The Ultimate Summer Mobile
June 14, 2006 — -- It's definitely summer. The kids are out of school, still in their PJ's at noon -- their 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 cars full 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 up their teeny-boppers from 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 -- around the corner and down the block.
The GL-Class provides passengers with that feel-good atmosphere…for up to seven people, according to Mercedes. 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 by a power switch located in the cargo area. Even short people like me can operate it 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 pack rat. A second sunroof in the third row keeps people from feeling cramped and caved-in while still being protected by the standard curtain airbags that extend to all rows of outboard passengers.
There's seating for three more in the second row, with riders cushioned by the curtain side 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.
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