2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 4Matic review

This is what I'd call a baller's car. In Europe they use that term for soccer players, but it works for our NBA players, too. Any car that could physically fit 90 percent of the sport's starters has to be luxury, has to be big and has to be powerful. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 4Matic is all of those things. Did I mention expensive? Yeah, it's that too.

The GL550 comes with a seven-speed transmission, although we had issues with throttle tip-in Photo by Mercedes-Benz.

I like everything about this truck except for the price, and the throttle tip-in. Similar to the last few GLs I drove, it just takes too long to jump when you press the pedal. And obviously automakers can go too far the other way, and the vehicles get really jumpy. But there has to be some sort of happy medium. As it stands, you have to anticipate your move a few seconds ahead, especially if you need to hit a gap in traffic.

The seats are comfy, and I had no problems hooking up my phone or figuring out any of the navigation-entertainment system. But that's the least you'd expect from a $100,000 vehicle.

The GL550 can surprisingly get to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds Photo by Mercedes-Benz.

Granted, you feel rich when driving it. Once it gets rolling, the GL can do triple digits smoothly, and without the driver knowing. In front of a house, or a restaurant, it raises the property value by a couple percentage points.

But do you really need it all? I'll go back to the Jeep Grand Cherokee again, which even maxed out is about half the price. Is the GL550 twice as good as it? Hell no. You do get an extra row of seats, a decent amount of horsepower and the three-pointed star, but still.

The seats were superb and the interior is what we have come to expect of Mercedes-Benz

The Active Curve System, the most expensive option on this car ($3,150), is interesting. It's supposed to work like GM's magnetic ride suspension. Each wheel can be firmed up individually. From the Mercedes website, ACS is "a semi-active suspension that uses electronic sensors, an engine-driven hydraulic pump and electronically controlled hydraulic valves to reduce body lean."

That's what I'd keep on the option sheet. I'd ditch the On/Off road package, night-view assist and easy-entry system for the rear seats. The price would still be in the $90k range, but at least I could respect myself in the morning.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 4Matic

Base Price: $87,805

As-Tested Price: $101,145

Drivetrain: 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8; AWD, seven-speed automatic

Output: 429 hp @ 5,250 rpm, 516 lb-ft @ 1,800-3,500 rpm

Curb Weight: 5,578 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 13/18/15 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 15.3 mpg

Options: Active Curve System ($3,150); On/Off-road package including on/off-road package, front under ride protection ($2,050); driver assist package includes Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe brake, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist ($1,950); night-view assist plus ($1,780); panorama sunroof ($1,090); surround-view camera ($1,000); heated rear seats ($620); trailer hitch ($550); Easy-Entry system including second-row power release ($400); upholstery-wrapped lower dashboard ($330); special order ($250); pre-wiring for rear seat entertainment ($170)

The GL550 looks similar to the GL63 AMG thanks to it's 21-inch AMG wheels and lower body stylin