Test drive: Mercedes-Benz GL450

If you haven't been able to tell from the images so far, our Mercedes-Benz GL450 is about the size of Germany.

I've never driven with more than five passengers in a car with me before, but when six members of my family arrived from London, I had the chance to buck that trend with the ideal SUV for the job.

Cramming seven adults into it may sound like a bit ofa squeeze, but that was far from the case. It has ample space for seven and still some room for luggage (even though boot space is limited with the third row up) and we drove away in absolute comfort and total luxury.

The amount of room and comfort is impressive, but how is it to drive?

Well, the smooth-running 4.6-litre V8 is a healthy unit with 335bhp at 6,000rpm and 460Nm of torque at 2,700rpm, but, if it was sitting in the engine bay of something half the size of this, it would launch it like a rocket ship. It's lugging a fair amount of weight around here, 2,430kg to be exact, and as a result it feels a little sluggish but still hits 0-100kph in a respectable 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 235kph.

The seven-speed automatic is as smooth as can be andis operated via the direct select lever on the steering column, while paddle shifters allow you to have some manual-style fun.

The GL features a direct-steer system, which is crisp and responsive and requires less effort when you're making a three-point turn or getting unstuck in the parking lot of the mall, while the turning circle is 12.1 metres — pretty good, considering the size (5,099mm long, 1,840mm high and 2,124mm wide).

The 4matic full-time four-wheel drive system provides an extra measure of confidence and control and optimises torque in every wheel, giving you plenty of grip.

You can throw it around corners and it will stay true to the path thanks to the independent airmatic suspension which does a fine job in smoothing out the ride — regardless of the surface. The system features electronically controlled air springs which adjust to the changing driving conditions and there is a choice of two settings; sport and comfort. Best of all, and at the touch of a button, you can raise the ride height. Quite a neat trick while you're waiting at the lights.

It doesn't feel like a massive SUV and that's courtesy of the unibody architecture instead of a traditional body-on-frame construction which makes it rock solid and rigid. This GL is much like an S-Class in terms of refinement. From the sophisticated leather interior, heated front seats and DVD player with individual rear screens, it has plenty going for it.

• Driven by Imran
• Start mileage 6,051km
• Recent cost None
• Average fuel economy 16mpg
• Highs Comfortable ride, remarkably poised for a two-tonne SUV
• Lows Feels heavy
• Highs: Much longer wheelbase than rivals, ‘only' Dh299K now!
• Lows: None so far...
• Highs: Very versatile and user-friendly, great cargo space arrangement
• Lows Faulty tailgate