Mercedes-Benz GL450

For those drivers who have been waiting for a full-size SUV from Mercedes-Benz, the wait is over. Introduced in 2007, the Mercedes-Benz GL450 is designed to compete with such high-end SUVs as the Toyota Highlander, the Chevy Suburban, and the Ford Expedition.

And the GL450 certainly competes well. For starters, it is the only vehicle in its class with uni-body construction, which ensures a tighter, more rigid frame and better stability. Though trucklike in size and appearance, the GL450 is designed to ride like a luxury sedan. But make no mistake, this is a true full-size SUV, with the ability to carry up to seven passengers comfortably, thanks to third-row seating, and a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.

Exterior features include a chrome-ribbed grille, a sloping roofline, dual square polished stainless steel exhaust pipes, and color-keyed bodyside moldings, door handles, and bumpers with chrome trim. From the front end, the GL450 projects a formidable appearance. Mercedes notes, however, that this is a gentle giant, with the ability to both pamper and impress its passengers while ensuring their safety in all situations.

Power is provided by a 4.6-liter, 32-valve, electronic fuel-injected V8 engine that produces 335 horsepower. The engine is linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission with a column shifter, as well as steering-wheel-mounted controls that enable drivers to access Touch Shift to manually upshift or downshift when the transmission is in the Drive position. The transmission also features driver-adaptive programming, which automatically adjusts shift points based on the driver's current driving style. The driver can also select the Optimum Gear feature, which automatically selects the best gear for maximum acceleration or engine braking.

Like many of Mercedes' 2007 vehicles, the GL450 is equipped with a wide range of high-end features, too many to note in great detail here. However, some of those features include permanent full-time four-wheel drive; a driver-activated Downhill Speed Regulation feature that automatically adjusts the brakes and throttle to maintain a safe crawl speed when descending steep hills; a Hill-Start assist that prevents roll-back when starting from a stop on steep grades; and an off-road driving program, which enables the driver to automatically recalibrate the engine, transmission, traction system, and anti-lock brakes for off-road driving, all at the press of a single button.

Interior features were equally extensive, and included eight-way adjustable heated front seats, hand-polished Bird's-Eye Maple wood trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, electronic cruise control, power windows, six reading lamps, six cupholders, and two bottle holders.

For entertainment and communcations, the GL450 came with a modular COMAND Cockpit Management and Data system that integrated an LCD screen, an AM/FM stereo, a CD player, and a six-disc CD changer with MP3 capabilities, as well as an optional navigation system and Sirius satellite radio.

Of course, the GL450 also came with a full range of safety equipment, including a full complement of airbags, an Integrated Restraint System (including advanced seat belts), and a Universal LATCH system, which enabled the adjustment of seat belts in the second and third rows for children.

The GL450 is generating good reviews from drivers and critics alike, and has been named the 2007 SUV of the year by Motor Trend magazine.