I drove the GL450 about two weeks ago and came away modestly impressed. The power isn't neck-snapping, but it is good. Fit and finish were acceptable, and the ride was up to the task of fording West LA's countless potholes.

My impression wasn't one of "woah, this is the next level" but I certainly felt that the GL slaps the Esclade upside its own bloated ego. If I was in the market for a big, obnoxious SUV, the GL would most likely be my pick.