Described as the S-Class of SUV's, the Mercedes GLS is big in every respect. VERY big in body size, big on luxury, big on safety, big on power and big on all the latest technology.

This is a limousine clad in a SUV cloak, it can even go off-road if you want. Plenty of ground clearance (adjustable from the driver's seat if you desire), 4Matic all-wheel drive controlled by advanced electronics that engage electronically if, and when, needed. At last year's launch of this vehicle I actually took it around an off-road course which it handled without missing a beat.

The 400d is the entry engine to the GLS range with figures of ONLY 243kW and 700Nm. If thats not enough for you, you can up the ante to the GLS580 with 376kW and 520Nm or simply go for broke with the GLS63 and its 466kW and 850Nm .

The diesel power in the 400d is smooth and even and feels massive so I can only imagine the delivery in the more powerful petrol versions. The advantage of the diesel power is that an open road cruise showed consumption of 8L/100km. The figure for the full test was 10.7l/100km, I consider that impressive for the power and sheer bulk of the vehicle.

As always with a 7 seater configuration, leg room can be limited in the rearmost seats but they are provided with ports as well as individual air-conditioning vents. Middle row passengers are the most pampered. With electric adjustment similar to the front seats, they can be provided with space to stretch out in comfort, or enough space for a mobile office while being chauffeur driven.

It's always difficult reviewing a vehicle of this level and pricing because it often seems like they have to be perfect in every possible respect. Like all models from the Mercedes stable, I still don't like the column stalk for the gearshift. No matter how many examples I drive, I still occasionally shift into neutral when wanting to indicate a lane change.

The only other fault that I can highlight on this vehicle is the fact that even if I could justify the purchase price...........I will NEVER be able to afford to buy one.

Talking of the price, R1.855 million will put you behind the wheel of one of the smoothest cruisers I have yet experienced without adding an extra few million to the purchase price.

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