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.