MERCEDES G-CLASS

Our favourite G350d AMG Line Price £96,220 Kerbweight 2453kg 85% match figure 2085kg Legal towing limit 3500kg Noseweight 140kg

Blending the retro looks of the venerable G-wagon with modern technology, the G-glass is not the 4x4 to choose if you value understatement. But while the ‘bling’ image will be OTT for many, there’s no denying the G-class’s towing ability.

It’s a chunky car, weighing in at 2453kg if you go for the diesel model. But with 282bhp and 443lb ft of torque, the G350d has ample power and torque for towing any caravan. You’ll easily reach 60mph before the end of a motorway sliproad, with just a gentle squeeze on the throttle pedal.

Good visibility

While performance is impressive, it’s the G-class’s stability that is really outstanding. We drove the Mercedes on a gusty day, but could only tell that the wind was blowing by looking at the trees bending in the breeze. From the driver’s seat, we could hardly feel a thing.

The G-class is extremely broad, as well as stable. That might seem rather a minor observation, but it does help the driver to see clearly down the side of a monster 8ft-wide caravan.

Inside, the Mercedes is supremely finished, and might even be a little too ritzy for some. But there’s no denying that this is a luxurious and comfortable car for five, with a huge boot to suit caravanners who would never dream of travelling light.

You could possibly argue the case that the Merc GLE is a more sensible car for less money, and the GLS is bigger still and offers space for another two passengers. But it’s really tough not to be bowled over by the G-class’s towing ability.