Fresh from winning the 2007 SUOTY competition, the Mercedes-Benz GL450 has already become a major player in every other vehicle segment -- so it was only a matter of time before Mercedes-Benz decided to venture into the full-size luxury sport/utility market.

Measuring 200 inches long makes the GL450 as the largest vehicle in the Mercedes range. The extra inches make the third row spacious enough for occupants over six feet tall to actually stretch their legs, which is quite remarkable for such vehicle in this class. Despite the measurement of the GL450, it is quite surprising to note that it doesn't feel that big and just what many editors observed, "It drives small."

The are lots of available options for this vehicle starting with the whopper premium package which includes Parktronic, a power tailgate, DVD navigation, Sirius Satellite Radio, premium sound with rear controls, power tilt/telescoping steering, and Bluetooth hands-free communication for $4500. Additional options are the rear-seat DVD entertainment which is priced at $2650, an off-road package with adaptive damping, two lock differentials, and front/rear skidplates for $2200, twin sunroofs costing $1500, three zone climate control priced at $1320, metallic Barolo Red paint that is worth $900, Macadamia leather for $1650, a rearview backup camera for $500, a wood and leather steering wheel at $540 and a Bi-Xenon headlamps that turn with the steering wheel $900-totaling in all to $72,135. Add-ons like for instance a Mercedes cargo liner and the likes will also cost additional fee.

The price of the fully loaded GL450 may reach $79,195 which include over $24,000 for options added. The GL450 has safety features too which includes two-stage front airbags for driver and passengers, side bags in the front and second row seats, and a curtain bag that spans all three rows of seats. And combining such features with a steel unit body and high-strength occupant cell and you get yourself one very safe vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz GL450 2007 Motor Trend of the Year Award Winner

It is important to note that GL450 was chosen as the winner of the 2007 Motor Trend of the Year Award. Mercedes-Benz tuned the GL's chassis to near perfection starting with its tight and linear steering down to the robust four-wheel vented disc brakes up to the standard adjustable air suspension. With the GL, Mercedes-Benz has proven that beyond doubt knows how to put the "sport" in sport utility.

The GL450 exudes exemplary driving performance, the front end bites through turns while its rear end never falters. Depending on the driving experience that you want simply depress the dash-mounted button to adjust the dampers from comfort to sport. The respectable skidpad with number 0.76 g of the GL is better than any of the four GM full-size ‘utes and much better than the lateral grip of the Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator.

The GL450 records the seventh-heaviest curb weight of 5468 pounds and the fifth-highest power rating of 335 horsepower. It also revs up the third quickest 0 to 60 mph sprint in a matter of 6.5 seconds and the fastest quarter mile time of 14.9 seconds at 93 mph which makes its rivals to wonder how can such a big car to get so quick? The answer is under the hood. It has a powertrain as sleek and as powerful as those found on Rolls-Royce turbofan.

The engine of the GL450 is a member of the all-new four-valve M273 engine family stuffed with dual-overhead camshafts, two-stage magnesium intake manifold, and variable valve timing on exhaust valves and on intake. The GL's all-aluminum 335 hp V8, 4.7 liter, together with its faultless, 7-cog 7G-Tronic partner distributes power effortlessly and smoothly through the full-time 4Matic AWD system that results to an acceleration that is not only fast but quiet.