five-speed semi-auto. Otherwise they share a robust chassis and hi-tech systems to give the M-class as assured a ride off road as it is on Tarmac.