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G-Class Desert Edition and Schöckl Coaching elevate Mercedes customer thrills

Mercedes G-Class expands with new driving experiences
bmwgroup.com

Mercedes-Benz launches G-Class Desert Edition in Morocco and exclusive Schöckl Private Coaching in Austria, expanding customer experiences worldwide.

Mercedes-Benz is turning up the excitement for fans of the G-Class with two new customer experience programmes that push the boundaries of what it means to drive the iconic off-roader. Building on the popularity of the G-Class Experience Center in Graz, Austria, the brand now invites drivers to tackle the dunes of Morocco or take control on the legendary Schöckl test track.

Into the Dunes: G-Class Goes Moroccan

The new "G-Class Expedition Desert Edition" is a five-day, 811-kilometre journey across Morocco’s dramatic terrain. Designed for those who want to combine luxury with serious off-road action, the route starts in Marrakech and crosses the Atlas Mountains before descending into the wilds of the Merzouga Desert. Participants drive models including the G 450 d, G 500, the all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology, and two AMG G 63 variants.

Along the way, guests traverse high-altitude mountain passes, splash through water crossings, and veer off-track across rocky paths. The route includes a scenic break at Gara Medouar crater—famously featured in the James Bond film Spectre—and ends with a sunset camp at the edge of the dunes. A charter flight brings guests back to Marrakech after the final convoy through the sands. Limited to just 20 participants, the trip costs €14,990 and runs six times between October and November.

The Schöckl Experience: No Longer Just for Engineers

While the desert represents a bold new frontier, Mercedes-Benz is also elevating its Austrian experience with the launch of "Private Coaching". This two-day event caters to up to six guests, offering a rare opportunity to personally drive the G-Class on the infamous 5.6-kilometre Schöckl test route—previously reserved for engineers and test drivers.

The adventure begins with a day of track exercises and a behind-the-scenes factory tour at Magna Steyr. Day two, however, is when things get serious: drivers face inclines of up to 60%, deep furrows, narrow forest passages, and rocky climbs. The Schöckl is to off-roaders what the Nürburgring is to sports cars—and for the first time, customers can conquer it themselves. The package costs €9,950 for two and is available through November.

More Than a Test Drive

The G-Class Experience remains a staple, combining on- and off-road training with exclusive insights into vehicle production. This year, for the first time, the center also opens its doors to corporate bookings, offering tailored programmes for team-building and events.

Factory delivery remains an option as well, albeit limited to customers in Germany and Austria. It includes overnight stays, a personal instructor, and vehicle handover in a dramatic glass cube.

These expanded experiences reflect Mercedes-Benz’s focus on turning ownership into adventure. It’s not just about driving a G-Class—it’s about living it.

Mark Havelin

2025, Jun 24 06:29

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