A 4.6-liter, 335-horsepower V8 engine powers the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450, matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels through the company’s 4Matic 4WD system. The GL320 Bluetec will be equipped with a turbodiesel V6 that gets as much as 25 mpg on the highway while delivering the torque of a traditional V8.

The hardware roster also includes a four-wheel-independent suspension, speed-sensitive steering, and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 265/60 all-season tires. An Airmatic air suspension and adaptive damping shocks are optional. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is rated to tow up to 7,500 pounds, and if history is any indicator, a Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is likely arriving in showrooms for 2008 or 2009.

For four-wheeling, Downhill Assist Regulation and Hill Start Assist technologies are also standard on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, while an Off-Road package includes 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.