“The stuff of which dreams are made” read the press information at the launch of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet – but it could apply equally to the launch venue: Golf Son Gual, in Mallorca.
The exclusive golf club – a regular haunt of tennis superstar Rafael Nadal – provided the backdrop for last week’s worldwide media launch of the latest addition to the successful Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up.
Dozens of motor writers from across the world flew into Palma for the launch which showcased more than 10 of the new vehicles, which start shipping later this month.
It was a fitting choice of venue, for Son Gual has much in common with the aspirational motor marque. Both are the result of stunning German designers; both are suitable for year-round use – the cabriolet is designed to be just as comfortable with the roof down; and both are described as ‘individual and innovative’.
The 7,240-yard, Thomas Himmel-designed golf course was recently a new entry into Golf World’s prestigious top 100 European courses list at 91, establishing the venue as Mallorca’s number one just two years after opening.
Managing director Andreas Pamer, an avid fan of Mercedes-Benz vehicles himself, said: “We were delighted to be chosen as the venue for the worldwide media launch of such an outstanding and beautiful vehicle as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet. Not only as owners of Son Gual but also as proud Germans.
“For many years German engineering has been revered in the automobile industry and now Son Gual’s recent elevation into the top 100 European golf courses is justifiable recognition for the design work of my compatriot Thomas Himmel.
“But the good news for everybody is that, like Mercedes-Benz cars, you don’t have to be a German national to enjoy golf at Son Gual,” smiled Pamer.
Just two years after opening, Son Gual hosted the Mallorca Senior Open last May, when former Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam compared the greens to those at Augusta National.
Such compliments do not come around very often. But then again not everything is as classy as Son Gual or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
