These Mercedes roadsters have seats for only two in a lux cockpit crowned by a hardtop that folds through electro-hydraulic muscle and tucks into the trunk. Design for the roadster, in part homage to the original Mercedes gullwing 300SL, scores among the most artistic to come from the tri-star brand.

Four editions appear in 2006 -- SL500 and SL600, plus the performance-driven SL55 AMG and ripper SL65 AMG. SL500 draws from a 5.0-liter V8 that delivers 302 hp through the Mercedes seven-speed TouchShift automatic. SL600 gets the 5.5-liter bi-turbo V12 with inter-cooling to push the power up to 493 hp, and SL55 AMG has the AMG supercharged V8 rated at 493 hp, while mighty SL65 AMG runs with the 12-cylinder AMG bi-turbo worth 604 hp. Keyless Go and corner-illuminating foglamps are now standard on SL600, and run-flat tires are offered as an option.

Elite full-size Mercedes sedans continue in multiple issues -- S350, S430, S500, S600 and S55 AMG, with 4Matic AWD versions for S430 and S500. For power, S350 gets the new 3.5-liter V6 tuned to 241 hp; S430 uses a 4.0-liter V8 at 275 hp, but S500 goes further with the single-cam 5.0-liter V8 pushing 302 hp. S600 stocks the bi-turbo 6.0-liter V12 ripped to 493 hp, and AMG's supercharged V8 drops into the S55 AMG, also pegged at 493 hp. Late-arriving supercar S65 AMG brings the 12-cylinder AMG bi-turbo scored way up at 604 hp.

S Class sedans envelop riders in a staggering array of sophisticated controls and perks to make life in the fast lane not only comfortable but secure. Also, there are many mechanical systems working latently for protection, including devices that stabilize forward movement and tire traction, smart brakes and adjustable suspensions.

Mercedes builds mid-size SUV wagons that drive like fine sedans and feel as comfortable, but there's also ample cargo space in the back plus go-anywhere attributes of four-wheel-drive (4WD) wagons. Entry to the series comes from the ML350 with V6 power, while the ML500 stocks the 5.0-liter Mercedes V8. A full-time 4WD system on both models does not lock axles to maintain traction in slippery situations, but senses a slipping wheel electronically, then brakes the slippage and redirects power to wheels with better grip.

New trim options include the M Class Special Edition, which puts a power dome on the hood with silver grille and aluminum roof rails. The cabin also adds on, offering deluxe wood trim in birch burl or dark walnut.

Top-flight full-size coupes, with fluid lines on an exaggerated hood sweeping over the pillar-less roof to an elongated tail, crown the Mercedes line. Powertrains borrowed from S Class sedans apply to three versions - the CL500 and CL600 plus CL55 AMG. But there's more - the new CL65 AMG. It brings a hand-built AMG 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine with twin turbos attached to push the power curve over 600 hp. Stopping power matches the muscle on CL65, as it scores an AMG-built compound braking system with two-piece rotor and hub assembly. (CONTINUED...)