What’s new: Facelifted version of Mercedes’ 4×4 luxury people carrier. The biggest difference is the change from six to seven seats.
Excellent: The ultimate in luxury people transport. Four-wheel-drive for on-road security in the wet or snow, total refinement for driver and passengers, and in long-wheelbase form there’s masses of legroom for all.
Good: There’s still a usefully sized boot, even with the third row of seats upright.
Average: The Mercedes’ seventh (middle) seat is for emergencies only as it’s extremely narrow, and you certainly can’t fit a child seat to it. The vehicle’s 4×4 system means the boot floor is higher than in most people carriers.
Poor: Our car suffered a random electrical fault, which meant one of the headlights stayed on long after we’d turned them off.
Verdict: If you need to carry six people to the Alps in comfort, this is the most luxurious way south.
