Mother Proof's view

It’s definitely summer: The kids are out of school, still in their PJ’s come noon, eternally filthy bare feet running out the door 30 minutes before the ice cream truck arrives, insisting they hear it coming. It’s also time for family road trips and transporting car-fulls of neighborhood kids to the swimming pool. Not just any old car will do for such important tasks. It must have plenty of seating, cargo space for bulky inflatable pool toys and enough luxury so mom or dad can enjoy a few quiet, air-conditioned moments waiting to pick their teeny-boppers up after the latest summer blockbuster. Thank goodness I’m not in that phase of life yet, but with two little girls, I fear that day will come sooner than I hope.

The 2007 Mercedes GL450 not only fits the bill, but after its debut in “X-Men: The Last Stand,” it may even be cool enough to make an appearance in front of the movie theater, as opposed to the usual pick up spot. You know the place -around the corner and down the block, so as not to cause mortal embarrassment to fragile, developing preteen psyches.

The GL-Class “provides passengers with that feel-good atmosphere … for up to seven people.” Well, heck! I’m all about feeling good, so let’s give this baby a whirl. The third-row seats (split 50/50) fold automatically with a power switch in the cargo area, so even short people like me can operate them without having to climb into the back of the vehicle. The power tailgate (part of the optional Premium I Package for $4,500) makes life super-easy for the family packrat. A second sunroof in the third row keeps people from feeling cramped and caved-in, yet they’re still protected by the standard side curtain airbags that extend to all rows of passengers.

There’s seating for three more in the second row, with riders being cushioned by the side curtain airbags as well as seat-mounted side airbags. I’m assured that these seat-mounted airbags will not intrude into the vehicle and harm young children in these seats, but rather extend out to cover the door area. There are a total of eight airbags in this car, and all of the safety features are included as standard equipment.

The seat belts in the second row have stable-based receptors, making it simple for youngins to tend to their own buckles. Adding to the backseat driver’s independence is an optional rear-seat entertainment system ($2,630). Two display screens are mounted within the front head restraints. As a driver, I prefer this way of mounting over having the screen hang down from the roof, subsequently marring my rear vision. However, as a second-row passenger, those screens are difficult to see over or around, feeling slightly oppressive. Storage nets just below the TV screens keep movies, games and toys from migrating to the floor and sliding under the seats, where they’re doomed to be lost only long enough for the kids to forget about them before they reappear.

With eight-way adjustable front seats, every driver in the family can find a perfect fit. After a recent day at a local driving clinic, there were numerous confused looks by automotive journalists and driving instructors alike on how to put the car in park. The electronic gear shifter was not a hit at all; tap up for reverse, down for drive, and push the button in for park. After driving it for two weeks, however, it begins to feel normal.

Driving the ’07 GL450 is definitely smoother and more luxurious that other luxury full-size SUV’s. To me, the term “full-size SUV'” almost directly translates to “honkin’ big, truck-y gas-guzzler.” That’s not the case with the GL. In fact, it feels deceptively small to drive, a definite pro in my book. An available front and rear Parktronic (audio park-assist system) helps maneuver the vehicle into tight spaces. If I wanted to feel like I was driving an apartment complex, I’d buy an Escalade. If I prefer to feel like I’m driving an understated yet sleek uptown loft, I’d choose a GL. The GL certainly doesn’t have the same MTV appeal as an Escalade equipped with spinners, yet not everyone is an overt automotive exhibitionist.

All this talk of MTV and movies is making me yearn to go to the theater. It’s blazing hot, and the kids are at Grandma’s house, so it’s the perfect time to do some more “research” on the GL450 and take in “X-Men.” As a matter of fact, the movie starts in 10 minutes. I’m out of here!

*For more information on the Mercedes GL450 and its safety features, visit www.cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

LATCH Connectors: 4

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 7

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times