Every autumn, the Texas Auto Writers Association holds a two-day truck rodeo to determine the best in class in all of the different segments of the truck market. Out of all of this year’s SUV competitiors, the auto writers (do they actually sell any cars in Texas?) picked out the updated Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec.

The big GL was among 16 SUVs put to the test by the 41 journalists and was the first ever European model to win the category. The GL’s 210 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque help it get a 7,500 pound tow rating, The EPA rates the GL350 at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg although on a recent stint with the GL, we averaged just over 23 mpg combined, easily topping our best results to date with any of the GM hybrid SUVs. Besides best overall SUV, the GL350 also earned an honor as the best full-size luxury boat.