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One of my favourite things about Ramadan, besides the spectacular selection of food at iftar and ghabga events, is that the roads are clear which provides the perfect opportunity for petrol heads like me to cut loose.
Luckily, Mercedes-Benz dealers Al Haddad Motors recently held a media driving event which meant I got to cruise along the kingdom’s streets and highways in comfort, luxury and impeccable style.
Throughout the course of one amazing afternoon, I got the chance to put a selection of Mercedes-Benz’s finest convertible racing roadsters, sleek sedans and sturdy SUVS to the test.
What I particularly love about the marque is the versatility of the model range. Whatever your driving needs, I assure you there is a Mercedes to suit.
With such a wide selection of gleaming motors at my disposal it would ordinarily be hard to decide what to drive first, but as I perused the fleet I spotted the second love of my life ... the SL350.
I reviewed this classy convertible a few weeks ago and was so impressed that I literally jumped at the chance to get back behind the multi-function steering wheel.
The first stop on the expedition around Bahrain was Sanad and I got there in record time thanks to the V6 306bhp engine which bolts from 0-100 in a staggering 5.9 seconds.
Everything about this sixth generation model is made for driving pleasure and another journalist at the event had a hard time trying to persuade me to swap it for a turn in the SLK200.
However, I’m glad he did because it was a delight to drive. Also a convertible, this mean machine gave an uncompromising performance and handled like a dream come true. With a price tag of BD20,210, it boasts a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine which gave a throaty roar on the highway towards Riffa Fort.
When we arrived, it was time to swap drivers again and I got into the E350 Coupe, which somehow manages to look like an amalgamation of the entire Mercedes range.
This V6-powered beauty accelerates from 0-100 in just 6.3 seconds and comes with a slew of safety options. It is also worth noting that it is well engineered and very comfortable inside.
Next up was the ML350, a BD24,760 SUV monster on wheels. This model is as spacious as it is impressive and it has plenty of power thanks to its V6 engine.
It made light work of speed bumps and sandy roads and, at one point, I think I went over a pothole but I can’t be totally sure because the ride was so sturdy. My only complaint is the positioning of the gearstick behind the steering wheel; in my opinion it’s an impractical place for it.
While making my way through the range, I was eager to get behind the wheel of the C200. It is easy to see why both new and experienced drivers love these BD17,550 vehicles. It is a sporty and compact number with classic proportions, an expressive style and a range of technological features ... and its interior design is just as unique. The 4-cylinder engine generates 184bhp which is ample power to take you wherever you want to go.
It was time for another transition when we reached the Seef Area and I slipped comfortably into the S350. This large luxury sedan, which is in the same segment as the Audi A8 and the BMW 7-Series, was the biggest surprise of the day.
It’s amazing because the moment you sit in the ludicrously sophisticated cabin of this BD40,970 vehicle and peer over the long bonnet to the iconic Mercedes emblem, you feel like the boss. No, not quite Bruce Springsteen, more like the managing director of a large company.
Under the bonnet it boasts a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine complete with AWD and a seven-speed automatic transmission. In short, it is made for power and responsiveness. The steering was astonishingly precise which made cornering in this huge motor a total doddle.
Also featured during the driving event were the V6-powered Viano (BD23,400) and the compact SUV, the GLK300 (BD21,790). Sadly we ran out of time before I had the chance to drive them, but watch this space for future reviews.
Each of the models I drove were different and they all have a range of subtleties, however, the one thing that is consistent is the level of comfort and refinement.
For more details, contact Al Haddad Motors on 17785454.
