At CarShowroom, we don’t normally cover golf carts, but when Mercedes-Benz unveils its version we’re prepared to make an exception.
Although a concept, ‘Benz has tapped into a growing market with residential golf course communities a massive business in North America and growing in Europe and Asia. Visitors to Sanctuary Cove on Australia’s Gold Coast, Sanctuary Lakes and Moonah Links in Victoria and The Vines in WA will no doubt have seen the hundreds of golf carts used by residents, not only for golf but for their everyday transport within the estates to go shopping and visit the restaurants, gyms and cafes in the estates.
In developing its version, Mercedes-Benz created a design competition amongst golfers from around the world and the winning entry – as seen in these pics – was developed by the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Centre in Carlsbad, California.
And Mercedes-Benz being Mercedes-Benz, safety is an integral part of the golf cart. For example the on-board telemetry includes a ‘fore’ button which, should a player hit an errant shot, can be activated to warn other golf carts of an incoming golf ball. And there’s a retractable lightening rod for use when thunderstorms are imminent (deaths/injuries from lightning strikes on golf courses are a not uncommon in North America).
Technology, luxury and comfort are an integral part of any Mercedes-Benz and the golf cart includes a centre console multimedia panel with a docking station for iPad, iPhone and USB interface so you can control the air-conditioning system, order a snack from the on-course halfway house and even display course maps and scores on the Head-Up Display.
There’s also a neck-warming AIRSCARF from the latest Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster, ‘Benz-style seats, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, removable lightweight doors and tinted glass.
Power comes from an electric motor which can be charged in the normal fashion and topped-up during the day via a roof-mounted solar panel.
But the main item requested by golfers from around the world was storage – and lots of it. So Mercedes-Benz has delivered with ample room for two full-size golf bags, a useable boot, on-board drinks chiller, umbrella storage behind the seats and lots of cubicles for balls, tees, etc.
The PGA of America says more than one-million people live in gated golf course communities throughout the world and after a brief hiatus during the global financial crisis, new construction is again strong – not only in North America but also in the UAE and China. Mercedes-Benz is definitely onto a sales opportunity with this one.
