For the 2014 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class touts no major changes with the exception of available heated and cooled cup holders and an optional split-view dashboard display. Mercedes-Benz designed the GL-Class to make sure you understand right away that this isn鈥檛 your typical SUV. Streamlined, sculpted lines come together to create an aerodynamic exterior that defies the limitations of large SUVs, while its sporty grille and sleek rear end add a touch of athleticism to its profile. Depending on the GL-Class model you choose, the engine differs. For the GL350 Bluetec, you鈥檒l receive a diesel-powered 3.0-liter turbocharged V8 capable of 240 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive, which is standard on all GL-Class models. A gas-powered 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 powers the GL450, producing 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the GL550 gets a more powerful version of this engine, churning out 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

For the 2014 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class touts no major changes with the exception of available heated and cooled cup holders and an optional split-view dashboard display. Mercedes-Benz designed the GL-Class to make sure you understand right away that this isn鈥檛 your typical SUV. Streamlined, sculpted lines come together to create an aerodynamic exterior that defies the limitations of large SUVs, while its sporty grille and sleek rear end add a touch of athleticism to its profile. Depending on the GL-Class model you choose, the engine differs. For the GL350 Bluetec, you鈥檒l receive a diesel-powered 3.0-liter turbocharged V8 capable of 240 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive, which is standard on all GL-Class models. A gas-powered 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 powers the GL450, producing 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the GL550 gets a more powerful version of this engine, churning out 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

Finally, the GL63 AMG has the most powerful engine of the bunch with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged V8 gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined, while the GL450鈥檚 4.7-liter gets 16 mpg combined, and the GL550鈥檚 version comes in at 15 mpg combined. The GL63 AMG鈥檚 engine is rated at 14 mpg combined. The GL-Class interior exudes comfort and luxury with high-end materials and technology that would make the GL perfect for any family road trip. Unlike other three-row crossovers, the GL-Class has a full-size third row, allowing passengers of all sizes to fit with ease. There is also a dual-screen entertainment system, panoramic sunroof, and a number of other creature comforts that make the GL-Class a top-notch crossover SUV. Standard safety features for the 2014 GL-Class include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front and rear side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, and a driver attention/drowsiness monitor. The mbrace2 communications system also comes standard with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and an SOS button, among other features. Two levels of optional blind-spot and lane-departure protection are also offered.

If you grew up as an auto enthusiast, with sports cars cobbled together on shoestring budgets and amateur pride, Mom's car was a safe place. While your car was up on jack stands, Mom's car was sitting on four properly filled tires. While your car was out of commission waiting for parts you really couldn't afford, Mom's car started up every time. Mom's car was always full of gas, quiet, comfortable. Mom's car was also slow, conservative and downright shameful if you were caught behind the wheel. Your mom was not driving the 362-horsepower 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. Whisper-quiet, immaculately built and powered by a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8, the all-new GL450 is the ultimate expression of the family SUV. 64,805 to get in the door, that is. Unless you're a certified Mercedes-ophile, the 2013 GL may not even be a blip on your radar. But the biggest of Benz haulers has received a significant redesign for the 2013 model year that saw the GL grow marginally in all dimensions. The result of this stretch means that all rows of seats (2-3-2 now) have more head-, shoulder and elbow room.

A new dashboard and instrument cluster now more closely mimic those in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup and includes a 4.5-inch color display between the dials. The 2013 GLs are also armed with a range of new or heavily reengineered motors; two are direct-injection turbocharged V8s and one is a diesel V6 with 406 pound-feet of torque. But the most striking thing about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is the newly revamped interior, especially when it's equipped with one of Mercedes' optional Designo upgrade packages like our test vehicle. 4,800 Designo Porcelain Leather package adds the nicest quilted leather and real wood this side of a Bentley. That's not hyperbole; the leather and woodwork are unmatched and the leather goes back all three rows. 4,800 is a tough pill to swallow, but this option package looks, and feels, like a deal at that price. Beyond the slick white leather, the 2013 GL450 is decked out with traditional German understatement.