Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive

Speed remains to be the ultimate automotive fascination. While few can truly push the red line and quench their thirst for speed in the real world, the Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive provides mere mortals the opportunity to tame speed, the right way. The Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive is an exclusive program which consolidates all Mercedes-Benz events under one umbrella. Be it the chance to see the ‘Stars’ in action, train to perfect yourself on asphalt in AMG tuned cars or take Mercedes-Benz SUV’s across challenging terrains, the Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive has it all.

Watch the ‘Stars’ at their best at the ‘Star Drive’, a one of a kind program to get you closer to the Mercedes-Benz automobiles in action. Experience the performance of the renowned AMG’s. When their 6.3 litre V8 revs, its spits out insane amount of power and the sporty exhaust note is enough to make you skip a heartbeat.  The Mercedes-Benz SUV range showcases its prowess to conquer any terrain with superior technology and off-road capability.

 

If SUV’s amaze you, the ‘Star Off-Road Experience’ is made just for you. Get a first-hand insight on the superior technology which sets Mercedes-Benz SUVs a class apart from the rest. The off-road track is designed to simulate every possible scenario you may come across when you are not on tarmac. Enjoy the thrill as Mercedes-Benz SUVs tackle treacherous terrain without breaking into a sweat.

 

Get the racer in you to hone your driving skills at the AMG Driving Academy, the only driving academy in India where you are schooled to perfect your driving skills on high performance AMG cars. The AMG Driving Academy is driven by pure passion. Get behind the wheel of these fantastic automobiles on the world-class Buddh International Circuit under guidance from the world’s best instructors. The AMG Driving Academy offers courses to suit your level and take it towards perfection with challenging race track training across 6 skill levels. The track experience is like no other and leaves you in complete enthral.

 

If you are still hungry for more, sign up for any of the Mercedes-Benz international driving events. For the young guns out there, Mercedes-Benz ‘Young Star Driving Program’ is designed to train young aspiring drivers under race tested conditions with expert professionals on track to guide you into the world of professional motor racing.

 

So logon to www.mercedesbenzperformancedrive.in to set your pulse racing with the Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive.

mb. Connect! with Farhan Akhtar

Mercedes Benz believes in connecting with owners, enthusiasts and fans at the core level and the ‘Star Drive’ is one such media of establishing such connection. After providing some hardcore adrenaline pumping moments all over India, the Mercedes Benz ‘Star drive’ experience hit Mumbai. This unrivalled experience showcased the unparalleled performance of Mercedes Benz products combined with the sophistication in terms of engineering, technology and pure luxury. The intensity was further raised by the presence of Mercedes Benz Customer and Bollywood superstar Farhan Akhtar.

Mercedes Benz and success are two words which often go hand in hand and Farhan Akhtar has had the best of both. On this edition of mb connect, Farhan tests the limits of the Mercedes cars at Juhu aerodrome and answers questions posted by facebook fans in a candid session with Mr. Debasis Mitra. Farhan Akhtar’s association with bollywood goes back to more than a decade. Having delivered blockbusters such as Dil Chahta Hai, Don and Zingadi Na Milege Dobara, he shares a special passion for Mercedes Benz cars and also happens to be the first owner of the ultimate SUV, the all new ML Class. 

Out of the many questions posted by fans, Farhan answered the selected questions with utmost enthusiasm. He has a special liking for SUV’s and has done a road trip all around Europe in the ML Class and said he feels absolutely relaxed and comfortable when he is behind the wheel of his favourite Mercedes. He rarely prefers to be a passenger and is eager to jump into the driver’s seat and relish the Mercedes Benz driving experience. Farhan proclaims himself to be lucky to be the first owner of the ML Class and vows to put this mighty SUV to the limit of its tremendous capability. Being completely a family man, Farhan gives due importance to his family for their opinions on buying a car. Versatility is one of his key attributes and it’s not easy to be an actor, director, producer, writer and singer at the same time and Farhan would like to leave it to his fans as to how they will like to remember him. 

That’s all from this edition of mb connect with Farhan Akhtar, stay tuned for the next mb connect with a special star.

Inclined for star treatment? Highlights from StarDrive Mumbai.

Inclined for star treatment? Highlights from StarDrive Mumbai.

The Mercedes-Benz StarDrive got petrol-heads in Mumbai all enthused over the weekend. Renowned for demonstrating the marvels of Mercedes-Benz engineering across 11 cities, the Mumbai edition was conducted at the Juhu Aerodrome on the 1^st and 2^nd of December. The venue was the perfect place to put the stars through their paces and allowed fans to experience these marvels of automotive engineering like they are meant to be. On display were the stunning SLS AMG, G-55 AMG and E-Cabriolet while enthusiasts could experience the M-Class, and C 63 AMG at the hands of experts. StarDrive Mumbai also saw Farhan Akhtar participate in the event as he put his favourite Stars through their paces.

The StarDrive Experience demonstrates Mercedes-Benz hallmark levels of safety by providing participants with a first-hand demonstration of PRE-SAFE®.  One of the several safety systems that contribute to the Mercedes-Benz Integral Safety concept, PRE-SAFE® takes anticipatory precautions when an imminent collision is detected. Seats bend forward into a favourable position, head rests adjust and seat belts tighten, in addition the windows and the sun roof close automatically for preventive action.  Participants get to experience PRE-SAFE® in a completely controlled and safe environment. Also demonstrated are the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Participants also climbed to new heights with the SUV demonstration that included the M-Class and the GL-Class. These mighty titans made little of a 40 degree slope with the help of their PRO-ENGINEERING Package while the Hill Hold Assist helped the vehicle stand stationary for a breath taking 2.5 seconds before rolling back. Descending is a piece of cake with Downhill Speed Regulation allowing the driver to set the speed of 4 to 18 kmph for a controlled descent. Participants were treated to a drive that was as smooth as silk as the differential lock system made little of difficult terrain.

The Mumbai edition of the StarDrive was unlike any other with a guest appearance of one of our favourite stars – Farhan Akhtar. He slipped behind the wheel of an M-Class to experience the SUV test track on his own terms. This was followed by a breath-taking ride in the C63 AMG,  on the slalom course. This was followed by drives in the SLS AMG and G55 AMG. The icing on the cake was that winners of our StarDrive with Farhan Akhtar contest got to experience an exhilarating drive in the M-Class with their favourite Star.

Buckle up for pure exhilaration: StarDrive

The second phase of StarDrive Experience 2012 begins in various cities this month. Starting on the first of September in Delhi at the Buddh International Circuit, it continues in Chandigarh on 8^th-9^th September and concludes in Mumbai with a special drive with Farhan Akhtar on 22^nd-23^rd of the month. The experience features the Mercedes-Benz GL- Class, G-Wagon and the M-Class. You've heard stories about their power; durability and performance, now drive these marvellous machines from Mercedes-Benz in person.

The StarDrive is your chance to experience ground-breaking innovations from Mercedes-Benz. Witness PRE-SAFE®, Traction Control and ESP, Off-Road Pro Engineering and 4ETS live as you get behind the wheel of your favourite Mercedes-Benz.

The PRE-SAFE® feature has participants experience the car’s preventive protection -  seats bend forward into a favourable angle, seat belts tighten, windows and sunroofs close automatically and head restraints position accordingly. The simulation, at the hands of expert instructors, is as close as it gets to the real thing.

SUV genre stalwarts like the GL-Class and M-Class showcase sheer power as they overwhelm the toughest of terrains. They manoeuvre 40 degree slopes with considerable ease owing to the PRO-ENGINEERING Package. The differential lock system helps transfer weight from the unused wheels to the ones touching the ground, thus maintaining a perfect balance and grip on inclined terrain. The 4-MATIC and AIRMATIC suspension in these SUVs helps them adjust their suspension seamlessly in order to accommodate the rapidly changing terrain.

There’s no uphill task for these behemoths! While scaling new heights, participants can experience Hill Hold Assist that helps the car remain steady for 2.5seconds before rolling back, giving the driver enough time to prepare for the climb. Likewise, when driving down the slope, the Downhill Speed Regulation sets a speed between 4-18 kmph depending on the terrain. All the driver needs to do is manoeuvre; the car takes care of the rest by maintaining perfect balance and speed.

This year, we've taken the StarDrive experience a notch up by granting the winners of the Slalom contest a chance to be in the grand finale with Farhan Akhtar. Every qualifying participant will still take home a special gift voucher from us. So witness true marvels of the 21^st century with the StarDrive Experience.

Mercedes-Benz launches Brand & Product offensive in Auto Expo 2012. mb. Feel it.

• Launches its new brand initiative mb. Inspired
• Launches India’s most powerful open-top car: the SLS AMG Roadster
• Presents the all New M-Class 
• Showcases the future design cues through Concept A-Class & Fuel Cell technologies.
• Showcase the largest display with 18 cars ranging from S-600 pullman to DTM racing cars & live STARDRIVE demonstration.

New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz today utilized the Auto Expo to launch a new platform apart from launching 2 new cars.


Mb.Inspired: The philosophy of Best or Nothing has always inspired Mercedes-Benz as a guiding philosophy. It has not just inspired Mercedes-Benz in pioneering many innovations, it has also helped Mercedes-Benz vehicles to be the best in the auto industry and many more. Mercedes-Benz would be promoting this philosophy in India through the mb.Inspired Initiative. A new India is on the rise and its all about youth and rising aspirations. It’s a India which is fearless about taking risks and doesn’t fear failure. Mercedes-Benz commemorates these young youth inspirational icons through mb. Inspired


Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains: “ As India readies itself for globalization, the young India seeks recognition for their talent & uncompromising attitude which have made many stand up & get recognition in their respective fields. mb Inspired is once such platform which shall recognize these individuals & collaborate with them to spread inspiration. This helps us in communicating our brand values of Best or Nothing seamlessly to the Indian consumers”


Debashis Mitra: Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said; “mb. Inspired is an initiative which synergises the Mercedes Benz ethos across various creative , sporting, business and lifestyle universes. The result is a collaborative perspective that fuels new ways of thinking and spreads inspiration.”


Farhan Akhtar, Chetan Bhagat & Masaba Gupta are all reflections of these very brand values which inspire the younger generation to take up new challenges & risks. They demonstrate the philospy of “Best or Nothing” in their own fields & spread inspiration in their peer groups.


Latest Products
Mercedes-Benz India today also launched India’s most powerful open top vehicle: the SLS AMG roadster. Powered by 6.3 Litre V8 engine the super sports car delivers 0-100 in 3.8 seconds.


The company presented the all new M-Class in India. Launched in the global market about six months back, the new M-Class will be locally assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Pune.


The fresh, vibrant product design was presented through the Concept A-Class; the car which will offer design cues to future Mercedes-Benz development.


SLS AMG ROADSTER
After captivating hearts across the world the SLS AMG Roadster with its Performance and scintillating design is all set to scorch the Indian road with pulsating speed. The open top SLS AMG Roadster exudes graceful dynamism and magnetic allure. The purist, athletic design immediately captures the attention. The Roadster’s perfect proportions make it particularly impressive. The exterior of this German beauty conveys aggression and dominance with its governing radiator grille. With a body that gracefully boasts of its sleek lines and shapely contours the SLS AMG Roadster exhibits it’s supremacy over others. The long bonnet further to the automatically extending rear aerofoil, long wheelbase, wide track and short projection appends to the appearance. The lightweight construction, combined with sensuous open air driving pleasure exudes its lively sporty presence.


The SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The atmosphere of the interior continues the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and awakens associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent stylistic features include the dashboard in the shape of a wing section and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines. The extended centre console of matt, solid metal and the new E-SELECT lever in the shape of an aircraft's thrust control are also design features adopted from the world of aviation.


While it looks like a beauty, it does ride like a beast. The eight cylinder V8 engine produces rumbling 571 horse power at 6800 rpm with a maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. It can go from 0-100 km/h in under four seconds (3.8s) and has a top speed of 317 km/h. The power and performance of a monster, the SLS AMG Roadster has all the trimmings of a formidable sports car.


NEW M-CLASS
Continuing in true M-Class tradition the third generation of this vehicle sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. Pioneering the interpretation of a contemporary SUV, the NEW M-Class sports a powerful exterior and an interior featuring high-quality details. The vehicle leads the field in terms of safety, comfort, quality feel. It is the benchmark for comfort and load compartment capacity and offers ease of handling on and off-road.


The new M-Class has been envisioned with a much sleeker frame. Though the vehicle is significantly larger than its predecessor it does not make it look bulkier. There is an overall increase in the length and width of the car with the height being dropped. New engine hood design and LED lights have made the front of the car look sportier; the new tail lights have given the car an elegant feel.


A true off-roader the New M-Class has been fitted with technology that would help customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Traction System all at the touch of the off-button on the console. The ease of technology makes the New M-Class a joy to ride off the beaten road.


As is standard with all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the New M-Class is packed with safety technology. It has nine strategically located air – bags that ensures the safety of its passengers upon collision / accident. Additionally it is built with a PRE-SAFE technology that help prevent such instances.


Protection of the environment is a key task of every individual, the New M-Class has been built with this thought in mind. The vehicle has been built with the ECO start-stop function, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions- by automatically switching off the engine during traffic jams or traffic signals.


Other technology that has been packed into the new generation include the ATTENTION ASSIST, that alerts the driver on detection of drowsiness on longer trips; an Active Parking Assist with integrated PARKTRONIC technology, and a new rearview camera that increases comfort and provides a real safety plus.


In a nutshell, the M-Class is the new benchmark for a Luxury SUV in driver’s delight, passenger convenience and overall safety, a testimony of which is the prestigious EURO NCAP 5 Star rating awarded to the vehicle.