Mercedes-Benz GL550/ML550

What you need to know about Mercedes-Benz's new GL550: There are no plans for an even more powerful AMG version ofthis seven-passenger SUV. Next need-to-know: The GL550 grille's three-pointed star is Mercedes's biggest ever, saveperhaps for those on Mercedes buses and semis and Unimogs. Can't wait to see how one looks around 50 Cent's neck. Mercedes unabashedly targets the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator with the North America-only GL550, even asCadillac tries to compete with Mercedes's passenger cars. This is that model's flagship, complementing the GL320CDIand GL450, neither of which gets the 550's dog-dish-size emblem or enlarged grille. Those are 21-inch five-spokeAMGs, just one inch shy of the 'Slade's optional wheels under fender flares unique to the 550, but infinitely moretasteful.

The GL550 also comes with chrome roof rails and beltline molding, dual-split exhausts, skidplates, chrome load-sillprotection, full-leather interior with a wood and leather steering wheel (all-leather if you choose the no-costheated-rim option), heated front seats, rearview camera, ambient lighting, and, shared with the ML550, blue glass(not shown on either photography model).

Mercedes-Benz GL550
Base price                          : $76,975
Vehicle layout                     : Front engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV
Engine                                : 5.5L/382-hp/391-lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-8
Transmissions                     :  7-speed automatic
Curb weight                       : 5450 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase                         : 121.1 in
Length x width x height      : 200.3 x 75.6 x 75.4 in
0-60 mph                          : 6.2 sec (MT est)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ     : 13/17 mpg
CO2 emissions                 : 1.33 lb/mile