The V6 provides all the power you need when you want it. (Photo: Chrysler)

Pushing faster is a happy tune the torquey V6 enjoys humming. Crank it up past 4,500 rpm and you'll be treated to a melodious Porsche-like growl that signals a serious forward lunge. Especially in sync with the manu-shift AutoStick, the engine holds itself right up at its 6,500 rpm redline in the first two gears, making me completely forget that I was driving one of the longest cars on the market. At 80 km/h in 3rd gear, there's gobs of torque under the toes for two lane passing, nailing that apex or just accelerating up to, or beyond, the speed limit. The power's there - use it as you see fit.

The nice part about all this power and handling prowess is that I didn't get beat up with a stiff, jolting ride, as is often the case with many "performance-tuned" sedans. Far from cushy, the 300M Special's ride quality is sporty-firm, yet compliant. Over some pretty battered local roads the 300 outperformed recent runs in the Jaguar X Type, Accord V6 and Acura 3.2 Type S in ride comfort. The big sedan's extra weight definitely pays off by absorbing much of the harshness experienced in the competitor's brands. Score points to DaimlerChrysler's engineering ride guys on this one.

The 300M has a long checklist of safety features which complete the overall package. (Photo: Chrysler)

With every imaginable active and passive safety device already on the car including Xenon high intensity headlamps, driver and passenger side-impact airbags and head protection, EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) and Traction Control, next-generation ABS, fog lights and side impact bars, there's not much lacking to make the 300M Special a complete and desirable package.