Inspire | by Mercedes-Benz South Africa

Jo'burg social entrepreneur Thato Mmereki chooses his cars based on design, technology, innovation and style. He explains his love for the three-pointed star.

June 23, 2016

The first Mercedes-Benz I was privileged to be a passenger in was the S 500 5.0-litre V8 with long wheelbase. I revelled in its impressive innovations such as power-assisted soft closing for the doors and boot lid, electric windows that lowered back down when it encountered an obstruction, sonar-assisted parking, burl wood trimmings, keyless entry, electric rear sun visor and double-pane window glazing that guaranteed acoustic attenuation inside the cabin and added security.

The car was roomy, had a stately appearance, impressive luxury innovations and the power to back it up. In short, I was hooked.

Today, my white Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 Elegance Cabriolet automatic is an impressive mid-size luxury convertible that serves my everyday needs. Although the mechanical underpinnings are based on the smaller C-Class, I chose it because its design and styling are derived from the E-Class.

The CLK 320 features a 3.2-litre, 18-valve single overhead camshaft V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. It offers an attractive combination of comfort and performance with sleek styling, a solid chassis, a composed ride and comfortable fully electric front seats. The heated seats feature is a wonderful addition, allowing me to drive with the top open in winter without freezing. The timeless design is a head-turner and still looks great a decade after it first hit the market.

The first thing that catches the eye is the way the soft top retracts neatly into its boot space then disappears as the rear cover closes smoothly. The look of this car with the top down is by far the most striking convertible you will ever see.

Close the door, and the seatbelt leaps out to meet your hand. Adaptive cruise control, navigation, a TV monitor, a Bose surround sound system, xenon lights and sonar parking assist are among other impressive features. The build quality and driving experience are solid, top-notch, and always enjoyable.

The V6 rumble is music to the ears and the cabin acoustics are excellent, with not a hint of wind noise when all closed up. The efficient aerodynamic design also cuts wind noise dramatically. Even when driving at 80 km/h with all the windows down, the cockpit remains calm and quiet.

The CLK 320 Cabriolet is a perfect match for my jovial personality and is good for spirited driving and having fun on the road. This built-to-last model is fast becoming collectible.

I love the Mercedes-Benz brand for its longevity, elegance and luxurious nature. "The Best or Nothing" is reflected in the core values of perfection, fascination and safety – and its cars work with you like a comfortable pair of shoes. The next time I'm on the showroom floor I'll be considering the E 400 Coupé - which I've already test-driven - the S 350 or the iconic G 350.

* Pictures supplied by Thato depict the CLK 320 Cabriolet and the E 400 Coupé.