Mercedes M-Class SUV (2011-2015) - Interior & comfort

Mercedes interiors have a reputation for being well built and fashioned from very plush materials. The M-Class is no different – and in fact it goes one better, with a spectacularly luxurious cabin. Neither of the two versions is short of equipment and there's almost no end to the list of hi-tech optional extras, too.

Mercedes M-Class dashboard

The finish throughout is fantastic, with high-quality materials plus solid switches and buttons on the clearly laid-out dashboard, which is also extremely sturdy. The leather seats are supportive and comfortable, with loads of adjustment to help you find a seating position as well as built-in heating and cooling systems.

Mercedes M-Class equipment

There are two trim levels for the M-Class and neither is lacking in equipment. SE Executive is the first of the pair: it's a little more comfort-oriented and has subtler styling than the alternative AMG Line.

There's too much equipment to mention it all here, but some of the highlights are parking assistance, which uses sensors to park the car automatically, Mercedes' COMAND infotainment and sat-nav system, leather seats (the fronts are power-adjustable, heated and cooled), a power-operated tailgate, bright xenon headlamps, climate control and metallic paint.

Step up to AMG Line trim and the equipment is largely the same, but there are numerous (mainly cosmetic) additions that give this M-Class a sportier edge. These include 20-inch alloy wheels (the SE Executive has 19-inch rims) an AMG exterior styling pack, an upgraded leather interior and bigger brakes.

Mercedes M-Class options

It's fair to say the M-Class isn't badly kitted out as standard, but there are six different option packages that add more in the way of luxury, technology, styling and safety if that's what you’re after.

The Exclusive package includes extra leather in the cabin, heated rear seats, temperature-controlled cup-holders and an upgraded climate-control system, while the Entertainment package comes with a TV and stereo system for the rear-seat passengers.

The Sport package is only available on the higher-spec AMG Line model. It gets you huge 21-inch alloy wheels and an AIRMATIC suspension system, which improves ride quality.

There's also an Off-Road package available with both trim levels, which includes a series of driving aids to make the M-Class more competent off-road and also throws in the AIRMATIC suspension.

Premium and Premium Plus packages boost both comfort and convenience, with features such as memory seats, a panoramic electric sunroof and a reversing camera. The pricier Premium Plus version includes an upgraded stereo, keyless entry and an ambient lighting pack.

Finally, the Driving Assistance package is made up of electronic safety features including Distronic Plus (a cruise-control system that automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front), Active Lane-Keeping Assist (which lets you know if you’re drifting out of a motorway lane and can steer you back in), Active Blind-Spot Assist (which tells you when there's something close behind) and BAS Plus (which brakes harder during emergency stops).