Driver's Log.(Mercedes-Benz S63)

WONG: This Mercedes-Benz S63 is a supreme cruiser. It has more gizmos than the Sharper Image catalog and makes one heck of a statement on the road. Although it's probably not something I would consider buying, I appreciate everything it brought me during a weekend that was packed with nearly 700 miles of driving.

The massive V8 engine muscles this heavy ship along easily and emits a throaty tone when you drop the hammer. According to Mercedes, 0 to 60 mph comes in 4.5 seconds, which is believable but totally floors me because it's such a big car. When you gently push the throttle, you whip past slower traffic and merge onto the expressway with aplomb. The giant brakes are-as expected-strong, with a great pedal feel.

The best part is a ride that one of my back-seat passengers described as "gliding.'' Cracks and potholes-even crater-size ones-do nothing to upset the ride; both passengers fell asleep as I chauffeured them. The S63 stays composed at all times, and the suspension keeps it smooth and steady when rounding on-ramps without large amounts of roll.

Distronic Plus cruise control proved to be my favorite gadget of all, and it is the best radar-cruise-control unit I've encountered. Set the system, turn on the massaging seats, dial up a favorite Sirius station and rack up the miles.