First MB4Women drive day kicks off in Sydney

Mercedes-Benz Australia has held its first female-only drive experience in a bid to get like-minded women together to experience the best of what the German car-maker has to offer. 

A new initiative for 2022, the first MB4Women (that’s Mercedes-Benz for Women) Drive Day kicked off at Sydney Motorsport Park last week and was open to all females, whether they own a Mercedes-Benz vehicle or not.

Joining a raft of drive experiences already offered by the three-pointed star brand, the new ladies-only event was designed to “create a space for female customers and brand enthusiasts who may prefer this format”, according to a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia, who added that it has received “really positive” feedback so far.

The price for the half-day program is $550 (inclusive of GST) and includes as much coffee as you can consume, a gourmet lunch and personal guidance from a huge line-up of professional driving instructors – the majority of whom are current or former professional racers.

For our outing, that included race driver Melinda Price – one of a few female driving instructors for Benz – as well as young guns including TCR racer Zac Soutar and S5000 racer Joey Mawson.

After an extensive briefing from chief driving instructor Peter Hackett – which included a detailed look at Merc’s latest vehicle technologies, from a 3D instrument cluster that traces your eye movements to the millions of micro-LEDs built into the optional digital headlights on the new $240K S-Class limousine – it was straight into the on-track activities.

The day is run to the same format as the brand’s entry-level Accelerate Drive Experience, which is offered to all genders including non-Mercedes customers and held at even more locations including Bathurst’s Mount Panorama and Mallala Motorsport Park in South Australia.

Beyond the thrill of pushing a twin-turbo V8-powered Mercedes-AMG C63 S around Sydney Motorsport Park’s 3.93km GP circuit – followed by an impressive hot lap alongside an instructor – you’re given a taste of several vehicles from the German fleet.

Representing Mercedes-Benz’s zero-emissions EQ sub-brand is the EQC mid-size SUV, along with the brand-new Mercedes-AMG EQS electric limousine – which you’ll be driven in, as opposed to driving.

Meanwhile, a GLA 250 small SUV is used for an emergency brake-and-swerve manoeuvres, and an AMG GLC 63 S takes care of hot-SUV duties.

For convertible lovers, you also get the chance to whip around the track in an E 250 Cabriolet – top-down, of course.

Put simply, it’s a great way to sample a huge selection of the current Mercedes-Benz line-up, with other models on offer including the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, an entry-level C-Class, the big GLE 450 SUV and an E 350 sedan fitted with plastic ‘Easydrift’ sleeves over the rear tyres to simulate ice-like conditions.

After hours behind the wheel, there’s an undeniable feeling of elation in the air, with women smiling ear to ear as they discuss how much fun they’re having and which of their friends they’re inviting to the next one.

Beyond the driving techniques, car control and tech learnings you’ll undoubtedly take home, the ability to network and really connect with other like-minded women is perhaps just as important for many.

So far, the MB4Women Drive Days are offered at two dedicated motorsport locations: Sydney Motorsport Park and Victoria’s Sandown Raceway. 

For more information, click here.

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