Published: February 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Dan Byers
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Some of life’s most important lessons are learned on the road. No matter how carefully we plan our trip and pack our bags, we soon discover the destination isn’t nearly as important as the person accompanying us there. Ten-day vacations pass in the blink of an eye with the right person, while 10-minute trips to the grocery take an eternity with the wrong one.

Just as the right person makes all the difference on road trips and on life’s journeys, the right car can make the road to happiness a lot easier to navigate. For those seeking the perfect partner to tame life’s highways, take a closer look at one of these.

2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS-class

Attraction is a powerful intoxicant, and without it, even the best relationship may sour over time. Fortunately for the Mercedes-Benz CLS-class, turning heads has never been an issue. With the groundbreaking CLS-class, Mercedes serves up some of the sexiest sheet metal found on any four-door. Offered in two configurations, the CLS550 and the higher performance CLS63 AMG, the CLS-class launched the popular luxury four-door coupe concept, and the design remains one of the most eye-catching on the road.

But like any true beauty, what’s inside is what counts. Along with legendary Mercedes engineering, the CLS550 get its kick from a 382 horesepower V8 coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission. With even more neck-snapping performance, the CLS63 AMG rips off 0 to 60 times in 4.3 seconds, with its asphalt-shredding 507 hp 6.3-liter double overhead camshaft V8.

Both cars surround you in exquisite luxury, delighting your senses as well as they delight your reflexes. The Airmatic suspension lowers the ride height nearly a half-inch at highway speeds, and incorporates an Adaptive Damping System to adjust each wheel with every up or down motion.

The cabin features four handcrafted individual leather seats surrounded by polished high-gloss laurel wood trim. The Comand navigation and entertainment system includes a six-disc CD/DVD changer, satellite and HD radios, iPod integration, surround sound and 6.5-inch color screen.

2010 Lexus IS F

The best relationships are balanced ones. Attractive, fun and playful partners are always desirable, but the best are trustworthy and reliable as well. Long known for quality and dependability, Lexus has built its reputation by winning numerous awards, including the top slot in the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates’ annual Initial Quality Study. Ride, comfort and quietness have been hallmarks of the brand, but the introduction of the IS F high-performance sedan brings an exciting new dimension to an already well-balanced package.

The IS F is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engine rated at 416 hp matched to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. Special track-proven modifications to the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension anchor the new sport sedan, which sits an inch lower than standard IS models. Nineteen-inch wheels and high performance tires easily handle the 170 mph track capability of the IS F, and a specially calibrated version of Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system ensures the IS F won’t stray when thrown into a corner.

The sporting nature of the IS F is highlighted by its interior, which features striking new black/terra cotta two-tone upholstery, aluminum-rimmed main gauges, unique steering-wheel treatment and other special surface treatments.

Lexus owners have come to expect luxury, and the IS F continues this tradition with 10-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power moon roof, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and power windows. Like all Lexus models, the IS F also offers a 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system with 300 watts total output.

Once paired with either of these sedans, you’re likely to find your perfect partner and enjoy many anniversaries to come.