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A V-12 engine is a wonderful thing: strong as a horse, smooth as silk, an amazingly complex assembly all focused on the business of torque.

Not too many V-12-powered automobiles have crossed my path, but the few I’ve driven are memorable: a Lamborghini Diablo; assorted Ferraris; a vintage Jaguar E-type, Series III; a new Aston-Martin. Great cars, all quite exotic.

The latest V-12s on my short list are a pair of new Mercedes-Benz models: the CL600, a sports coupe that looks as splendid as it performs, and S600, Mercedes’ awesome flagship sedan.

Each 600 model is a magnificent combination of opulence and performance, hedonism and security, raw power and respectability. Big, powerful cars that dash away from traffic and shrug off mountain grades, they also are technology showcases of the first order.

This is top-drawer stuff, far too expensive to be relevant for most of us. But there’s lots of wealth out there, and both of these cars command a waiting list.

Among the many technical wonders is the world’s only Active Body Control, a computer-regulated hydraulic suspension that reacts almost instantly to road conditions, pretty much eliminating body sway or pitch and providing almost magical handling without a hint of harshness.

The S600 came equipped with Distronic adaptive cruise control, which uses a radar sensor to maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead, even applying the brakes if needed.

Here’s another one: Active Cylinder Control. In the all-new V-12s, when the car is cruising at a set speed, the system will deactivate one bank of six cylinders for added fuel economy. Yes, I know Cadillac tried this a couple decades ago on its V-8s with disastrous results, but modern technology and ingenious engineering enable Mercedes to make it work.

Mercedes says gas mileage is improved 20 percent overall compared with the last generation of V-12s. Still, these cars slurp plenty of fuel. Premium, yet.

The CL600 adds V-12 power to the already tasty CL500, which has a 302-horse V-8. Handling, steering, braking, acceleration, highway cruising, back-road slaloms — all first rate. A true muscle car, but exclusive and refined.

The CLs are lusciously beautiful cars, each capped off with a classically inspired hardtop roof. The four-seat interior abounds with power and comfort features. Front-seat occupants have space in abundance, but the rear seat is a bit tight. This is a coupe, after all.

At $120,000, the CL600 is a cool $30,000 more than the CL500, which comes out to about $7,500 per extra piston. Same for the S600 over its V-8 counterpart, the S500.

Is it worth it? Well, to recycle a famous rich-guy put down: If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.

The S600 has been transformed from the former mighty behemoth to an athlete of monumental proportions. It rides on enormous AMG wheels and performance tires.

The commodious interior is gorgeous — real wood and leather providing the drawing room scent — with plenty of interesting little buttons and switches to play around with.

Naturally, both cars come with a load of standard features, including a voice-recognition system for the hands-free phone; strategically placed radar sensors that warn you when you get to close to an object in the front, rear or sides; TeleAid to automatically call for help in an emergency; a Global Positioning System that pinpoints your location if you need emergency help; a navigation system using the GPS; a 10-speaker Bose stereo; and ventilated seats that heat or cool, or provide a back massage.

The only extras for either car were destination and delivery, plus a $1,300 gas-guzzler tax.

My only real gripe, besides the monster price tags, is the stereo/navigation control system found on all Benzes. It’s a handful, both confusing and cumbersome. It needs to go back to the drawing board.