Back then, we hit the road in the Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d, and it was a trip to remember with my team. The majestic Evolveback resort welcomed us, and we were instantly captivated by Hampi's rich history, religious significance, and breathtaking landscape peppered with ancient boulders. So, when the chance to return presented itself, I couldn't resist this time rolling out with the squad in two luxurious flagships, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d and 400d SUVs.
Our group was a delightful mix of personalities: the fabulous car-enthusiast couple Karan Kundra and Tejasswi Prakash; Gaurav, aka Technical Guruji; Rashi Singh, a talented actor from Hyderabad; Sara Khatri, a Delhi-based influencer; and Dr Anisha, an aspiring actress and influencer from Jaipur. I was the only one who knew everyone before this adventure, and my excitement for what lay ahead was through the roof!
We all arrived in Bangalore around the same time, where the GLS 450d awaited to whisk us away. The drive to Hampi is a scenic delight, with smooth stretches that tempt you to push the limits― reaching up to 250 kmph in certain spots! Towering windmills dotted the route, adding a calming touch to the journey, perfectly complemented by the crisp acoustics of the Burmester sound system. Thanks to the GLS' advanced air suspension, we arrived after the five-hour drive feeling as refreshed as when we'd started.
Denne historien er fra December 2024-utgaven av BBC TopGear India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra December 2024-utgaven av BBC TopGear India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Mi5 SILENT, POSH AND LETHAL!
With its reimagined design language, BMW has done what it does best-divided opinion with the kind of fervour usually reserved for debates about pineapple on pizza.
A VIRAL ESCAPE
The last time I visited Hampi in Karnataka was back in 2021, just as the world began to shake off the COVID-19 travel bans.
FROM UNDERDOG TO CHAMPION
Thierry Neuville's Journey to WRC Glory
Max Verstappen: FOUR-TIME CHAMP UNDER THE VEGAS LIGHTS
From dominance to resilience, Verstappen cements his legacy while Mercedes shines in Sin
VOLKSWAGEN VIRTUS GT PLUS SPORT: SEXY+SPORT
Volkswagen has a knack for keeping their loyal and enthusiastic customers grinning from ear to ear. The German manufacturer has almost become synonymous with build quality, safety and performance.
BE GE AND XEV 9E Sexy and Ballsy!
Starting a review can be quite a challenge, especially when it's hard to pinpoint the flaws!
CAPTURING THE ESSENCE
Chilly, cold mornings and Mumbai is a rare combination that we seldom see in this part of our beautiful country.
BATTLE OF TWO GOLIATHS
When Luxury Meets Performance, Who Takes the Crown?
THE E-MPV THAT DARES TO DREAM BIG
The MPV market, dominated for aeons by Toyota's Innova, has always felt like a rather predictable place. It's the type of vehicle you buy not out of passion but practicality-like a pair of orthopaedic shoes.
IMPRACTICAL YET IRRESISTIBLE
Exactly ten years ago, I took my first international trip. It was to Bahrain, a country of endless desert and skyscrapers, where my aunt and uncle lived. Among their friends and neighbours, one particular gentleman, upon learning I was a budding petrolhead, took an entire day off work to take me around the city’s showrooms to see some “normal” Middle East traffic.
