I think I just got AMG'd
Discussion
Went on a work jolly yesterday at Mercedes Benz World, very enjoyable, did the afternoon tour that included the off road course in an ML320 and...the handling circuit in an E63 AMG.
I now envy anyone who owns one of these, the acceleration of that twin turbo V8 was crushing (I was told afterwards it had the Perfomance Pack fitted so 570bhp). I have to admit I've never been an armchair fan of big Mercedes performance saloons (but always loved the sound of the V8s whenever I've heard them). I'm more inclined towards small and nimble sports cars. The instructor found it hilarious when he asked me what I drove (to find out my experience of traction control and electronic aids) and I said a 1970 Lotus Elan! Anyway, I'm now a convert and as much as I might not like the look of the latest Mercs, it's utterly irrelevant when you're driving one in anger. The linear, instant and seemingly infinite thrust on offer that squashes you into your seat and makes you feel like your lunch is being redirected to the spaces between your kidneys and spine is at first alarming, then exhilarating and finally utterly addictive.
I now feel like a crack addict must after his first hit, I'm going cold turkey and am trying to think of ways to get more seat time with something that achieves the same effect. I know there are much faster cars out there (this felt a whole lot quicker than the F430 I was in on my wedding day) but I think it's the combination of the instant massive torque and the fact you're in a big comfy saloon so not expecting it, whatever, it just feels f
king quick.
On a side note, it was a lovely car in many other respects, loved the auto box (can't believe I just wrote that) and it was handy in the corners too. I didn't even come close to pushing the envelope and was hopelessly crap on the wet handling circuit where you're supposed to drift the car around what is effectively a big roundabout doused in water. Brush the throttle and the back kicks out instantly, but I couldn't get used to the steering input needed to keep it held (it's quite a loose rack compared with what I'm used to). I just started to get the hang of it after a few minutes but playtime was over.
So, pointless post, just wanted to share, and recommend the Mercedes Benz World events to anyone who hasn't done one. A guy came out of the SLS Coupe after having done that 'experience' grinning from ear to ear. That car sounded amazing too, the best there.
Now, who wants to lend me their AMG?
I now envy anyone who owns one of these, the acceleration of that twin turbo V8 was crushing (I was told afterwards it had the Perfomance Pack fitted so 570bhp). I have to admit I've never been an armchair fan of big Mercedes performance saloons (but always loved the sound of the V8s whenever I've heard them). I'm more inclined towards small and nimble sports cars. The instructor found it hilarious when he asked me what I drove (to find out my experience of traction control and electronic aids) and I said a 1970 Lotus Elan! Anyway, I'm now a convert and as much as I might not like the look of the latest Mercs, it's utterly irrelevant when you're driving one in anger. The linear, instant and seemingly infinite thrust on offer that squashes you into your seat and makes you feel like your lunch is being redirected to the spaces between your kidneys and spine is at first alarming, then exhilarating and finally utterly addictive.
I now feel like a crack addict must after his first hit, I'm going cold turkey and am trying to think of ways to get more seat time with something that achieves the same effect. I know there are much faster cars out there (this felt a whole lot quicker than the F430 I was in on my wedding day) but I think it's the combination of the instant massive torque and the fact you're in a big comfy saloon so not expecting it, whatever, it just feels f
king quick.On a side note, it was a lovely car in many other respects, loved the auto box (can't believe I just wrote that) and it was handy in the corners too. I didn't even come close to pushing the envelope and was hopelessly crap on the wet handling circuit where you're supposed to drift the car around what is effectively a big roundabout doused in water. Brush the throttle and the back kicks out instantly, but I couldn't get used to the steering input needed to keep it held (it's quite a loose rack compared with what I'm used to). I just started to get the hang of it after a few minutes but playtime was over.
So, pointless post, just wanted to share, and recommend the Mercedes Benz World events to anyone who hasn't done one. A guy came out of the SLS Coupe after having done that 'experience' grinning from ear to ear. That car sounded amazing too, the best there.
Now, who wants to lend me their AMG?
Edited by MiseryStreak on Friday 22 June 14:46
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