6. Munches motorways
Merc's GLE 500e will never be mentioned in the same breath as today's hyper cars but its performance figures are mighty impressive for such a massive machine.
The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in just 5.3 seconds thanks to the extra input from the electric motor, while an autobahn annihilating top speed of 155mph is easily achievable.
Handling isn't sensational and even when sports mode is selected, where the suspension is stiffened, steering weighted and throttle response sharpened, the GLE never really disguises its gargantuan footprint.
There is bags of grip thanks to the permanent all-wheel-drive set-up, plus the fat section tyres ensure that there's plenty of rubber on the road at all times.
Plus, it's ruddy handy off-road. Granted, diesel and petrol models can be specified with a bespoke off-road pack that adds adjustable suspension and a hill descent mode, but even the hybrid can handle some hairy situations without the extra gubbins.
The mode selector switch on the centre console has a setting for slippery conditions, where the wheels become sensitive to slip and spin and will apply appropriate torque to get you up that mountain.