The new ML is the best Mercedes-Benz we’ve ever tested at the Tow Car Awards, and very nearly the best big 4×4 in this year’s competition.

Stability at speed proved impeccable, all the way up to 70mph – which is why our What Car? road tester described the ML as ‘outstanding – very balanced and controllable’.

Performance was also exceptional, with a 30-60mph time of 9.3 seconds making the Merc one of a handful of cars to dip under the 10-second barrier. The engine’s smooth and quiet manners are every bit as remarkable as its power. Like any of the top-three heavyweights, the ML found the hill-start test almost insultingly easy.

The Merc’s suspension feels firmer than the Land Rover’s, but it’s still impressively supple by most standards. Then again, so it should be when our test car came equipped with air suspension, a £1175 option, and the Active Curve System to reduce roll in corners, costing £3240.

Inside, the cabin is spacious for five, with plenty of legroom in the back, although it doesn’t feel as well appointed inside as the Range Rover.

Our practicality judges found room for a typical load of holiday luggage but noted that the electric socket fouled the trim.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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