THERE'S good news and bad news concerning Mercedes' new M-Class premium SUV.

The good news is that it's miles better than the first-generation car.

The bad news - for the opposition - is that it's miles better than the first-generation car. Much better, as it turns out.

Despite selling by the skipload since its launch, the original ML has not always compared favourably with the competition. While it did most things well, its rivals managed to cover the same bases with a little more polish.

Not any more. The once venerable ML has had an extreme makeover. The tall, commanding stance of Merc's SUV is instantly recognisable, but, all credit to the stylists, the car's appearance has been sharpened up considerably.

From the front, it's dropped the apologetic look of the past, in favour of something more confident. From the side, its clean, uncluttered flanks shout prestige, while the rear presents a more sophisticated image.

It may be longer and wider but it's a fraction lower than its predecessor. The car's striking, swept-back rear window pillars also contribute to its more muscular appearance.

Critics have been bemoaning the drop in quality in Merc cabins of late and the firm has taken notice - the difference between the old and new ML is considerable and welcome. Trim quality is up there with the E and C-Class, making this ML (pictured) more worthy of its yet-to-be-announced asking price.

The cabin itself eschews fancy seat-folding mechanisms in favour of plenty of room for all occupants, plus a useful boot.

Up front, there's a sporty-looking steering wheel and instruments, along with familiar secondary controls located on the centre console.

What's not familiar is a new column-mounted gearshift. After a few minutes it becomes second nature to use, but just as important is its location, which frees up valuable space for oddments in the centre console.

That spindly wand is connected to Mercedes' 7G-Tronic seven-speed auto gearbox. With no manual offered, it's just as well the auto box is a smooth unit that proves unobtrusive when on the move but quick to react when you flex your right foot.

In the quest to deliver agile handling, engineers have also adopted a lighter unitary chassis (car-like to you and me) for the ML over the old-style, bulky ladder frame set-up.

That and the inclusion of a brace of new engines, optional air suspension and a separate off-road package, puts the big Merc on a stronger footing.

At launch, the UK will see three engines - five-litre V8 (ML 500), 3.5-litre V6 (ML 350) petrol units and a three-litre V6 (ML 320 CDI) diesel.

On the move, the ML steers with the finesse of something much smaller and, with the optional air suspension, the car swallows most bumps with ease.

The ML does the off-roading thing with a similar air of confidence. Granted, few people will choose to test the car on the slippery stuff but, with the right tyres and the optional off-road package, it feels almost invincible.

For more information, call Tony Purslow Mercedes on 01256 464050.