Brand prestige is a powerful thing, but one has to remember that even within brands there’s a hierarchy to the product portfolio. Mercedes-Benz is no different in this regard. They’ve got their Compact Cars (A-Class, CLA and GLA), SUVs (G-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS, and their Coupe derivatives), Limousines (C-, E- and S-Class) and of course, their Dream Cars.
Dream Cars are the crème de la crème. They’re not the cars that make up the bulk of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s sales and they never will be. When you think of that untouchable vision of the three pointed star, these are the vehicles that you think of. These are niche cars, so each of them serve to fill a very distinct desire and requirement.
We were lucky enough to experience most of them on a recent trip to Ipoh, the company’s home away from home outside of Germany. Without further ado, here’s a breakdown of what these Dream Cars are.
The C-Coupe and C-Cabriolet
The C-Class is an extremely sexy car. Even though the design shares very similar lines as the rest of the Benz Limousine line, nothing is lost in translation with this smaller vehicle.
Proportions are still perfect and in these models, the designers get to accentuate the coupe shape even further.
The result is a car that looks like a million ringgit when in reality these don’t even cost half that. The cabriolet takes this same formula but adds (or rather, subtracts) a soft top. It’s clear that Mercedes weren’t keen on wasting the C nameplate here.
Instead, they’ve given the C-Class a couple of very eye-catching variants. Read our full review of the C-Class Coupe (C250) here.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe takes the form to its ultimate performance limit.
This small, nimble platform has an amazing V8 Biturbo at the front sending an astonishing amount of power to the wheels. Handcrafted, 4-litre engine, 4 seconds to 100km/h and a great looking AMG Bodykit. What else could you ask for?
The SLC
Many say the roadster is dead, but thanks to clever packaging, Mercedes-Benz have managed to find a business case for the SLC. It’s very much alive in its SLC 200 and 300 forms.
These are fun, comfortable, luxurious two seaters that are perfect for a weekend getaway as we discovered in Cameron Highlands with the top down. And despite being on the smaller side, there’s still more than enough trunk space for two. Read our review of the SLC 300 here.
S Coupe
Why have a 2 door variant of the S-Class, a limousine? Because if you can afford one, you’re making a statement. We hardly spent any time with this yacht on wheels but it was our favourite machine by far.
The S-Coupe is excess made manifest, and it’s more classic Mercedes than anything else we’ve seen so far.
AMG GT
Finally we arrive at Mercedes-AMG’s pride and joy, the GT S. Many claim that the modern cars are getting too ‘digital’ – that computers are taking away from the thrill of the driving experience. That’s not the case with this beast. It’s alive, without a sliver of a doubt. And the exhaust note is something out of a horror movie!
Make no mistake, this vehicle is more technologically advanced than almost anything else on the road. Mercedes-AMG made sure of this with its aluminium construction. Loads of major components like its double wishbone suspension, steering knuckles, hub carriers and even space frame.
The numbers are unbelievable until you get behind the wheel. 0-100km/h happens in just 3.8 seconds! And the thrill doesn’t end until you reach the top speed of 310km/h.
