2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450

This 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has a 362-horsepower, turbocharged V8 engine. A seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The GL has a comfortable ride and doesn’t demonstrate much body roll through turns, which is unusual for a seven-seat SUV. Fuel economy ranges from a low of 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

This 3-row, seven-seat GL-Class has two front-row seats, a middle-row bench that seats three, and a somewhat cramped third row that seats two. The first two rows of seats are comfortable, but the third row is best left to children. The second row folds to make accessing the third row relatively easy. The interior is well-insulated against outside noise. The GL-Class has complete LATCH child-seat connections in the second- and third-row rear outboard seats, plus a second-row middle-seat tether anchor.

Standard features in the GL-Class include dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding third-row seats, satellite radio, a 115-volt power outlet, Bluetooth, and the COMAND infotainment system with a 7-inch screen. Available features include a navigation system, an iPod interface, a power-folding second-row seat, a rear-seat entertainment system, and an upgraded audio system. The COMAND system has clunky navigation controls and lacks a touch screen.