2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 First Drive

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. – If you’re not getting better at what you’re doing every day, you’re not going to be around for long. That’s the philosophy that underpins the development and production of the all-new 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450, introduced to the world’s motoring press in northern California. The just-off-the-assembly-line GL-Class, this German automaker’s third all-new or upgraded entrant into the light truck segment in the past 12 months, took us 500 miles on a variety of rain-soaked roads and mud-caked trails, and after sitting in all seven seats of this new model for hours at a time, we can tell you that this late entry into the highly-competitive, luxury SUV segment is clearly an example of doing your homework for the U.S. mindset and premium standard of living – and, in this case, passing the test. Mercedes-Benz has been busy expanding its arsenal of sport/utility models, developing a range of products capable of capturing the attention of just about any SUV buyer with three-point aspirations. The mostly conventional, volume-selling ML-Class, now in its second generation, competes in the midsize segment of the market, against entrants from BMW, Cadillac, Land Rover, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo. New for 2006, the somewhat unclassifiable R-Class combines minivan, crossover SUV and sports sedan attributes into one stylish people- and cargo-hauler that hovers on the car-end of the vehicular continuum. And, despite it utilitarian nature and high dollar pricing, the Austrian-built G500 soldiers on, not only for the military in Afghanistan but also for serious off-roaders and status-seekers in America. Now, for 2007, customers in higher income brackets that desire or need a fashionable full-sized SUV will discover an entirely new star-adorned sport-ute – the sleek yet masculine GL-Class, with front and rear skid plates that are both functional and symbolic of its mission. Trying to stem the loss of loyalists with M-B sedans in their driveways, whose lifestyles call for cargo-carrying, people-ferrying or towing, Mercedes hopes to cull buyers who would also consider mainstream players like the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator, as well as other Asian and European models such as the Hummer H2, Infiniti QX56, or Land Rover Range Rover. Mercedes-Benz says the GL is the first unit-body, full-sized sport-ute in its class, with comparisons and scopes set on Escalade and Navigator buyers, in particular. However, by our standards, which require a full-sizer to offer at least 90 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, the GL doesn’t stack up against these bigger boxes on wheels. Nevertheless, the GL-Class has been engineered for large families who have big toys, equipped out of the box with Class IV, 7,500-pound towing capability. That’s enough grunt to haul a three-horse trailer or a 30-foot boat. Other selling points are its refined ride and handling; capable V8 engine and the first seven-speed automatic transmission in this class; a luxurious interior with elbow room and techno-savvy gadgets; hill holding and programmable downhill speed control technology; and an available Off-Road Package that includes low-range gearing, two locking differentials, height-adjustable suspension and more aggressive tires. While exact pricing has not been announced, a Mercedes-Benz sales executive pegged the base price starting in the “upper $50,000’s” and with add-ons, we would say it will likely top out in the high seventies. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 will go on sale in May.

Model Mix

Model Mix At launch, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will be sold as a single GL450 model with a price tag starting in the high $50,000 range. Loaded, we think it will run into the upper $70K area, and a rumored AMG model would likely push close to six figures. Initially, American buyers will find only one version of the GL-Class: the well-equipped 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450. With seating for seven, permanent AWD, unit-body construction, load-leveling air suspension, V8 power, and seven forward gears, this all-new model combines utility and off-road capability with on-road refinement and technological sophistication. A bounty of standard features is included, with 18-inch alloy wheels inside 265/65 all-season tires, attractive wood, and M-B Tex leatherette interior trim a part of the price of entry. Additional features that come on every 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 include automatic climate control, cruise control, eight-way power heated front seats, a power folding third-row seat, a fixed glass panel above the third-row seat, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and power windows/locks/mirrors. A full-sized spare tire sits below the rear load floor. A bevy of optional features includes swiveling bi-xenon headlights, a DVD-based navigation system, Distronic automatic cruise control, Keyless Go ignition and locking, and rear park assist sensors. Buyers can opt to add Sirius satellite radio, a rear-seat entertainment system, a power tailgate, and a separate third-row climate control zone. Pony up even more cash to dress your GL450 with heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, genuine leather upholstery, and a sunroof package with power-opening rear quarter windows. Other extra-cost goodies include automatic dimming side mirrors, 19-inch alloy wheels (the GL will also accommodate a 20-inch accessory wheel), a driver’s seat memory feature, and an 11-speaker harman/kardon audio system. As if that’s not enough, a rear view camera will be available later in the year. If you’re planning to use your new 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 as its designers and engineers intended, an Off-Road Package adds a two-speed transfer case, center and rear locking differentials, a height-adjustable suspension that raises the GL’s ground clearance to an impressive 12.4 inches, and more aggressive rubber. A Tow Package is also available. Exact pricing has not been announced, but Mercedes officials say the 2007 GL450 should start in the upper $50,000s and we would guess it will rise to the high $70s for a fully equipped version. For reference, Audi asks $59,900 for its Q7 4.2 Premium, Cadillac wants $57,280 for the 2007 Escalade, Lincoln expects $56,105 for the Navigator 4WD Ultimate, and Land Rover charges $75,750 for its Range Rover HSE. A performance-tuned GL63 AMG – if such a thing officially existed – would challenge the $90,750 Range Rover Supercharged.

Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and Bolts A 335-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 engine, permanent AWD, an Airmatic suspension, and 18-inch wheels all come standard on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450. Turbodiesel and high-powered AMG variants are expected soon. When the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 arrives just in time for summer road trips, a 4.6-liter, 32-valve V8 will be installed under the hood. So why isn’t it called the GL460? Mercedes is keeping the “450” designation for consistency of nomenclature within its SUV lineup. This V8 outputs 335 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 339 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,700 rpm, ratings adequate to motivate this 5,249-lb. vehicle. All aluminum construction, variable intake and exhaust valve timing, and a two-stage intake manifold yield a blend of power and fuel efficiency, says Mercedes, although exact mile-per-gallon figures are not yet available from the EPA. Buyers looking for better fuel economy than this V8 produces can wait a bit for a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel variant, certified for use in 45 states. Diesel power won’t come to California or New England until 2008, when 50-state BLUETEC technology debuts. Want to trade economy for performance? Not surprisingly, a tweaked GL63 AMG is rumored to join the lineup in the future. Circling back to the 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL450, the seven-speed automatic transmission that is spreading throughout the company’s lineup is standard equipment. Additionally, a drive-by-wire Direct Shift system replaces the conventional shift lever in the console with a column-mounted lever that determines the transmission mode electronically. If sport-inspired manual control is desired, standard steering-wheel shift buttons are available. Every GL450 gets permanent all-wheel drive as standard, splitting torque 50/50 front to rear, and traction control is included with the 4MATIC Electronic Traction System. Four-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS are standard, mounted inside the 18-inch wheels. A fully independent double wishbone front and four-link rear suspension provides damping, while speed-sensitive steering aids directional adjustment. In addition to maintaining one constant height regardless of payload, the load-leveling Airmatic suspension also functions in parallel with the Adaptive Damping System that varies the shock response according to road conditions, vehicle load and driving technique. Comfort, normal and sport modes can be selected. A two-speed transfer case comes as a part of the Off-Road Package, along with a different version of the height-adjustable Airmatic suspension that increases ground clearance to more than 12 inches (from the base 10.9 inches) while yielding a water fording depth of 23 inches.

Design

Design An overall feeling of luxury is embedded into the materials and sculpted design of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450’s cockpit, with high gloss wood, optional leather and brushed aluminum trim the dominant materials. Despite the fact that the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is neither truly revolutionary nor created to redefine luxury, this premium model brings classic luxury cues into a modern and technologically astute package. Many full-size SUVs are built on ladder-type frames, which yield utility and strength, but also suffer traditional truck-like driving characteristics. Mercedes went the unit-body route in crafting the GL, basing it upon a common platform shared by the ML-Class and R-Class models, bringing with it a bias toward ride comfort. At 200.3 inches long, the GL450 is nearly a foot longer than the ML, but is 2.7 inches shorter in length than the R500. Compared with other brands, the GL450 stretches 4.6 inches longer than a Range Rover, but is 2.2 inches shorter than the all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade, 3.3 inches shorter than a Hummer H2, and 7.2 inches shorter than a Lincoln Navigator. Visually the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 emulates the smaller ML-class at its nose. In fact, from the B-pillar forward, the GL is nearly identical to the ML, but when viewed in profile departs dramatically from its more stylish sibling. A more traditional greenhouse characterizes the GL, and the rear glass does not elegantly wrap around the D-pillars. Instead, a solid D-pillar strengthens the GL’s trailing edges. Subtle, but sturdy, wheel flares emphasize the GL’s backcountry mission, as does its high ground clearance, and its front and rear skid plates that add a strong chin and a squared-off rear end. While the sleek exterior blueprint makes it look smaller than it is, the GL450’s well-appointed interior benefits from the SUV’s unit-body construction and its 121.1-inch wheelbase, which Mercedes claims is the longest in its class. Designed to accommodate seven passengers in comfort, each onboard rider gets a cupholder, reading light and a nicely sculpted seat with a headrest and a three-point seatbelt. Third-row dwellers will be pleased to find a generous 14 inches of foot well space to end that “knees for lunch” feeling, and the flip-and-fold feature for the second-row seat, combined with a grab handle between the B- and C-pillar, allows easy admission to the rearmost row. The 50/50 standard power-folding third-row goes from “zero to flat” in 4.9 seconds, while the second-row splits in a 60/40 configuration, designed to give flexible cargo and passenger configurations for long cargo or long people. With both the second- and third-row seats folded, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL450 carries up to 83.3 cubic feet of cargo. However, the new Cadillac Escalade holds 108.9 cubic feet, the Lincoln Navigator 104.8, the Hummer H2 86.6, and the GL’s stablemate the R-Class tucks away 85 cubic feet worth of goods. An overall feeling of luxury is embedded into the materials and sculpted design of the Mercedes-Benz GL450’s cockpit, with high gloss wood, optional leather and brushed aluminum trim the dominant materials. Interior highlights include a multi-functional four-spoke steering wheel, circular air vents, dual center console-mounted grab handles, beautifully articulated surfaces, and tight panel seams. We particularly appreciated the stitching on the front cowl and along the dash, a distinguishing factor from the ML-Class; the large, two-tiered glove box; and the center console design, with stowage that accommodates multiple uses and the integrated grab handles. Separate audio wiring also gives each row of seats in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML450 the opportunity to access a wide variety of entertainment selections, including CD, iPod, MP3, DVD, and video game, with controls that allow parents to listen to one form of music and children to choose another. We did not like the twin DVD screen placements on the back side of the front headrests. Unable to tuck away behind a neutral-colored cover, it leaves a backseat passenger looking at a large black screen when the rolling movie theater is not in use. Finally, in the small wonders department: Parents with young children will be pleased to know that the third-row seat has an anti-trapping feature, in the event that a sibling tries to fold the third-row with a brother or sister seated inside.

Safety and Technology

Safety and Technology Eight airbags and a whiplash protection system come standard on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450. Other goodies include Distronic cruise control, Hill Start Assist, Downhill Speed Regulation, an Airmatic suspension with adaptive damping, a harmon/kardon audio system, and DVD entertainment. 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.

Driving Impressions

Driving Impressions Overall, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 proved capable on the road and off of it, a feat that once was unusual but has become increasingly common. This SUV should have no trouble at all competing against the new Audi Q7, the Lexus GX470, and others that claim the same fame. Driving the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is satisfyingly reminiscent of motoring in the refined R-Class in terms of mechanicals, but the GL’s taller ride height and suspension set-up give a very different experience, particularly on the winding roads of California’s wine country where we performed some of our testing of this new model. On our highway drive, throttling the GL in automatic mode, we had the best of both worlds: a luxurious ride quality in Comfort or Normal suspension settings, combined with an automatic transmission that takes care of up and down shifting with quietness and ease. Buttery-smooth braking response practically makes it seem as if you’ve a hired chauffeur to perform driving duties. The GL450’s steering is responsive at highway speeds with good on-center feel, and makes it easy to predictably carve through traffic. Of note, we appreciated the height-adjustable and telescoping wheel, which improves safety and negates the need for adjustable pedals to accommodate shorter drivers. Visibility in all directions is good, with a surprise-and-delight moment that arrives when you look through the rear view mirror to find a mostly unobstructed view when riding around empty with headrests in the “down” position. The GL450’s ride characteristics changed when the asphalt lead us over hill and dale, and along narrow and winding roads. Despite its load-leveling suspension, the ride became jouncy – especially in Comfort mode. Even with the suspension set to Normal, the GL’s required noticeably more attention to the driving. Using the Sport mode, however, proved the solution to excess body motion and adding in the TouchShift manual shifting not only produced a higher fun-factor but also effected less braking and throttling, which smoothed the ride. Manual shifting also let us run the GL450 up to its 6,200-rpm redline, and when running hard you can rest assured that computer control prevents downshifts that would cause the engine to over-rev. Note, however, that reaching the toggles for manual gear changes is a stretch for people with small hands. While our off-road course was limited due to heavy rains that drenched northern California, we were able to give high marks to the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450’s 4WD technology that comes with the optional Off-Road Package. Fitted with 19-inch Dunlop MT/R tires, we found this luxury SUV’s electronic traction control coupled with its low range gearing (2.94) and capable braking system to provide ample traction for all surfaces. We particularly enjoyed the novel feature of being able to set the speed for our downhill descent (from 4-12 miles per hour), as well as override the system by applying throttle. We also noticed the GL450’s tight turning radius and, with the height-adjustable suspension set on its top level, we were able to climb up and over rocks, leaving the sheetmetal free of damage. For more technical needs, two locking differentials can be called upon in severe-duty situations. Overall, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 proved capable on the road and off of it, a feat that once was unusual but has become increasingly common. This SUV should have no trouble at all competing against the new Audi Q7, the Lexus GX470, and others that claim the same fame.

FAQs and Specs

FAQs and Specs The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450’s main competitors include the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali, Hummer H2, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus GX 470, Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator, and Toyota Land Cruiser. Where did the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450’s engine come from? The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is motivated by an all-new 32-valve, 4.6-liter V8, adapted from the Mercedes-Benz S550. It is hooked to the first seven-speed automatic transmission in its class, and comes equipped with manual-shift toggles on the steering wheel. How does pricing of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 compare to the Benz SUVs that share its platform? Considering that the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz ML500 stickers for $49,275 with five-passenger seating and the R500 starts at $56,275 with six seats, a price beginning in the high $50,000 range for seven seats is about right. Where will the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 be built and when does it go on sale? Mercedes will build the GL-Class in its Tuscaloosa, Alabama assembly plant alongside the second-generation ML-Class and newly released R-Class. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 goes on sale in May. SPECIFICATIONS Test Vehicle: 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Base Price: $58,000 (estimated) Engine Size and Type: 4.6-liter V8 Engine Horsepower: 335 at 6,000 rpm Engine Torque: 339 lb.-ft. at 2,700 rpm Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with manual shift control Curb weight, lbs.: 5,249 Length: 200.3 inches Width: 75.6 inches Wheelbase: 121.1 inches Height: 72.4 inches Head room (front/row 2/row 3): 40.1 inches; 40.6 inches; 38.2 inches Leg room (front/row 2/row 3): 43 inches; 40 inches; 34 inches Max. Seating Capacity: Seven Max. Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs. Max. Cargo Volume: 83.3 cubic feet Min. Ground Clearance: 7.9 inches Competitors: Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali, Hummer H2, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus GX 470, Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator, and Toyota Land Cruiser

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz North America