Mercedes-Benz has changed the perception of their luxury range of off-road vehicles with a 30-day off road event in Jordan.

Nearly 200 journalists, fleet buyers, after sales representatives and showroom salesmen from the Middle East and Levant enjoyed an event which took them over tough trails within an area surrounding the Dead Sea base.

“Our objective was to show as many people as possible that our luxury SUV range is not just meant for the tarmac but is far more capable off-road,” said Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant. “I think we achieved our objective with all the guests marveling at how impressive the cars were over a varied range of tracks that took in rocky climbs and descents, wadis plus sand.”

Everyone was impressed with their drives in the event vehicles which included three G-Wagens, four GL-Class, four ML-Class and six chic and cheerful entry-level GLK-Class, which was the star of the event.

“Although everyone wanted to drive the G-Wagen, but those who drove the GLK were amazed at its off-road capability. However, every vehicle performed far above expectations and all the guests left as ambassadors for our SUV range,” added Bernthaler.

During the event based at the lowest point on earth, drivers started from 388 metres below sea level and drove to a maximum elevation of 859 metres above sea level.

In total, guests on 10 waves drove a total distance of just over 25,000 kilometres with over 3,000 metres driven in pre-event routes set-up by event vehicle logistics manager Duncan Barbour and his team of Karl Trunk and local off-road expert Fuad Khalil.