At the risk of being a bore, my 2002 ML 270 CDI comes about as close to a keeper as I have ever owned.
Seats 7, unbelievable fuel economy, great performance, not too large, not too small, all the safety gear - ESP, Brake Assist, Window Airbags, etc etc.
A very practical and easy to drive vehicle.

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"I'm not the village idiot.
But when he retires I'm next on the list."