What Is It?
2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450
What's Special About It?
"During the five years I lived in Detroit," says Dieter Zetsche, DCX chairman of the board, to the crowd gathered at the Mercedes stand in Detroit, "I learned how the North American auto market works and what appeals to its customers." Accordingly, Zetsche thinks your family will like the new seven-passenger 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450, the company's first large SUV.
Built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the GL will arrive at dealers this May, ready to do battle with the Lexus LX 470. Unlike the body-on-frame G-Class, Mercedes' largest SUV shares its unibody construction with the second-generation M-Class and recently introduced R-Class.
Despite this, Mercedes promises it to be plenty off-road capable. Standard hardware includes 4Matic all-wheel drive, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), hill-start assist and an antilock brake system with off-road algorithm. Four-wheel independent suspension is also standard, and an optional Airmatic suspension provides adaptive damping and adjustable ride height.
Those wanting a full-on, all-terrain Benz can get an off-road package with dual-range four-wheel drive, and center and rear differential locks. Mercedes expects 2-4 percent of buyers to opt for this package.
Not part of that 4 percent? Not a problem. There's still plenty to like. Namely, the standard 4.5-liter V8 rated for 335 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It hooks up with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Benz says zero to 60 mph takes 7.4 seconds.
Inside, the GL450 is roomy and has an upscale feel. A tall adult can get comfortable in the third row thanks to a sunken footwell design, and a standard double-sunroof configuration enhances the cabin's open feel. Both the second- and third-row seats fold flat, and the 50/50 third row has a power-fold feature. There's 43.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, 83.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.
What's Edmunds' Take?
There's still money to be made on big SUVs and Mercedes intends to have a share of it. Among large luxury SUVs, the 2007 GL450 is probably the best blend of size, off-road capability and family-friendly design. — Erin Riches
2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450
What's Special About It?
"During the five years I lived in Detroit," says Dieter Zetsche, DCX chairman of the board, to the crowd gathered at the Mercedes stand in Detroit, "I learned how the North American auto market works and what appeals to its customers." Accordingly, Zetsche thinks your family will like the new seven-passenger 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450, the company's first large SUV.
Built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the GL will arrive at dealers this May, ready to do battle with the Lexus LX 470. Unlike the body-on-frame G-Class, Mercedes' largest SUV shares its unibody construction with the second-generation M-Class and recently introduced R-Class.
Despite this, Mercedes promises it to be plenty off-road capable. Standard hardware includes 4Matic all-wheel drive, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), hill-start assist and an antilock brake system with off-road algorithm. Four-wheel independent suspension is also standard, and an optional Airmatic suspension provides adaptive damping and adjustable ride height.
Those wanting a full-on, all-terrain Benz can get an off-road package with dual-range four-wheel drive, and center and rear differential locks. Mercedes expects 2-4 percent of buyers to opt for this package.
Not part of that 4 percent? Not a problem. There's still plenty to like. Namely, the standard 4.5-liter V8 rated for 335 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It hooks up with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Benz says zero to 60 mph takes 7.4 seconds.
Inside, the GL450 is roomy and has an upscale feel. A tall adult can get comfortable in the third row thanks to a sunken footwell design, and a standard double-sunroof configuration enhances the cabin's open feel. Both the second- and third-row seats fold flat, and the 50/50 third row has a power-fold feature. There's 43.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, 83.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.
What's Edmunds' Take?
There's still money to be made on big SUVs and Mercedes intends to have a share of it. Among large luxury SUVs, the 2007 GL450 is probably the best blend of size, off-road capability and family-friendly design. — Erin Riches
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