I'm sitting behind the wheel, the engines are rumbling, and the sky stretches infinitely over Arjeplog's sparkling, frozen landscape. The ground is covered in thick, solid ice, and with under 20 degrees below zero on the thermometer, I can feel the cold cutting through my clothes in the Arctic air.
TEXT MARCUS BERGGREN PHOTO PRESS IMAGES
Here, in the heart of the raw northern Swedish winter, Mercedes-AMG has gathered us to test what both we and the cars
goes for on slippery surfaces. It's the AMG Experience on Ice – an experience for those who want to feel the car's limits on snow and ice, far from normal driving. For two days, we get to slide and accelerate, all under the guidance of experienced racing drivers who show us how to handle the car on ice. The surroundings are spectacular, with mountains and snow-covered forests around the icy Lake Galtisjaur, where tracks have been built for us to drive in a safe yet challenging way. Mercedes-AMG has been testing cars here since 1973.
The whole world on a lake
The track is divided into several lanes, named after world-famous racing circuits such as Nürburgring and Laguna Seca, but here they are built on ice. On the first evening, we get to warm up with a Mercedes-AMG C 63 on a track that begins with a slalom and continues with wide corners. It's not just about speed but
also about technology, and to do well, you need to listen to the instructors who give tips on how to steer, accelerate and skid on the ice.
Something for everyone
There are two of us in each car, and we take it in turns to drive. The very first exercises are adapted for all levels – from beginners to those accustomed to testing cars on frozen lakes – making it both fun and educational. Each time we're about to set off, we receive instructions from the drivers via walkie-talkie, and we're constantly reminded that a certain amount of caution is required. The snowdrifts here are hard, and it's important to stay on the track. Should you happen to become part of the landscape, a powerful G 63 appears and pulls you out.
– but it doesn’t happen without the instructors kindly but firmly explaining that every dropout means less driving time for everyone.
A plug-in hybrid with performance
The new C 63 is an interesting example of Mercedes-AMG's evolution. Previously, it had eight cylinders, but now it has a four-cylinder engine that receives electrical assistance from an electric motor, making the car feel fast.,
Responsive and easy to control, even on slippery surfaces. The drifting feels satisfying, and once you get the hang of the technique, the car dances through the corners like a ballerina.
After an hour with the C 63, we swap cars and get to drive the AMG A 45 S instead. It’s smaller and more nimble, perfect for the tight corners on the wide track, and provides an almost rally-like experience. The four-wheel drive and the studded tyres help the car grip the surface, giving a sense of security, despite driving on pure ice.
The Art of Becoming a Better Driver
Day two offers longer sessions, where we get to drive different models and practice sliding through corners, often with great precision. On one of the tracks, we get to test the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-Door, a heavier car with a mighty V8 engine, which provides a different feel. The weight makes the car stable but also more challenging when entering a corner too quickly. Driving on ice is both educational and exciting, and the AMG Experience on Ice is designed to give everyone a sense of driver development. It's about understanding the car, trusting the technology, and daring to test yourself in safe and controlled conditions in one of the world's most beautiful, yet most challenging environments.
BOOK WINTER DRIVING:
Fancy trying this experience? Book here:
www.experience.mercedes-amg.com
Price example
Performance, 3 days, car models: CLA 45 S, C 63 S, E 53, CLE 53, price from £24,000.
Pro Week, 5 days, car models: GT 63, CLA 45 S, C 63 S, E 53, CLE 53, price from SEK 122,000.
