Motor Trend names Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV of the Year

Motor Trend names Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV of the Year
Motor Trend has gone and named the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 its SUV of the Year. We apologize if you were waiting with baited breath for the December issue of MT to arrive because you like to find these things out for yourself, but if that's the case then we can't help you. The GL450 beat out 22 other SUVs including such contenders as the new Acura RDX and MDX, four variants of General Motors' GMT900 platform (Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon Denali XL), the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, as well as Ford's own version of the Hail Mary Pass, the new Edge. The GL450 was no doubt aided by its ability to repel side impact barriers, set slalom cones on fire, and swallow an entire home's worth of furniture (how do the Germans engineer this stuff?), all of which you can check out the GL450 doing in this

The rest of the 22 vehicles MOTOR TREND evaluated include:
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Audi Q7
Cadillac Escalade
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chrysler Aspen
Dodge Nitro
Ford Edge
Ford Expedition El
GMC Yukon Denali XL
Honda CRV Ex-L
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Wrangler
Lincoln MKX
Lincoln Navigator
Mazda CX-7
Mitsubishi Outlander
Suzuki X17
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota RAV4




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mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 10/24/2006 4:33:19 PM
+2 Boost
Thanks for spoiling it- Maybe a title w/o the winner in it?



answeranswer - 10/24/2006 4:38:30 PM
+4 Boost
Weird that it beat out the new MDX.

I do like the GL though. The best Benz SUV ever though is still the AAVision concept or whatever it was called.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 10/24/2006 9:38:26 PM
+1 Boost
I agree. The ML was the reason that I used to hate Mercedes. I don't like them now, but I don't hate them anymore.


BMW530iBMW530i - 10/24/2006 4:40:03 PM
+2 Boost
In all fairness, I do think that the GL is a worthy successor to the legendary G-Class. It certainly seems to be very capable offroad from the reviews.




lexusis350lexusis350 - 10/24/2006 5:48:02 PM
+2 Boost
I agree. The GL-Class actually looks really good, unlike the G-Class. Did you see X-Men 3? I loved that one on the bridge. Yes, I know, me liking a Mercedes.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 6:19:39 PM
+2 Boost
The G-Class is still on sale.

And I'm not warming to the GL. It just looks like a stretched ML to me, and I've never liked the ML, either. Interior seems like they stopped trying.


BMW530iBMW530i - 10/25/2006 2:12:31 PM
+1 Boost
Have not seen that movie yet. I'm not much of a movie guy anyway. I have not even seen the original X-Men!


EL34EL34 - 10/24/2006 4:49:15 PM
+2 Boost
Congratulations Mercedes-Benz.

Booyah...!


MercBasherMercBasher - 10/24/2006 4:56:09 PM
+1 Boost
I actually like the Mercedes GL and went to trade-in my Lexus LX470 for one, however I was shocked and appalled to find that the Mercedes does not have a reversing camera [Consumer Reports also disses the MB GL for this] and it does not have touch-screen navigation. I cancelled my trade. Then I read on AutoSpies that Toyota are planning an updated LandCruiser and Lexus LX within the next year so I am glad I didn't do the trade.

If I had to buy a new SUV now I'd probably go for the new Acura MDX or the GM Yukon spec'd out with navigation, reversing camera, etc. etc.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 10/24/2006 5:49:17 PM
+1 Boost
The GM Yukon's back-up camera is an accessory, it isn't standard with the navigation system. The MDX is really nice looking though.


rockerrocker - 10/24/2006 5:32:06 PM
+1 Boost
where are all the models from toyota, lexus, nissan, jeep and honda?


lexusis350lexusis350 - 10/24/2006 5:49:43 PM
+2 Boost
They wanted to give Mercedes a chance at winning.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 6:20:31 PM
+2 Boost
Ha! The LX is a wonderful car, but you know it wouldn't win! It's about eight years old!


lexusis350lexusis350 - 10/24/2006 9:37:00 PM
+1 Boost
What about the GX. The G-Class was based after the GX. That's why I like it. It looks like the GX.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 10/24/2006 9:37:37 PM
+1 Boost
I meant GL-Class, not G-Class.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 11:48:27 PM
+1 Boost
It looks like a stretched ML.

I hate the GX470. One of the stupidest cars Lexus has ever made, and ugly to boot. Why not get an LX and go all the way? Or an LC, if you can live without an L on your hood?


kart1kart1 - 10/25/2006 1:49:43 AM
+1 Boost
Actually guys, Motor Trend only takes all new vehicles introduced into account for its Car of the Year awards (same with suv's and trucks). So those suv's aren't there for a reason.


AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 10/24/2006 6:08:54 PM
+2 Boost
next year.. X5...i applaud MB as the winner. I think they saw through the pretenders i.e q7, acura etc,


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 6:21:30 PM
+2 Boost
YOU'RE the pretender, my friend. Do you have tea parties with logical or something?

And FYI- the MDX sells better than the X5, by quite a margin. And it's only about $2K cheaper. The badge isn't everything if the car is better underneath.


kart1kart1 - 10/25/2006 1:51:48 AM
+1 Boost
I recently sat in an MDX when I went for maintenance. It was very nice and comfortable. The interior was very good looking.


AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 10/24/2006 6:38:30 PM
+2 Boost
what a joke.. the mdx is fully optioned up.. add the wheels and engine to the Bimmer and the difference is at least 10K. you might not know, since you drive a less expensive audi.. but those are facts. why so hostile.?? would you like ot have tea with me as well. Logical??


EL34EL34 - 10/24/2006 6:43:07 PM
-3 Boost
Of the imports, the Germans make the best SUV's and SAV's.

Way to go fellas.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 11:49:40 PM
-1 Boost
If the Range Rover Supercharged didn't exist, I'd consider an LX... (mouth watering)


Matthew1Matthew1 - 10/24/2006 10:50:10 PM
+2 Boost
Amazing.

You didn't buy what is arguably one of the best SUV's on sale today simply because of two trivial complaints?

No reverse camera, no touch-screen navi? Boo-hoo.

No wonder some of you are so hard to take seriously, your opinions of cars are warped by insignificant 'issues' which really don't affect the quality of the vehicle.




S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 11:50:56 PM
+1 Boost
Well, the nav on the Mercs (except for the S and new CL) really sucks. The most annoying knobby thing in the center is complemented by about fifty small buttons, and the interface is generic.

The backup camera is a non-issue, though. You can get it aftermarket.


kart1kart1 - 10/25/2006 2:20:05 AM
+1 Boost
Why buy a car if it doesn't offer what you want? You wouldn't want to buy a car if it doesn't offer something that you really like do you.

Plus for a lot of people it is the little things that make a difference. I mean every car has an engine, 4 wheeels, etc. But not all of them have touch screen navi, backup camera, etc. It may seem pointless, yet there is more to it than just that.


kart1kart1 - 10/25/2006 2:20:57 AM
+1 Boost
S4 - you are right the backup camera issue can be resolved quite easily.


quizzquizz - 10/26/2006 1:06:51 PM
+1 Boost
Matthew, it is NOT insignificant if you have children. There have been way too many accidents involving parents running over their small children while backing up and only a rear camera (not rearview mirror) can see small children playing near the bumper of a large SUV. A rear camera in a small Carolla or Porsche is not necessary, but a larger car like a mini-van or SUV is VERY NECESSARY.

Single people probably don't see the necessity, but a father like me would only by a car with the rear camera option in my SUV. My kids are more important to me than the brand of the car I'm buying.


delandelan - 10/25/2006 12:52:51 AM
+1 Boost
"We apologize if you were waiting with baited breath for the December issue...."

(smirk)....bated breath?

Anyhow, I'm not into minivans with big wheels, so I'll pass. I saw one on the road and thought.....that's it? Certainly does not have the presence like that of the Q7, Range Rover or the Cadillac Esky.


neutralneutral - 10/25/2006 4:05:40 AM
+1 Boost
Another argument regarding the touchscreen/backup camera:

A) touchscreens are key, they avoid the problems of push-button keys breaking and they make it easier to type (via a keyboard on the screen)

B) The backup camera is a rather cheap system, they should include it.

C) For the money you are paying, they should include all these things.

However, I agree with Matthew, these are rather minor things. Also, as much as I hate to say it, backup cameras are another gadget. We've gotten along okay for 100+ years without them (although they are super sweet).


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/25/2006 8:55:26 AM
+1 Boost
The GL is actually quite inexpensive-- it doesn't charge the "premium for prestige", like Mercedes does all too often. It starts at $53K, a comparative bargain. $16K less than an LX470, $2K less than an Escalade, and only $3K more than a Q7 4.2 (but the Q7 is a better deal- nicer interior, better to look at, faster, just as roomy).

Touchscreen nav is very good, but a push-button can also be easy to use if they design it well.


AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 10/25/2006 9:51:58 AM
+1 Boost
s4.. agree on all front s except the blatantly wrong one!! Q7 is not a better deal (might be cheaper), not better to look at (bland), same on interior, WWWAAayyy lower prestige and not quite as roomy (look at specs). other than that you got it!!


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/25/2006 6:30:29 PM
+1 Boost
" Q7 is not a better deal (might be cheaper), not better to look at (bland), same on interior, WWWAAayyy lower prestige and not quite as roomy (look at specs). other than that you got it!!"

Pretty much all subjective there. Since when is prestige a factor? If that were true, the Acura MDX wouldn't be selling so well.

The Q7 is only 0.2 inches shorter than the GL, my friend. It just gives the impression of being smaller because Audi has more creative designers.

The Q7's interior is far and away better than the GL's. The GL's interior came straight out of the crapola ML.

Bland? Far from it. The Q7 has a lot more presence than all Merc SUVs and your sacred BMW SAVs on the road. It's just beautiful in dark colors. Have you ever seen one on the road? Unbelievable. I never thought an SUV that big could look so good.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/26/2006 10:04:42 PM
+1 Boost
I am a Diehard X5 Loyalist yet I had to Admit the Q7 has an Amazing Presence on the Road (Pictures just dont do it justice)

There is something about that Front End that Terrifies my Niece, (And she loves most cars, Cayenne Included)

Im just not sure about the rest of the Profile (Side & Rear especially)
But if it Drives Well Id seriously look into the V12 Diesel when it is launched.


mmeeccmmeecc - 10/25/2006 9:54:25 AM
+1 Boost
I agree with Matthew 100%, they are trivial gadgets. There is so much more to this vehicle that people never consider but that are the most important things of all. Did you know that this vehicle has the most UHSLA (Ultra-High Strength Low Alloy) steel than all competitors for example? Know how expensive that is? But if your were to have a high impact collision, I don't think that rear-view camera would save your life or have a chance of keeping you or your loved ones from becoming crippled. I guess it depends on where your priorities are. Life threatening injuries or touch screen navi, hmmmmmm...... which do I choose? Tough call.....


AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 10/25/2006 11:11:34 AM
+1 Boost
mmeecc. did not know that. interesting, and agree on the priorities topic.


JUGNUJUGNU - 10/25/2006 3:50:07 PM
-1 Boost
I believe the RR sport supercharge and Lexus LX were not among the 22 tested cars.

Well if they were there,no way the GL could have won.The r he main contenders.

JUGNU


CPILLARCPILLAR - 10/25/2006 4:37:03 PM
+2 Boost
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE Q7 THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO DOMINATE SUV'S???

Audi comes up short...again. But hey, at least the interior is nice.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/25/2006 6:32:10 PM
+2 Boost
Actually, it's exceeded their expectations.

They sold out of the original 30K planned for this year within two months.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/26/2006 10:49:36 PM
+1 Boost
It was in a press release, airhead.


smshnicksmshnick - 10/25/2006 9:20:32 PM
+1 Boost
The GL drives very nice, but (sorry to bring this up), the interior puts me to sleep. The styling is so sedate on this thing. Come to think of it, I can't think of a large SUV that has nice styling, they're all kinda bland looking. Well, maybe the H2 stands out. I'm just thinking out loud here.


drew630drew630 - 10/26/2006 1:35:13 AM
-1 Boost
I don't like this thing at all. It is to small for its class and is way underpowerd for its weight!! Escalade should have won, best looking and most horsepower.


BillBill - 10/26/2006 8:38:53 AM
+1 Boost
The Cadillac Escalade has more power, is SLOWER and less fuel efficient.


drew630drew630 - 10/26/2006 1:41:47 PM
+1 Boost
Escalade is a much better towing vehicle; i.e. has more hp, torque, an actual frame, transmission cooler, trailer wiring, and a solid rear axle. I have sat in both vehicles and the GL feels extremely CRAMPED even before I sat in the Escalade, which is really sad for this category. The GL requires premium gas where as the Escalade doesn't (runs on 87) which makes fuel costs roughly the same. Although, fuel costs aren't a big factor in this category, SIZE and roominess are.


BMW530iBMW530i - 10/26/2006 1:57:43 PM
+1 Boost
Drew, you're forgetting that the GL will kill the Escalade when it comes to offroading. And yes, people do take these luxury SUV's offroad. Not many, but some. The allround better package is the GL.

Anyway, don't let this ruin your life. Who cares? MT gave some award to the GL. No big deal to me. Do you see me complaining about why the X5 didn't win?


drew630drew630 - 10/26/2006 5:46:12 PM
+1 Boost
Yes, the GL will beat the Escalade in rough off-road situations, but roughly 1% of luxury full-size SUV buyers take their SUV through rough terrain. IMO, the Escalade is the better package because of towing and overall comfort.

And no, I don't really care about the award, just stating my opinion because that’s what people do on this site right??

O, btw, you would be definitely complaining if X5 was new this year, not next, and had lost.



BMW530iBMW530i - 10/26/2006 7:31:33 PM
+1 Boost
How many Escalade owners will use the thing for towing? Not many. Most Escalade buyers are concerned about the image. You want to tow something, buy a Yukon Denali etc.

And I love BMW, but I know what BMW stands for and the X5, as good as it is onroad, will probably be killed by a normal M-Class offroad, not to mention the Q7, LX or GL.


BMW530iBMW530i - 10/26/2006 12:23:15 PM
0 Boost
Why all the arguments? Who cares if the GL won MT's award. MT is entitled to their own opinion.


quizzquizz - 10/26/2006 1:08:01 PM
0 Boost
I thought most of these awards are "bogus" anyway? At the end of the day, didn't the Ford Explorer win this a few years back?


HUNTERHUNTER - 10/27/2006 10:04:13 AM
+1 Boost
Looks like another winner. Motor Trend picked the LR3 in 2005.
www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/112_05_suvoty_2005_land_rover_lr3/ - 47k -

VW Tourag for 2004
www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/112_0312_suvoty_2004_volkswagen_touareg/ - 45k -

Forbes ranks both as most unreliable.
http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/07/28/luxury-cars-breakdowns_cx_dl_0731reliable.html

Looks like the Ad Sales Department i voting on this.


SteveLSteveL - 10/27/2006 3:00:46 PM
+2 Boost
WOW a foreign SUV won. What a surprise coming from Motor Trend (cough cough bought off cough cough)
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