Engine: 5.5-liter dohc V8

Engine Options: 215-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6 turbodiesel; 335-hp 4.6-liter dohc 32-valve V8; 382-hp 5.5-liter dohc 32-valve V8

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 7-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front airbags, side airbags for first two rows and curtain airbags for all three rows, active front head restraints, four-wheel electronic traction control, Electronic Stability Program, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist Plus, LATCH tethers for child safety seats

Optional Safety Equipment: Parktronic, bi-xenon headlamps with active cornering, Distronic active cruise control, rear-view camera

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Model Tested: Mercedes-Benz GL550 ($76,975)

Standard Equipment: full leather trim, power and heated front seats, burl walnut interior trim, Easy fold second-row heated seat, power folding third-row seat, heated mirrors, three-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with curve-following, infrared-reflective glass, power tilt/telescoping steering column with multi-function controls on steering wheel, navigation, rear-view camera, Parktronic, HomeLink, cruise control, 11-speaker audio with CD player and auxiliary jack for external devices, four reading lights, cup holders for each row, retractable cargo cover, rear stationary sunroof with shade

Options as Tested: Rear-seat entertainment ($2,670), Keyless go ($1,100), trailer hitch ($510), wood/leather steering wheel (no charge)

Destination Charge: 775

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 382 @ 6000

Torque: 391 @ 2800-4800

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 13/17

Wheelbase: 121.1 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 200.6/76.9/72.4 inches

Track Front/Rear: 65.0/65.1 inches

Turning Cycle: 39.7 feet

Seating Capacity: 7 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 40.1/58.3/43.0 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: 40.6/58.9/40.0 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.2/50.5/34.0 inches

Trunk Volume: 83.3 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, air springs

Ground Clearance: 7.8 inches

Curb Weight: 5434 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 295/40HR21

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS, ESP, traction control

Fuel Capacity: 26.4 Gallons