DaimlerChrysler’s first full-size SUV is a large car for the adventure enthusiastic families. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is the all-new seven-passenger luxury SUV with loads of amenities. Mercedes known for building classic sedans now appeases the sedan owners who venture out into off-road driving.

The GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a 2007 model. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is an all-wheel-drive with a heady V-8 engine. GL320, a diesel model, is also offered with a V-6 engine. The SUV has a unibody style and performs just like a car. The 2007 GL is available with five packages.

The GL320 is powered by a 3.0L V-6 engine and the GL450 is powered by a robust 4.6L V-8. Both engines are couple to a 7-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC full-time 4-wheel-drive configurations.

The luxury off-roaders can tow 7500-pound carriage. The optional Off-Road Pro package comprises of a two-speed transfer case, locks for the center and rear differentials, and a modified air suspension that can increase ground clearance to 12 inches.

The GL is roomy with good power to weight ratio and ample power to dispense than its competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Armada, Chevy Suburban, Jeep Commander, and Volvo XC 90. It comes with a basic warranty of 48 months or 50,000 miles.

The GL320 derives power from a 3.0L DOHC 24-valve V-6 diesel engine that generates 215 hp @ 3800 rpm and 398 lb-ft. of torque @ 1400 – 2800 rpm. The GL450 has a beautiful 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 engine that produces 335 hp @ 6000 rpm and 339 lb-ft. @ 3000 rpm. It has an acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds.

Both the engines have their output transferred to all four wheels through a standard 7-speed automatic transmission. They have the 4MATIC full-time 4WD system that has plenty of unique features. The driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic with column shifter is electronically controlled. It provides easy selection of Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. The GL also has steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The EPA estimated fuel economy for GL320 is 20/25 mpg (city/highway). Whereas, the GL450 model gives noticeably less at 15/19 mpg (city/highway).

Though the SUV lacks the beefy look, it has a masculine stance and well toned features. The bulged fenders and the quadrilateral windows make the SUV interesting. The wide grille with two slats and the Mercedes badge placed in the center, in addition to the bold air dam and toned muscular lines on the hood and beltline gives the GL a macho appearance and make its presence felt in a crowd. The front and the rear metal skid plate (for the safety of the underlying mechanical parts on tough terrains) is a prominent feature that underscores the GL's image of strength.

The SUV is built using unibody construction unlike the other traditional full size SUVs which use the body-on-frame design. Because of this architecture, the GL-Class weighs much lighter than its competitors. To make sure the GL class is strong enough, 60 percent of the vehicle structure is made from special high-strength steel.

Standard on the GL models are 18-inch 5-spoke 265/60 R18 all-season tires. Other standard features include compact spare tire, alloy wheels, spare tire mounted under cargo floor, manual sunshade located on sunroof, rear window wiper/washer, power windows, rain sensing wipers, front and rear color-keyed bumpers, rear step up bumper, underbody protection located on engine, and metallic paint (if selected). Dual-heated power side mirrors linked to the optional driver’s seat memory with auto-dimming rearview and left-side mirror is available only on the GL450.

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class interior is adorned with leather and burl walnut wood trims. The standard power sunroof on the front seat and the huge glass ceiling on the rear seat illuminate the SUVs interiors.

The leather covered console and the chrome ringed gauges are the centre of attraction. Adding to which is the wooden accented four-spoke steering wheel. The clean and pleasing layout makes staying indoors extremely comfortable and relaxing.

Both models come standard with 8-way power adjustable heated front seats and driver-adjustable lumbar support. The second-row has a 60/40 split/flat-folding ratio and the third-row has split/flat-folding power seatbacks. All of which makes entry to and exit from the vehicle easier. MB-Tex upholstery is standard on both models.

When the power split-folding third-row seats are not in use, the GL-Class can carry 43.8 cubic feet of cargo. Fold the second-row seats and it can manage up to 83 cubic feet of stuff.

One of the most interesting interior features on the GL models is a tunnel mode that offers one-touch closing of all windows, the sunroof, and cabin air intake; all this with the push of a single air-recirculation button. Pressing and holding the button again restores all previous settings. Other standard interior features include a rear glass sunroof, an interior dust and pollen air filter, rear HVAC ducts and controls, a dual-zone automatic climate control, an electronic cruise control, a Tele Aid system, a radio antenna, an AM/FM Radio with 80-watts, a speed sensitive volume and 8 speakers, a cassette player, a CD player with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, MP3 player, and 12-volt power outlets.

A long list of optional packages is available which includes Premium, Sport, Comfort, and Entertainment options. Features such as a navigation system, a satellite radio, and a Keyless Go ignition are part of these optional packages.

The full size SUV does not really feel big while driving, the 2007 Mercedes GL has car-like dynamics with effortless handling. The robust V-8 sprints to 60 miles in just 7.4 seconds releasing 335 horsepower from the 4.6L engine. The V-6 is less powerful but even then churns out 215 hp to deliver a thrilling experience.

The bristling 7-speed automatic has amazing features for a quality driving experience. The driver-adaptive shifting is electronically controlled for convenient selection of Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive modes. The steering wheel-mounted shifter makes driving as easy as playing a video game. The touch shift button changes the gear for maximum acceleration or engine braking by holding the shift button for just one second.

The optional off road package allows the car to maneuver in tough terrains effortlessly. Push the off-road button and the off-road program engages, it calibrates inputs from engine, wheel, traction, and steering for optimum driving settings. It has a two-speed transfer case, front and rear locking differentials, and an air suspension that can raise the GL-Class an additional 12 inches to create a maximum fording depth of 23 inches.

The Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and Hill-start assist are tuned in for maximum safety during crawl up or down. The brakes, throttle, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are pre-programmed to crawl down at 4 mph (this can be reprogrammed from 3 to 10 mph using the multifunction steering wheel) and during climbing the brakes hold the vehicle till the driver pushes the throttle after releasing the brakes so that the vehicle doesn’t roll back.

The airmatic suspension increases the height of the SUV and adjusts the stiffness for dampening for different road conditions.

Standard safety features include eight airbags that comprises of side airbags for all four outboard first-row and second-row seating positions and side curtain airbags that protect occupants in all three rows. Active front head restraints, LATCH tethers for child safety seats, and three-point safety belts for all seating positions ensure optimum safety.

Active safety features include an electronic stability program (ESP), an ABS with Brake Assist Plus, and four-wheel electronic traction control that monitors the speed of all four wheels to determine wheel slip and applying individual brakes as and when required to maintain complete control and balance of the vehicle.

Apart from an array of standard safety features the GL-Class has a Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and a Hill-start assist, which also act as safety features during steep crawling and descending.

Optional safety features include a Parktronic and a rear-view camera, each of which helps alert the driver of obstacles behind the vehicle.