2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

While original Mercedes-Benz M Class was a luxury-SUV forerunner back in 1998, the market sure has changed since then.

Even though the market has become less focused on off-roading and more focused on interior appointments, comfort, and technology, most of these vehicle still offering some level of trail ability.

The Lexus RX 350 is the only one that doesn't take aim at off-roading in any form; it's essentially a tall luxury wagon, but supremely comfortable inside.

BMW's latest X5 lives up to that automaker's reputation for handling, and its interior is now significantly upgraded, but its ride quality is still a potential issue.

The Audi Q7 is a standout for design and interior comfort, and it does offer a third row.

The MDX is an aging design, and one of the less overtly styled vehicles here, but it offers surprisingly good handling and performance along with the great interior versatility that Honda offers in its Pilot.

The latest Jeep Grand Cherokee rides and handles nearly as well as the M Class (it is after all related), and it costs less.

Against most of these models, though, the M Class has the advantage in active-safety features.