Page 64 - MASALA Vol8 Issue4 February-March 2017

Mercedes-Benz GT C

E-Class, with the new semi-electric E350e soon to follow. The E-Class has been BMW 5 Series
the market leader in Thailand for years, and with cheaper prices expected due to Mercedes-Benz S Class Coupe
local assembly, it will be a tough act for the BMW 5 Series to follow. It has always Porsche 911
been a contest between class-leading performance and class-leading comfort
between the two archrivals. It remains to be seen whether BMW can finally end
the long Mercedes-Benz reign.

The new year will also bring along the much-anticipated arrival of the new
Mercedes-Benz E-class coupe – sleeker than ever, with a sloping roof line and
a longer and wider body than its predecessor. It is perfect for those who want a
two-door E-Class but prefer a sportier look, coupled with gorgeous new interior.
Expect it to flood the market in huge numbers with it parked beside you at the
next red light.

The battle of the brands continues with the S Class facing off with the 7 Series,
a recurring theme in a country where other premium brands don’t have much
of a presence, leading to expensive servicing and low resale value. These are
the flagship saloons from which the design cues and the gadgetry eventually
drop down to their “sibling” saloons. Their latest offerings are both easy on the
eyes, especially the Mercedes-Benz with its dual, digital-display cockpit and
the continuous flow of the center console with its finely finished woodwork
and metal air vents. Both cars are filled with driver-assisted technologies, but
the choice essentially boils down to aesthetics and functionality. The S Class
displays luxury and class, while the 7 Series feels more gimmicky with its
gadgets, and intended more for those who actually plan to drive their premium
luxury saloon themselves.

A B15 million dilemma

For those with at least B15 million to spare to make those motoring dreams
come true, Mercedes-Benz has the market covered. First is the GT S AMG, a
brawny and loud two-seater sports car with a V8 engine. And a newer version is
coming as well, the GT C. Shockingly, it’s louder and more powerful. If comfort
is what you are after and you prefer being driven around, the Maybach offers
a nimble ride with seats meant to pamper you after a long transcontinental
flight. Then, there is the Mercedes-Benz S Class Coupe that sits somewhere in
between the two. It is a two-door, four-seater with enough power to be on pace
with its peers like the Porsche 911, while also capable of cruising around town in
a vehicle comparable to a Bentley or a Rolls Royce.

As with every year, there will be hits and misses, surprises and
disappointments. All that matters is that we are spoiled with plentiful choices.
Happy driving!

64 | Masalathai.com