Mercedes Benz #LuxeDrive Chennai Experience
This morning I attended an experience event in Chennai, somewhat similar to Landrover Experience I had attended last year.
Then we spent a moment at display area, we went to a closed chamber where headlight capabilities, cornering light abilities etc were shown. These are together called ILS (Intelligent Light System). Light that turn with steering and switching to low beam when an oncoming vehicle has high beam, varying light intensity and range etc are indeed very useful features that make night driving safe.
Next I went to track, where staff had some hesitation if I can drive automatics and SUVs. I cleared their doubts and after sometime the SUV was ready (GL Class). Mercedes Benz racing experts first gave a demo and then let me have a try. Similar to Landrover experience, we drove cross axle, steep banking, climbing a vertical obstacle etc. The 4matic four wheel drive system kicked in, managing traction (only wheels that have traction will be powered and those spinning freely will not be supplied power), ride height was increased for offroad driving, vehicle dynamics ensured that car is stable even at steep banks. Once on top of below shown obstacle, hill descent control (Downhill Speed Regulation or DSR) can ensure that car comes down in a controlled fashion. We can set the speed and take our foot off brake pedal, car crawls down slowly and steadily. Brilliant feature.
Extreme off roading exercises with Mercedes Benz GL Class SUV
After the SUV exercise, we drove in zig zag manner in a CLA class, clearing red cones and understanding its steep handling capabilities.
Last part was the track session, where MB Racing drivers drove the car simulating extreme scenarios- like hard braking in last moment, sharp turns at high speeds and so on. Cars held ground brilliantly and their safety features kicked in when needed. I asked if they stop automatically if driver doesn't apply brakes- I was told that feature is yet to come in the cars (Watching auto shows has its benefits). Sitting inside the car while MB racing drivers performed high speed stunts was an amazing experience. Wish we were allowed to drive and try that...
Display of all Mercedes Benz India cars
SLK 350 was getting everyone's attention. This 1 crore convertible's roof can't be moved when in motion (unlike Audi A3 cabriolet) and has absolutely no space. But assuming you have another car for practical purposes, this is great car to indulge in some serious fun.
You can check http://luxedrive.in/ for more details.
By around mid noon I came out and headed home. Had plans to understand their leasing schemes etc, but had a flight to catch.
Here is a short video I made on the Mercedes Benz #LuxeDrive experience
Also see: GLA Class photoshoot *
The event involved the following:
- Display of all Mercedes Benz India cars, from A Class till SLK, GL Class and some AMG versions
- A demonstration of night headlight capabilities of the car-ILS- that can illuminate the corner, increase span of the light depending on speed, switch to low beam on detecting headlight etc
- An opportunity for participants to drive the Benz SUVs in a controlled environment clearing obstacles such as cross axle scenarios and hill ascend and descend, clearing soft cones in a curvaceous way that needs good negotiation skills,
- A drive in race track (By Mercedes Benz expert racing drivers, we are not allowed to drive) that demonstrates some extreme maneuvering and safety features of the Mercedes car.
- Display of Mercedes Benz Accessories and some fashion brand display
- Opportunity to interact with chef Vikas Khanna (he was not there till we left this morning)
Then we spent a moment at display area, we went to a closed chamber where headlight capabilities, cornering light abilities etc were shown. These are together called ILS (Intelligent Light System). Light that turn with steering and switching to low beam when an oncoming vehicle has high beam, varying light intensity and range etc are indeed very useful features that make night driving safe.
Next I went to track, where staff had some hesitation if I can drive automatics and SUVs. I cleared their doubts and after sometime the SUV was ready (GL Class). Mercedes Benz racing experts first gave a demo and then let me have a try. Similar to Landrover experience, we drove cross axle, steep banking, climbing a vertical obstacle etc. The 4matic four wheel drive system kicked in, managing traction (only wheels that have traction will be powered and those spinning freely will not be supplied power), ride height was increased for offroad driving, vehicle dynamics ensured that car is stable even at steep banks. Once on top of below shown obstacle, hill descent control (Downhill Speed Regulation or DSR) can ensure that car comes down in a controlled fashion. We can set the speed and take our foot off brake pedal, car crawls down slowly and steadily. Brilliant feature.
Last part was the track session, where MB Racing drivers drove the car simulating extreme scenarios- like hard braking in last moment, sharp turns at high speeds and so on. Cars held ground brilliantly and their safety features kicked in when needed. I asked if they stop automatically if driver doesn't apply brakes- I was told that feature is yet to come in the cars (Watching auto shows has its benefits). Sitting inside the car while MB racing drivers performed high speed stunts was an amazing experience. Wish we were allowed to drive and try that...
Display of all Mercedes Benz India cars
By around mid noon I came out and headed home. Had plans to understand their leasing schemes etc, but had a flight to catch.
Here is a short video I made on the Mercedes Benz #LuxeDrive experience
Also see: GLA Class photoshoot *
Do we need to own a mercedes to experience this?
ReplyDeleteNo, you need not necessarily own a Merc to participate. One needs to register and if confirmed you can attend.
ReplyDeleteI Found Very Interesting and Informative Article,amazing captures.Keep sharing us up to date.
ReplyDeleteWow amazing Mercedes test drive..
ReplyDeleteyes! thanks
ReplyDeleteThis is really amazing.... They made a good track for the car to be tested. It must have been awesome fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks. yes, it was fun.
ReplyDelete