2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 - Seven in luxury

By Ron Amadon, MarketWatchDARNESTOWN, Md. (MarketWatch) -- The new GL was supposed to replace the famed square-box G-wagen that took German military personnel over hill and bog in a minimum of comfort.

But Mercedes has had a change of heart, deciding that both the G-Wagen and the new GL450 can co-exist. And from that perspective, they couldn't be more different.

The GL is pure luxury in a sport utility, with lots of extras and refinements that will make the well-heeled feel right at home (their offspring too, come to think of it, with headrest-mounted DVD screens).

There are multiple adjustments for the front seats, an electric motor that lowers the third row seats at the touch of a button, three-zone climate control, leather seats (of course) -- and one of Mercedes' less-than-brilliant ideas, the Command system. With an operating manual totaling 238 pages along as well as a 587-page operator's manual, it seemingly runs everything shy of your checking account. Boys and girls, to our mind, when it takes 825 pages to explain how the vehicle works, something, somewhere has gone haywire.

Out on the road, the GL450's a nice ride. See slide show.

The 4.7-liter, 285-cubic inch V8 is as smooth as it gets, seldom heard from and matched nicely with a seven-speed automatic. The rather hefty 5,249-pound SUV can reach 60 mph in about 6.8 seconds, reflecting the engine's 335 horsepower, and will tow up to 7,500 pounds. We got about 15 miles per gallon of premium on country roads and interstates.

Handling, given the weight of the vehicle, was better than one might expect. Our test vehicle had permanent four-wheel drive, an electronic stability program and electronic traction system along with a 24-hour roadside assistance program if all comes to grief.

Inside, our test vehicle was bright and attractive. It was a comfortable place to be, but the light-colored carpeting soon showed the dirt during rainy weather. And for the life of us, we simply can't figure out why in this day and age Mercedes continues to put the CD player in the glove box.

Access to the second row of seats is good; they fold down to allow fairly good access to the third row. Believe it or not, adults could sit back there for a bit and be comfortable. But there's very little storage space to be had between the rear door and the raised third-row seats. Put the third row down and there's good cargo room; put the second row down, and that long-delayed trip to the antique shop becomes practical.

With its good power and handling, luxury flourishes and, of course, the three-pointed star on the grill, Mercedes has touched all the buttons in a big Alabama-made SUV that cost $68,075 as tested.

If a luxury sport utility is still on your shopping list, this is a good one to check out.