2007 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 Now in Motor Trends Test Fleet

Motor Trend magazine, one of the world's premiere automotive publications has included the new Mercedes-Benz GL 450 on their long term test fleet. The GL 450, the first and only model (as of today) on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class full size luxury crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment made its debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show when the German automaker finally decided to include an entry in the full size luxury crossover SUV market. Motor Trend has also named the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 as the 2007 Sport/Utility of the Year.

Here is how Angus MacKenzie, Editor in Chief of Motor Trend describes the Mercedes-Benz GL 450: "The GL may be a surprise winner for many people. The first full-size sport/utility from Mercedes is not cheap, but it has astonishing technology. It offers a seven-speed automatic transmission and a V-8 engine with 335 horsepower, and it will be available in a version that runs on the new low-sulfur diesel fuel for greater gas mileage. Comfortable, third-row seating has become one of the most important measures for sport/utilities, and the GL's is the best."

The Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is powered by a monstrous 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 front engine that pumps out 335-hp and delivers 339-lb-ft amount of peak torque, combined with a 7-speed automatic transmission powering the Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive configuration with traction control. The GL 450 also comes with adjustable-ride air suspension, Mercedes CV boot, as well as 18-inch wheels and performance tires for the vehicle to ride on.

Standard interior highlights include heated and powered front seats, bird's eye maple trim, manual 60/40-split second-row and powered 50/50-split third-row seating, multifunction steering wheel with mounted controls, eight-speaker premium audio system. The Mercedes-Benz GL 450 won’t compromise the safety of its occupants. The vehicle is equipped with advanced safety equipments including eight standard airbags (including two front airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags for the first and second rows and three-row head-protection curtain air bags), seatbelt pretensioners as well as passive safety systems like electronic hill-descent control, anti lock braking system (ABS), roll stability controls (RSC) with traction control.

Meanwhile, bunch of premium packages for the Mercedes-Benz are also offered. These include the premium package that includes Parktronic, power tailgate, DVD navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio, premium sound with rear controls, power tilt/telescoping steering, and BlueTooth hands-free mobile phone, and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The off-road package comes with adaptive damping, two locking differentials, and front/rear skid plates to provide all-terrain capability and better traction. Other optional features include twin sunroofs three-zone climate-control, Macadamia leather interior trim, rearview backup camera, wood and leather steering wheel, and Bi-Xenon headlamps.

The starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is about $54,900, but getting the fully-loaded model with the above packages will make you spend about $79,195 USD.

Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This 31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.