|  For 2007, Mercedes-Benz introduces the all-new full size SUV, the GL-Class, to it's lineup. The GL450 is powered by a 4.6-liter 335-horsepower V8 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Standard feature on the GL450 include a sunroof, COMAND System, and a seven passenger seating capacity with a power folding third-row seat. A rear view back up camera, a powered liftgate release, and a keyless go engine start are all available as options. Also, offered as optional packages are an Entertainment Package and a Heating Package. The Entertainment package includes hands-free communication system, rear audio controls, SIRIUS Satellite radio and a Harman/Kardon sound system. The Heating package includes heated leather steering wheel, rear seats, and washer system.
Even though the GL450 can tow a cabin cruiser, climb over boulders and carry seven in style, this SUV does not look or feel big. At 200" long, 75.6" wide and 72.4" tall, it has a low drag coefficient of 0.37. Its buff chrome-trimmed 18" wheels gleam invitingly, accentuating the GL's wagon-like side view, which contrasts with a truck-like front view. The classy Mercedes grille is beefy and tough-looking. Side windows arch artistically towards the back and the rear window is large and unusually shaped, providing an excellent field of vision from the driver's seat. There are no rough edges on the skin of the GL-Class -- its finish is Teflon-smooth. The full-sized luxury GL-Class is built as a unibody, rather than the usual big SUV body-on-frame. The result is greater rigidity and a less truck-like ride. The GL450's heart and soul is a 4.6-liter, four-valve-per-cylinder V8 engine that sends 335 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque through a seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds, very respectable for a large SUV. Considering its size, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz GL450 is very cozy. Comfort abounds in every detail. There's a leather arch over the instrument cluster, a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with brushed aluminum accents, a sporty instrument panel, bird's-eye maple accents and stitched leather on the seats and console. Smart details like abundant hand grips and hefty cupholders up front (the car has eight in all), a two-tier glove box and a center console large enough to hold a purse add up to the kind of utility anyone can appreciate. The seven-passenger interior features electrically-adjustable front seats with a memory feature. The split third-row seats can be electrically stowed at the push of a button to provide a flat cargo floor. A six-disc CD changer (mounted in the glove box) comes standard with an auxiliary input for MP3 players. If you need more sound, you can add an optional 11-speaker harmon/kardon surround-sound system available with multi-screen DVD entertainment. The GL450 is loaded with safety features. It comes equipped standard with two-stage front air bags for the driver and front passenger, side air bags in the front and second-row seats, and curtain air bags that span all three rows of seats.
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