DRIVER: Jayme S. Ganey, ESSENCE assistant lifestyle editor

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I liked the sleek look (double-moon roofs), luxurious interior (heated leather seats, wood paneling) and high-tech features (LCD screen with satellite radio, navigation system, phone and more). Classified as an SUV, it actually resembles a cross between a sedan and a station wagon, so the styling's hard to ignore. My nickname for her: Big Sexy.

THE EXPERIENCE: Driving solo, I forgot how big the vehicle is. But when my girls jumped into the back and we blasted the music, it felt like a party with enough room to shake and bump. The sound system was smooth, and the controls on the steering wheel were convenient. I plugged my iPod into the dashboard (which also houses the six-disc changer) and hightailed it around the New Jersey 'burbs pumping John Legend. The navigation system was easy to use, and whenever f had to make a turn, the music automatically paused, allowing me to hear the next direction. Big Sexy attracted a lot of attention, especially from men--one even tried to stop me in the middle of an intersection.

VERDICT: I was impressed by the car's style and how easy it was to operate. If you're carting stuff, be forewarned: There's little trunk space without folding down a few seats (four of the six can fold). For those who can afford the $55,500 base price and the gas ($35 to fill 'er up), a Mercedes with this many extras is a great deal.

BASE PRICE: $55,500 SPECS: &0-liter, 302-horsepower V8 engine

* Four-wheel traction control

* Seven-speed automatic transmission

* Full-time 4MATIC four-wheel drive

* Mileage: 13 city/ 18 highway

should you buy or lease?

When financing a new car, you have options. Buying can be a good
investment, but a car depreciates as soon as you drive off the lot.
Leasing lets you pay only for the time you use the car, yet you'll
never own it. Other pros and cons to consider.

           You should lease if:           You should buy if:

   Your    * You have a credit score      * Your missed payments have
Spending   in the high 600s.              put a dent in your credit
 Habits                                   rating.

           * Lower monthly payments       * You've got a nest egg to
           will alleviate paycheck        use as a down payment, or
           pressure.                      your monthly income is
                                          sizable enough to support a
                                          heftier car payment.

           * You bank the money you       * You anticipate owning the
           save on high monthly           car.
           payments during the lease,
           which can help you buy the
           car at the end of the lease.

   Your    * You take the bus or train,   * You plan to exceed driving
Driving    or you carpool to work and     15,000 miles annually.
 Habits    mainly drive on weekends,
           which keeps the mileage
           down.

           * You're careful to avoid      * You're accident-prone.
           dents and extreme wear and     Owning the car will make
           tear that could cost you       you responsible for damages,
           at the lease's end.            but insurance will cover
                                          some mishaps. And you won't
                                          lose the money you've
                                          already put down.--J.G.

SOURCES: Consumer Reports and Jeffcars.com

COPYRIGHT 2006 Time, Inc.
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