Remember those television ads for the previous-generation ML-Class that showed the SUV tumbling in a staged rollover accident? Given Mercedes-Benz’s focus on safety, it comes as no surprise that the 2007 GL450 is equipped with eight standard airbags, setting the benchmark in the class, according to Mercedes. Dual front units, first- and second-row side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags protecting all three rows are installed in every new GL-Class. Another safety feature is NECK-PRO, a head restraint system that activates during rear-end collisions to benefit front seat passengers. When hit from behind, these restraints move forward by 44 mm and upward by 30 mm, thereby protecting occupants from whiplash injuries.

In addition to safety features, several items highlight Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to technological leadership. Distronic adaptive cruise control, for instance, maintains a preset distance behind traffic in front of the GL-Class by varying the throttle input and even braking mildly when necessary. Mercedes says the system can input up to 20 percent of maximum brake force by itself. A handy center console-located thumbwheel allows the driver to adjust the desired following distance for the Distronic system.

Two other features benefit drivers in everyday conditions, as well as when driving on steep terrain or traction-compromised surfaces. The GL450’s standard Hill Start Assist (HAS) will briefly hold the SUV still when you remove your foot from the brake to keep it from rolling back a bit as you go for the gas. Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR – also standard) locks in a downhill speed between 4 and 12 mph, determined by the driver, and allows variance in the set speed using the cruise control stalk. This is the first such system that allows manual control.

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450’s Airmatic suspension is linked to a sophisticated Adaptive Damping System that employs solenoids in the shocks to modify the rebound and compression settings, and to counteract body roll in turns. The system includes four stages: Stage 1 features soft compression and rebound for comfort, Stage 2 hardens the compression but softens the rebound, Stage 3 hardens rebound but keeps compression soft, and Stage 4 hardens both for better cornering at speed. Sometimes, this system will automatically shift back and forth between stages 2 and 3 to maximize vehicle stability. Driver control is offered through Auto, Sport, and Comfort settings. At speeds of 77 mph, the GL’s height decreases by half an inch to improve handling by lowering the GL’s profile, returning to the standard 7.9 inches of ground clearance when vehicle speed drops below 25 mph. A dash-mounted rocker switch allows an additional three inches of upward clearance for low-speed maneuvering. Again, at the 25 mph threshold, the GL’s height returns to normal. Adding the optional Off-Road Package modifies the air suspension, allowing as much as 12 inches of ground clearance and 23 inches of low-speed water fording ability.

Mercedes has taken care of the tech-savvy GL450 buyer with a standard six-disc CD changer mounted in the glove box and a single slot CD player and auxiliary input jack for an iPod or other external device built into center stack. The standard audio system uses eight speakers, and the optional harman/kardon Logic 7 system uses seven audio output channels in combination with 11 separate speakers and volume that adjusts automatically in response to ambient driving noises. The GL450’s rear seat DVD entertainment system is equipped with dual seven-inch screens mounted in the second-row headrests, and a DVD drive mounted under the second-row seating. Three auxiliary inputs and two 12-volt plugs permit game consoles and video cameras to be used, with screens that can display the same video or operate independently. Gamers: pay attention. This allows occupants to play video games against one another through the individual screens.