MERCEDESBENZ’S NEW SUV GETS TESTED

Mercedes-Benz aptly picks Yogyaka a as the location to test the brand new SUV range of vehicles

THE “HUNGRY FOR ADVENTURE” theme has been at the forefront of Mercedes-Benz’s

SUV range, encapsulating the dynamic spirit of the modern day individual who doesn’t conform to typical routines. Hence, in the last couple of years, Mercedes-Benz has sought to fuel this adventurous spirit through organising a series of drives that focus on the desire for exploration.

“As the number one premium automotive brand, we are proud to continue providing a class-leading range of automobiles for adventure seekers by defying new benchmarks and breaking conventions. Each of the exceptional models in the premium SUV range by Mercedes-Benz presents a unique and exciting lifestyle proposition, allowing to make as the best of every ground,” says Mark Raine, vice president, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The most recent was at Yogyakarta in conjunction with the launch of the latest fleet of the premium SUV range. The city, known for its art and culture, was an apt location to push the capabilities of these vehicles, as the drivers also tested their physical limits through the various activities organised by Mercedes-Benz.

At the briefing in Semarang, shortly after we landed, it was evident that we were in for ‒ cliché as it sounds ‒ an adventure. Driving in Indonesia, we were told, is something else, requiring quite a bit of effort. Pay heed to motorbikes weaving in and out, we were told, requiring us to have a close distance to the car in front. The three day excursion proved to be quite intense, as the driving from one location to another required quite a lot of concentration.

As we exited the airport, the cars were all on display - the GLC 200, GLE 250d 4Matic, GLE 400 4Matic, Mercedes-AMG GLE 43, GLS

400 4Matic, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 as well as the GLA 200.

And it is from there that the journey began. My co-driver began with the premium midsized GLC 200, which was a comfortable start. The car has got sufficient room allowing for a relaxed drive, yet the size allows the driver to navigate around the bustling streets of Semarang.

Throughout the journey we were told to remain in a convoy to ensure that no man is left behind. As it turned out, this proved to be much harder than initially thought, despite having a police escort. Other motorists were not going to give way when we came to cross-junctions or traffic lights. Thanks to the quick acceleration we were able to keep up and play catch up.

Our first stop was the Curug Lawe waterfall, located at Desa Kalisidi. It proved to be quite a “trek” not just for us but for the GLC too, considering the many narrow and winding roads that we had to go through to get there. But it was well worth it as we hiked through the picturesque jungle to get to the waterfall. Unfortunately, mid-way, we were hit with torrential rain. That meant getting out on the windy, narrow roads would be prove quite difficult but the SUV proved to be quite agile, with us barely feeling a bump thanks to the comfort-tuned suspension.

The drive to our next location was quite challenging. Though it was the final stop for the day, it was a three hour drive in rush hour traffic. But as were shielded from the chaos outside, it turned out to be quite a leisurely drive.

Our second day began really early as we set out to catch the sunrise at the Borobudur temple. It was a short drive and I chose to sit comfortably in the back of the GLE 400. At 4am this was a wise choice as I prepared to witness the magnificent sunrise at the Buddhist temple, itself an architectural feat.

After a contemplative early morning, it was time to embrace the spirit of adventure once again and head to the Jomblang Cave, a vertical cave with a type of doline collapse. For this journey, I was given the compactsized GLA, which if truth be told, was the SUV I enjoyed the best given its nippy quality.

The compact size meant that I was able to maneuver the vehicle along the crowded streets quite easily.

Unfortunately I am not an adventurous type and thus opted not to take part in the caving expedition. And at my age, I did not succumb to the peer pressure of trying to “tease” me into taking the 50-metre descent into the cave. To make up for not taking part in the activity, I volunteered to drive for most of the journey as the others in the car were pretty exhausted. Because of that, I really bonded with the

GLA and felt that this was really an SUV that is perfect for the young, urban individual; someone “hungry for adventure.” After all, this spirit is not confined to just heading to the outskirts but also something that is needed daily, as we make our way through the urban jungle of a city. AM

“MERCEDES-BENZ IS PROUD TO CONTINUE PROVIDING A CLASSLEADING RANGE OF AUTOMOBILES FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS BY DEFYING NEW BENCHMARKS AND BREAKING CONVENTIONS“