Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG set to thrill at the SA Festival of Motoring
Mercedes-AMG enthusiasts are to witness and experience the culmination of 50 years of driving performance at the third SA Festival of Motoring at the Kyalami racetrack.
“Driving Performance is the Mercedes-AMG brand promise to ensure that every Mercedes-AMG is a complete composition, uncompromisingly tailored to performance and dynamism right down to the finest details. We do this to achieve the Mercedes-AMG brand’s defining features which are superior performance; the distinctive sound, or the AMG growl as we refer to it; and the expressive design,”
says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
A common trait of all Mercedes-AMG vehicles regardless of the model, are the seven performance components developed entirely by AMG in Affalterbach – the Home of Driving Performance. These components can be categorised as: the AMG engines, transmissions, suspensions, drive concepts, brake systems, exhaust systems and AMG DYNAMIC SELECT.
“Put simply, every Mercedes-AMG model contains precisely these seven ingredients which are present in varying doses according to the given performance recipe. This year, we have just the right collection of AMG vehicles at the festival to whet your appetite,”
says Fritz.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s collection includes an exclusive preview of the newest members of the Mercedes-AMG family the GT 63 S 4-door Coupé, the new G 63, the new E 53 Coupé, and the C 43 Cabriolet — all of which are making their first appearance in South Africa.
“The preview of models such as the new GT 63 S 4-door Coupé, with its unique athletic design in a four-door fastback layout, and the authentically reinterpreted icon, the new G 63, give the market a taste of what’s to come. South Africans are enthralled by the Mercedes-AMG brand and we look forward to deepening that brand love further through the AMG Performance tour,”
says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.
The AMG Performance tour takes place in Pits 1 – 7, with the AMG GT family performance cars, the AMG GTC, AMG GTR and the AMG GTS available for hot laps with the AMG Driving Academy team. Also available are the Mercedes-AMG 63 series models, starring 89.
On the first floor of the Pit Building, Mercedes-Benz will have a showroom with exclusive finance offers on a choice of models. There offers are valid only for the duration of the festival and include a free upgrade to AMG Line for a select range of vehicles. On the second floor, the intelligent multimedia system MBUX – the Mercedes-Benz User Experience available only in the recently launched all-new A-Class – will make its debut to the South African public in the Techzone. Car fanatics will also have the opportunity to take the A-Class and C-Class facelift and out for a spin on the handling track.
Mercedes-Benz Vans at the Festival of Motoring
For Mercedes-Benz Vans, the third South African Festival of Motoring is yet another platform to showcase its unparalleled range. For the outing, it will be showcasing the luxurious and versatile V-Class, as well as the most talked about vehicle to have been launched in 2018: the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class, has certainly established an entirely new segment as the first bakkie from a premium manufacturer, will also form part of festivities. Since its South African launch earlier this year, the X-Class has radically transformed the local bakkie landscape.
Making its debut in South Africa is the X-Class X350d V6 for an exclusive FOM preview. This range-topper is sure to rock the festival. The flagship develops 190 kW and a peak torque of 550 Nm. says Nadia Trimmel, Vice- President of Mercedes-Benz Vans Southern Africa.
Mercedes-Benz Vans is using the festival as an opportunity to demonstrate that the Mercedes-Benz V-Class really is unrivalled in its segment. The V-Class combines exemplary functionality with high-class appeal, comfort, efficient driving enjoyment and safety. This makes the Mercedes-Benz among MPVs the perfect vehicle for everyone who appreciates boundless space but does not want to sacrifice style, comfort and opulence on wheels.
“It is no secret that the V-Class is the most luxurious people mover available on the market and FOM attendees who are fortunate enough to be driven in the Multi-purpose Vehicle as part of our family drives, will attest to this,"
notes Nadia Trimmel, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Vans Southern Africa.
“But perhaps what everyone in attendance is looking forward to the most is the show-stealing X350d V6. The range-topping model combines high utility value with sporty performance. With its V6 engine, permanent all-wheel drive and the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, the X350d offers superior power and comfort both on and off the road,”
adds Trimmel.
Those in favour of instant gratification, can visit the 4x4 Track to experience gusty of a new kind off-road capability and/or purchase the already-lunched X220d or X250d at the FOM with a free load-bin cover accessory offer exclusive to the festival, adds Trimmel.
All Mercedes-Benz Vans sets at the Festival of Motoring, at a glance:
On display at the pits area:
The main attraction is the X350d V6, ready to entice, ahead of its local launch later on this year. The X250d will also be displayed to the public in the pits area.
The larger than life and most luxurious multi-purpose van in South Africa, the V-Class, will also be on display, ready to impress.
4x4 track
The X-Class will showcase its off-road handling capabilities at the FOM 4x4 track.
Handling track
Superior handling is one of the X-Class’ strengths, and this can be experienced at the FOM handling track.
Family drives
The Mercedes-Benz Vito and the luxurious V-Class as well as the exciting X-Class can be experienced on the main track, as part of the FOM’s family drives.
On display
Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa will be displaying the X-Class, as well as the V-Class, to further demonstrate just how comprehensive its vans offering is.
Retail pop-up shop
For the first retail pop up shop at FOM, the X250d will also be on display, kitted with possible available accessories.
