The GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a 2007 model. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is an all-wheel-drive with a heady V8 engine. The SUV is unibody style and performs just like a car. The 2007 GL is available in only one trim with five packages.

The GL is powered by a robust 4.6L V8 with speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC full-time 4-wheel drive.

The luxury off-roader can tow 7500-pound carriage. The optional Off-Road Pro package comprises of a two-speed transfer case, locks for the center and rear differentials and modified air suspension that can increase ground clearance to 12 inches.

The GL is roomy, better power to weight ratio and ample power to dispense. It comes with a basic warranty of 48 months or 50,000 miles.

The driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic with column shifter is electronically controlled. It provides easy selection of Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive. The GL also has steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The SUV is built using unibody construction unlike the other traditional full size SUVs, which are body-on-frame design. Because of this architecture, the GL-Class weighs much lighter. To make sure the GL class is strong enough, 60 percent of the vehicle structure is made from special high-strength steel.

Standard on the GL are SBRP265/60HR18, all-season tires, compact spare tire, alloy wheels, 18-In. X 8.5-In. , spare tire mounted under cargo floor, dual folding power adjustable heated passenger side electrochromic exterior rearview mirrors, manual sunshade located on sunroof, rear window wiper/washer, power windows, rain sensing wipers, front and rear color-keyed bumpers, rear step up bumper, front air dam, underbody protection located on engine, metallic paint (if selected) and chrome located on grille.

The easy to decipher, backlit instrument cluster has four gauges, with a chromed-ringed tachometer and an identical sized speedometer. The center stack’s audio and climate controls have large and easy to locate knobs. The stalk-mounted cruise control is inconvenient; it engages the cruise control by default when trying to use the turn signals.

For a car of its size, there is ample cargo space, with an optional split-folding rear seat that optimizes stowage capacity.

The 228-hp 3.0L V6 in the C280 Luxury sedan delivers heaps of power; much more in fact than the previously best selling 2005 C240 with its 2.6L V6. The 3.5L V6 in the C350 with its 268 hp has a vastly improved acceleration performance and is immensely responsive whether it’s mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic. It delivers a fair amount of torque and great mileage too.

All C-Class cars offer great steering and quick-on-the-uptake brakes. The Luxury models offer a traditional Benz-like ride quality while the Sport models are nimble and tautly sprung. The revised 6-speed MT increases the ‘driving fun’ quotient considerably.

The C-Class has most safety features. Rear-seat side airbags are optional though. It has four-wheel antilock disc brakes and three-point seatbelts with tension limiters for all occupants, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags and stability control.