Mercedes World opens

German giant opens huge 'experience centre' at Brooklands circuit

It was once the car maker for the rich and famous, but Mercedes-Benz has slowly been getting closer to a wider range of customers.

And that strategy will be helped with the opening of Mercedes-Benz World, a 155-acre site at the Brooklands Racing Circuit, near Weybridge in Surrey.

The largest of six worldwide brand experience centres, the new British venue features a stunning display of around 100 vehicles. These range from a replica of the first-ever car produced by Karl Benz, in 1886, to the awesome SLR McLaren. And it'll even include the legendary 300SL Gullwing Coupé from the Fifties.

"This is not a cathedral for our cars," said Peter O'Halloran, boss of Mercedes-Benz World. "It has 2.5km of handling circuits, a wet skid circle and a 10-acre off-road terrain course which will be used for everything from visitors looking for a driving experience through to customers want-ing to test a variety of models."

The site is open all year from 10am to 7pm (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day), and admission is free. However, there is a charge for driving experiences, as well as entry to the adjacent Brooklands museum. See www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk or telephone 0870 400 4000.

Mercedes-Benz World website

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