Mercedes-Benz ML320

Jeep Grand CherokeeIf ever there was an American answer to the gauntlet thrown down by the British Range Rover, it's the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has more power, is less expensive, can go to the same places, and pampers you just as nicely.

Thanks to the rarified Mopar (some pronounce it "Mo-power") fans at Chrysler, a new-for-'98, optional 5.9-liter/245-horsepower engine lurks underhood, which makes the Grand Cherokee the fastest production sport/utility in the world. Zero to 60 in 6.8 seconds is enough to embarrass some muscle cars.

$35,000 And UpYou're witnessing automotive evolution in action: Upper crust sport/utility vehicles are increasingly replacing luxury sedans as affluent Americans' preferred modeof transport. Equivalent to '20s Duesenbergs, '50s Cadillacs, and '80s Mercedes, today's luxury/full-size SUVs are more comfortable, roomier, better riding, more powerful, safer, more versatile, and, something that goes nicely with their outdoorsy image, far more environmentally friendly than any of these. Also, the often-gigantic vehicles are the human equivalent of a grizzly's tree scratchings: Mine's taller than yours. Make no mistake, we're unabashedly pro-prosperity: Celebrate the fact you bought Intel at 29 with a luxury SUV.

Mercedes-Benz ML320 The Mercedes ML320 is the Swiss Army knife of vehicles. We thought enough of it to make it the '98 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. Don't be fooled by the ML320's proportions: It'll swallow more cargo than either a Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the optional seating package offers room for seven. For '99, it will be joined by a 4.3-liter/275-horse, SOHC V-8 ML430 runningmate, which should be among the fastest SUVs on earth.