When it comes to trendy-looking jeeps, it would be fair to say there are not too many options to choose from. Fortunately, for those of us who like to rip up the countryside with a bit of style, Mercedes have delivered the attractive GL-Class as the replacement for their older M-Class models. However, it has to be said that the type of driver who likes to take his vehicle off-road tends not to be of the image-conscious variety, so the GL-Class is probably seen just as much taking up two lanes on a tight city street than it is conquering any wild frontiers.

This animal of the road starts with a hefty 3.5litre V6 petrol engine, with 272bhp, along with a 5litre version boasting some 388bhp. Diesel engined options are also available and they have proved to be the most popular of all, the mid-range 420 V8 being one example. Interior-wise, there are up to seven seats available, turning this standard jeep into more of a mini-bus and this is definitely one area where Mercedes have really focused their attention. It may be hard to squeeze more than four adults in the back, but when the two extra seats are flat there is plenty of sports equipment space, a GL-Class hitting the golf course with a business executive four-ball has become a fairly common sight.

For the driver, you are obviously not going to get too much in the road-handling department. It is definitely recommended that you don’t take too many corners at high-speed in this vehicle, although when it comes to rugged terrain, the weight of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will be sufficient to keep it upright. When driving this vehicle it will soon become apparent that Mercedes have spent quite some time in getting the engine to perform as efficiently as possible.

In comparison to other models on the market, the GL-Class definitely won’t be the cost effective option. Ranging from £51,471 to £66,610, there will be plenty of other cheaper and similarly reliable four-wheel drive options available, albeit less shiny ones. This Mercedes model has become particularly popular with spendthrifts who are partial to a little off-road chic and it would be fair say it’s not a wise investment for the more frugal car buyer. When it comes to fuel economy, this beast has a big appetite and concern for the environment is not one of its priorities.