It was a thrilling, albeit wet and slippery experience for the lucky participants of the recent Mercedes-AMG Driving Experience 2024 at Sepang International Circuit.
A heavy downpour at dawn had fortunately slowed to a light drizzle towards late morning.
The highly experienced Mercedes-AMG instructors were quick to adapt, and expertly guided groups of content creators and customers through an intensive, high-adrenaline half-day programme under less-than-ideal conditions.
The wet track demanded extra caution and skill, as the reduced grip made handling and braking more challenging.
The Mercedes-Benz 4Matic and performance-oriented 4Matic+ all-wheel drive systems which send power to the wheels that need it most, improved traction and handling in the wet conditions.
The programme started with a brief presentation on AMG’s rich history and illustrious motorsport DNA.
Established in 1967, AMG has a storied past of producing performance vehicles that blend luxury with cutting-edge technology.
This introduction set the stage for the participants, emphasising the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation.
The objectives of the Mercedes-AMG Driving Experience programme included advancing driving skills and honing handling capabilities for participants.
Participants were given briefings on recognising risks, avoiding dangers, mastering critical situations and understanding the safety technology in a Mercedes-Benz.
Experts from Mercedes-Benz shared invaluable knowledge and tips on how to correctly respond to and handle difficult situations as they present themselves.
The undisputed stars of the event were undoubtedly the magnificent machines themselves.
The Mercedes-AMG lineup boasted a stunning array including the A 45 S 4Matic+, GLB 35 4Matic, C 43 4Matic, C 63 S E Performance F1 Edition, S 63 E Performance, SL 43 open-top 2+2-seater, GT 63 S E Performance, EQE 53 4Matic+ and EQS 53 4Matic+.
Among the lineup, the SL 43 stood out as a particularly entertaining drive.
This open-top 2+2-seater sports car was the only rear-wheel-drive model in the day’s portfolio of Mercedes-AMG machines with 4Matic or 4Matic+ all-wheel drive systems.
During an emergency braking exercise, we enjoyed a brief taste of its potent 2.0-litre 381hp/480Nm turbocharged engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology (extra boost of 14hp), mated to a AMG Speedshift MCT 9G (multi-clutch transmission).
The 0-100kph sprint is done in 4.9 seconds.
The programme’s exercises included emergency braking, circling, and controlling the car in the slalom.
We also performed emergency braking exercises with the all-electric EQE 53 4Matic+ and 2.0-litre turbocharged 408ps/500Nm C 43 4Matic.
Still, even the phenomenal stopping power of the AMG high-performance brake system has its limits on a wet and slippery surface, especially with the explosive instant torque of the 626ps/950Nm EQE 53 4Matic+ which translates into an effortless 0-100kph sprint in just 3.5 seconds.
We also had the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic AMG Line for a particularly challenging pedal-to-the-metal acceleration, followed by hard braking and quickly swerving, and avoiding a cone obstacle.
This critical exercise tested participants’ ability to handle sudden changes in driving conditions and reinforced the importance of quick reflexes and precise handling.
There were also a few fast laps on the track, but the wet weather meant we had to be extra cautious in tackling the turns and braking hard, particularly when the high-performance machines start to slide and lose traction.
Right before lunchtime, our half-day programme ended with AMG’s chief instructor Reinhold Renger taking us on an exhilarating high-speed taxi ride in the C 63 S E Performance F1 Edition, which Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had premiered recently.
Priced at RM958,888 on the road without insurance, the C 63 S E combines hybrid racing know-how derived from the German car brand’s participation in Formula 1 motorsports.
The performance hybrid’s combined system produces 500kW (680hp) and 1,020Nm of torque, and does the 0 to 100kph sprint in just 3.4 seconds.
Renger expertly carved the car through tight corners and sweeping bends, and effortlessly corrected and controlled the slides on the tricky track, as we stay pinned to our seats.
This unforgettable experience served as a potent reminder of the exhilarating power and precise handling that define the Mercedes-AMG Driving Experience.
