BIG is definitely beautiful when it comes to the Mercedes M-Class AMG Line.

When containing space the normal rule of thumb is the bigger the SUV's cargo area the less appealing the body is likely to be as the sides get a little slabby.

But the ML 250 is a real head-turner boasting a sleeker, sportier look than the standard model with all-round AMG bodystyling and eye-catching 20-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels.

The athletic look is underscored by chrome-style front and rear apron trims, aluminium finish roof rails and body-coloured side trim panels.

Privacy glass at the rear completes the rock star look.

Once inside, the AMG Line delivers on its sporty image with the four-spoke sports steering wheel featuring perforated grip areas.

There are also rubber-studded stainless steel sports pedals and black floor mats with leather edging and ‘Mercedes-Benz' badges.

Fit and finish are excellent and there's also goodies galore with cruise control, an excellent radio/CD player, 3D sat-nav and Bluetooth connection just a fraction of the equipment included.

Parking is made easy with the Germans' clever Parktronic system with Active Park Assist. It doesn't just pick the right parking spot - it also guides you in with ease.

There's a powered tailgate that opens and closes at the touch of a button revealing a cavernous boot space that can swallow 690 litres of luggage with the rear seats up, or 2,010 litres with them down.

There's more than enough room for even the tallest of your mates either up front or in the rear seats which can also be split and folded to lie completely flat.

There are also a host of handy hooks to keep things from moving around and cubby holes with covers to keep your valuables out of the sight of prying eyes.

The driver and passenger also get a wide range of electronic seat adjustment while the back seats are more than adequate for even the tallest of adults.

There's a commanding view of the road thanks to the high ride height.

The headlamps boast an intelligent light system while the automatic climate control creates a pleasant atmosphere.

It's easy to get comfortable behind the wheel thanks to full electric adjustment for the front sports seats and four-way electric lumbar support.

The 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in the 250CDI model is surprisingly punchy thanks to lots of torque.

This allows it to propel this big Merc from 0-62mph in just nine seconds - the fast response made possible by the slick seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Far from costing the earth to run this big Mercedes claims more than 40mpg while emissions are surprisingly low for a motor this size.

The ride is super smooth while the handling is confidence-inducing with little roll in corners and good levels of grip from the assured permanent four-wheel drive system.

Safety is well taken care of as the M-Class is fitted with Pre-Safe to help minimise collision damage as well as a host airbags and a plethora of electronic aids to keep you out of trouble in the first place.

The M-Class is well named as the ML250 is a classy operator.