2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450

When we tested the all-new Mercedes ML in 2006, we were impressed. It had a great combination of comfort, looks and performance, and was a huge step ahead of the somewhat truck-ish model it replaced.

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The only problem was, with seating room for five, if you had a bigger family and wanted an SUV with that three-pointed star on the hood, you were out of luck. But never fear, Mercedes, clever folks that they are, knew where the marketplace was going. They weren't going to lose sales of their well-heeled buyers to the traditional big-rig Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, as well up and comers including the Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX470 and Audi Q7.


The plan was to create the GL-Class, basically a larger, longer version of the all-new ML to appeal to those with the need for even more room. Plus, at the same time, the GL would replace the funky G-Class.


Well, sometimes things don't go as planned. Buyers love the G-Class. It's outrageous, in your face, limited-production, tough as nails, and has its own cache. It never really was the step-up model from the ML anyway and—since it has become an icon of the music and Hollywood set—the G-Class survives.


While that's great news for those flying in the stratosphere of pop culture, those who are more grounded and want a modern premium SUV with three rows of seats will find the GL an excellent choice.