Mercedes-Benz introduced their seven-passenger GL450 early in 2006 and added the GL320 CDI early in 2007, both as 2007 models. The vehicles are built on the same platform as the five-seater M-Class, only with a new drivetrain. The GL-Class offers nearly the same agility as smaller SUVs, only it carries a gigantic 83.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Both models are available with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission only.
The 2007 GL-Class adds a larger SUV to the Mercedes-Benz stable, now making M-B a player in the full-size luxury sport utility segment. The GL320 CDI has a state-of-the-art diesel engine like you',ve never seen before. Besides offering enormous reserves of torque and making the GL320 CDI one of the only seven-passenger SUVs that can boast a highway fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, it is quiet, doesn',t smell, and meets the new emissions restriction. The GL450 V8 is also a remarkable vehicle for family hauling adventures, with loads of luxury features and room, as well as 335 horsepower.
Model overview:Mercedes-Benz has rounded out their family-oriented array, introducing the seven-seat GL-Class for 2007. The GL320 CDI and GL450 now join the five-seat M-Class and the six-passenger R-Class. All are built on the M-Class', platform
The 4.7L V8 found in the GL450 is a derivative of the four-valve-per-cylinder engine that first appeared in the S550. Here it makes 335 horsepower and 339 ft-lbs.
Mercedes-Benz has rounded out their family-oriented array, introducing the seven-seat GL-Class for 2007. The GL320 CDI and GL450 now join the five-seat M-Class and the six-passenger R-Class. All are built on the M-Class', platform
The 4.7L V8 found in the GL450 is a derivative of the four-valve-per-cylinder engine that first appeared in the S550. Here it makes 335 horsepower and 339 ft-lbs. of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission helps the GL450 sprint to 60 mph in only 7.4 seconds.
The GL320 CDI starts at $52,400, $2,500 less than the GL450, and was introduced late during the 2007 model year. While it only makes 215 horsepower, the 3.2L V6 diesel engine makes a whopping 398 lb-ft or torque. It will banish all your old ideas of what a diesel engine is like, too: it',s quiet, has no noticeable odor, and offers a tidal wave of torque.
The interior of both will look familiar to M-Class owners, but there are a few surprises. The middle row of seats is split 60/40, and tumbles on the passenger side for access to the third row. The third row has a reasonable amount of legroom, which makes the GL-Class versatile as both a cargo and a people hauler. One of the neatest features on the vehicle is the two buttons in the rear cargo area that raise or lower either third seatback electrically. Total cargo space with both rows folded is a voluminous 83.3 cubic feet.
Plenty of protection is built into the GL-Class. Besides a very strong roll cage body, passive safety items include permanent four-wheel-drive, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS circuitry, an electronic stability program, traction control, and eight air bags.
The GL-Class comes standard with all the power accessories you',d expect, along with air conditioning, a six-disc CD changer and a multi-function leather steering wheel. Bird',s-eye maple trim, eight-way power and heated front seats, a sunroof, and HomeLink add to the SUV',s luxurious feel.
Optional rear park assist, running boards, xenon lights, harman/kardon audio, tri-zone climate control, leather seats, and a rear entertainment system ensure that the GL can be configured to just about any taste.
Aside from the size of the family the vehicle can accommodate, what separates the GL-Class from the M-Class is the air-adjustable suspension. Besides being able to raise and lower the GL, you can also choose between a comfort and sport setting that produces an easily noticeable change in ride. It also automatically levels the front and rear end as the weight of the load varies
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