MERCEDES GL450
Luxurious, practical & large enough for a baseball team (almost!)
By Ernie Geigenmiller

     After spending a couple of wonderful weeks with the Mercedes ML500 SUV, it was with great anticipation that we received word we’d be test-driving the brand-new, full size Mercedes GL450. We were already impressed with the changes Mercedes made to its mid-size SUV, and wondered if we’d get that same luxury/sport blend on a larger scale.
     It was obvious from the moment the ignition turned and the gas pedal was pushed the answer to our question was an absolute yes.
     Bigger is really better, even in today’s gas conscious, energy saving world. And bigger is better, according to Mercedes, which is why it has launched this new seven-seat GL-Class. Its audience consists of buyers who think regular 4x4s are a bit wimpy, that size matters, and aren’t deterred by the $55,000 starting price. The model we tested, in the cool color “Pewter,” was priced at $68,000 and some change, but was fully loaded with everything.
     The GL is the largest SUV that Mercedes has ever built, and you can feel it once you start driving. Its looks are deceiving, though, because from the outside it doesn’t look that large. But don’t judge a book by its cover.
     Inspired by the legendary G-Wagen, the newcomer is simply massive. But the imposing rig, as my wife calls it, is not relying on size alone to attract customers, as it promises to offer luxury, practicality and real off-road ability, too. Our testing proved their point. You’re in a Mercedes and it is luxurious, and it is practical.
     Having four sons, anything we operate needs to be made tough, and the GL passed the boy test multiple times with flying colors. In fact, it reacted so well to our needs, that we decided to bring in my son’s baseball team to see how they fit, and get their reactions. Of course, they loved the two-screen flat panel monitors complete with DVD players and headsets. They loved the sunroof, the space and the looks. The Mariners looked good and felt like princes that day. Just ask Eddie, Cole, Tyler, Christian, Garrett, Matthew, Matt, Brendan, Levi, Jonathon and Jake. They’re a sharp looking bunch, aren’t they? And they’re pretty darn good on the baseball diamond.
     Cole even replied: “It’s a Mercedes, and we’re going to travel in style.”
     Obviously, the seven passenger GL can’t hold an entire 11-boy baseball team, but it can hold six of them, plus coach Keesha, and Interior photos by Elle Zober www.zoberimages.com . Exterior photos by Ernie Geigenmiller.